Journalism Panel Reflection

I attended the Journalism Key Notes Panel at the LaHaye Event Center for my journalism course. Three alumni came to Liberty University for the panel, as well as to lead several workshops for Communications students.

Esther Eaton is deputy editor of The Dispatch, a sarcastic, conservative start-up centered on political news. Eaton graduated from Liberty in 2020 and began her work at World Magazine before getting a job at The Dispatch. One of her latest accomplishments is successfully onboarding and integrating two new members into her team.

Jeremy Fitch is the director of digital content at ESPN, mainly creating videos for the company's YouTube channel. Fitch graduated from Liberty in 2018, building his career through The Player's Tribune and the NBA before being hired by ESPN. One of his latest accomplishments is cultivating a diverse and passionate team that is entirely virtual.

Sean Langille is a producer at Fox News, covering the evening show, Fox News @ Night. Langille graduated from Liberty in 2010, working through several radio shows before landing at Fox in Washington D.C. One of his latest accomplishments is producing coverage of the Russia-Ukraine War, as he reached out to a contact at Liberty with relations to Ukraine for an interview; a pastor who shared his faith live.

While the panelists covered several topics, the main theme of the discussion was digital media in the present and future, including the effects of AI, faith in the secular workplace, and when to accept or ignore feedback. As for which point was the most applicable to the students, I'd say that the discussion concerning faith was very important to hear. The world of journalism is more often than not a secular one, so hearing Christian professionals in secular companies speak was encouraging and compelling.

The reassurances given concerning AI and its impact on the future of journalism were also very encouraging, as this is a topic often spoken about among students. With worries belayed on job security, the panelists addressed a couple of other questions.

I agreed with most of the advice given and enjoyed the conversation on taking feedback with a grain of salt — especially from consumers. I do not plan to go into journalism, but in my career path, I will be accepting thoughts and opinions about my writing. So, hearing professionals speak to the differences between feedback in school and in one's career was illuminating.

As to how I can apply the information given to my classes and remaining time at Liberty University, I'm not entirely certain. The panelists were lovely, but I will not be taking any other journalism courses, so there weren't many questions asked that were helpful in my particular case.