The world of journalism was turned upside down during the pandemic, leaving us no choice but to adapt. But within that period of isolation, came the creation of different, innovative and in some instances, more efficient ways to do the business of journalism. We hear from an industry leader and content creator on what has changed and maybe just as important, what lies ahead.
Join us online on Wednesday, November 17th at 3PM EST.
Introductions by Dean Mariette DiChristina (COM '86)
Panelists:
Ed Reed (COM '95) Deputy Florida Sports Editor, USA Today
Ed Reed (COM, ‘95) has been a leading industry executive for more than 20 years in a variety of roles. Mr. Reed began his career as a sports writer with the MetroWest Daily News in Framingham, Massachusetts. From there, he moved on to a variety of leadership positions within the USA TODAY Florida Network, working his way from a reporter to his current role as the Deputy Florida Sports Editor for Gannett based in Fort Myers. In this role and previous leadership positions, Mr. Reed has been at the forefront of implementing strategies that resulted in a steady stream of award-winning content. In 2020, His team took home eight APSE awards ranging from beat reporting to breaking news, to a top-5 finish in project reporting. The flexibility to evolve with technology and embrace digital media have been hallmarks of Mr. Reed’s leadership.
Robyn Neal, Event Content Creator & Digital Host, Gannett
Creating content has never been just a hobby for Robyn Neal. It is a passion, a passion that she brings to the table in her current position as an Event Content Creator & Digital Host for the USA TODAY Network. During the pandemic, Ms. Neal created an assortment of digital content on a variety of platforms in addition to working as a digital marketing coordinator with the Boston Celtics. That experience, coupled with having worked previously as a media operator with ESPN for three years, uniquely positioned her to not only understand the value of developing quality content but also create pathways for herself as well as other emerging influencers in the ever-growing content creation ecosystem.
Moderator:
A. Sherrod Blakely, Lecturer, Boston University
A. Sherrod Blakely is an NBA Contributor to Bulletin.com and Bleacher Report, in addition to being a Lecturer in Boston University’s College of Communication. He spent 11 years as the Boston Celtics Insider for NBC Sports Boston and was the winner of Boston.com’s A-List Celtics Reporter of the Year award in 2011. Blakely previously covered the Detroit Pistons for the award-winning Mlive.com website, and prior to that was a beat writer covering ACC football and men’s basketball for the Raleigh (N.C.) News & Observer.
Blakely taught journalism to high school students after graduating from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Communications. He continues to help develop the next wave of journalists as the Chair of the National Association of Black Journalists’ Sports Task Force which awards scholarships and internships while also being an advocate for increased newsroom diversity.
The webinar will be conducted using the online Zoom webinar platform. Access information and additional instructions on using the Zoom platform will be provided via email upon successful registration. This webinar is open to all members of the BU community including alumni, students, faculty, and staff.