Nov. 14, 2005 -- The College of Communications at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro is hosting its ninth annual race, gender and media discussion panel, Thursday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m. in the ASU-TV studio.

The roundtable discussion on race and gender from the media’s perspective is titled “From Hurricanes the Hip Hop.” Journalism professionals will discuss various issues relating to race and gender content in the media, including hurricanes, college mascots, and urban music.

“The panel has a tradition and provides valuable insight for a variety of individuals," said Dr. Joel Gambill, chair of the Department of Journalism and Printing. "Students in the class receive a great learning experience. The faculty and staff also find this to be a worthwhile experience as they learn from the various panel members. The panel also helps the department achieve one of its goals, that is, promoting diversity. Personally, I have found that I have gained something from each of the panels.”

Dr. Lillie Fears, associate professor of journalism, created a course several years ago, “Race, Gender and Media,” which she teaches each fall. Past topics have focused on the growing Hispanic population in the Mississippi Delta region and famous African-Americans making harsh comments about other African-American leaders. The speakers for the panel enrich the class discussion, according to Fears.

She said, “The panel has become very popular on campus over the years. We believe this year’s panel will be no different in terms of what the speakers will have to say about the issues chosen for this discussion.”

Speakers include: Wes Brown, business editor for Arkansas News Bureau; Jajuan Johnson, reporter and oral history coordinator for The Butler Center for Arkansas Studies in Little Rock; and Rick Fahr, managing editor of The Jonesboro Sun.

The event is held in partnership with the association for Women in Communications and Fears’ “Race, Gender and Media” class.

For more details, contact Dr. Lillie Fears at (870) 972-3210.