Contacts:
Alison Bethel McKenzie, SPJ Executive Director, 317-927-8000, abmckenzie@spj.org
Isaac Taylor, SPJ Communications Coordinator, 317-920-4785, itaylor@spj.org

INDIANAPOLIS – Society of Professional Journalists Executive Director Alison Bethel McKenzie will discuss the state of the media as a panelist Wednesday in Washington, D.C.

Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, is hosting the discussion about the challenges the media face and the changing views of the public regarding media.

The discussion is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Kennedy Caucus Room (Russell Senate Office Building: Room 325). The event is free and open to the public.

Bethel McKenzie has worked in the journalism industry for over 35 years in the United States and abroad, and has amassed a wealth of knowledge on reporting, editing and managing. She became the first African-American to serve as SPJ’s executive director in March.

The Newseum’s Director of Public Relations Sonya Gavankar will moderate. Gavankar has hosted programs and given commentary on ABC and CBS affiliates. She also spent several years training millennials for job interviews by making use of personal brand building and social graces.

The panel will include other leading industry professionals with extensive knowledge and insight regarding broadcast, print, digital and multimedia journalism.

Amy Mitchell, director of journalism research for the Pew Research Center, will bring her expertise in research design and analysis to the discussion. Also in attendance will be TEGNA Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer David Lougee, manager of 46 broadcast television stations in 38 markets across the country.

SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to informing citizens; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and fights to protect First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. Support excellent journalism and fight for your right to know. Become a member,give to the Legal Defense Fund, or give to the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation.

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