By Parker Dorsey

Staff Writer

March 27, 2018

 

The Wilkes University Communication Studies Department will host the 18th annual Tom Bigler Journalism Conference on Friday, Apr. 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m at the McHale Athletic Center.

 

The conference used to only focus on journalism, but has since broadened to include radio, television, and public relations and how they are interconnected.

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It is open to high school and college students. There are three 30-45 minute sections. The first session is informational and has speakers explaining what their jobs entail. The second session is oriented to the conference theme, which for this year is: What IS the News that's Fit to Print...or Post...or Broadcast?

 

The final session is a workshop that provides practical hands-on activities for students to get engaged with the communication fields they are interested in.

 

"Anyone who comes will experience many fun workshops involving our co-curriculars, and I'm personally happy to be giving a workshop on radio imaging with Kristen Rock, our station manager," said John Michael Rey, a junior communication studies major and the production director at WCLH 90.7 FM.

 

New York Times reporter Kenneth P. Vogel is this year’s keynote speaker. Prior to joining the New York Times, Vogel served in various positions at several newspapers, including chief investigative reporter at Politico. Closer to home, Vogel previously served as a Harrisburg correspondent for the Times Leader in Wilkes-Barre.

 

Tom Bigler, for whom the conference is named, was a former Wilkes University professor who held many positions in local media, including broadcast and print. He received numerous journalism awards during his lengthy journalism career.

 

"I think it's become so important to the department because Tom Bigler had such an impact not only on this department but on the community in general with regard to journalism. His ethical background was beyond reproach and that's something I think the department wants to carry on," said Dr. Kalen Churcher, associate professor of communication studies and conference coordinator.

 

The Bigler Journalism Conference is free and open to high school and college students. Anyone interested in more information or looking to register for the conference should go to www.wilkes.edu/Bigler.

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