College of Journalism and Mass Communications professionals in residence and faculty lead a discussion of real-world ethical dilemmas with students on Thursday, March 9 in a Media, Ethics and Society class, taught by associate professor Rick Alloway.
Professionals in residence are working professionals whose companies have volunteered their time to mentor and support students in the CoJMC. The three professionals in residence on the panel were product manager at Nelnet, Randy Hawthorne; broadcast/digital production director at the Rural Radio Association, Austin Pistulka; and master of ceremonies at D-Wayne and radio host at NRG Media’s Red 94.5, DeWayne Taylor.
CoJMC faculty members Bill Doleman, lecturer; Jemalyn Griffin, assistant professor of practice in advertising and public relations; and Barney McCoy, professor of broadcasting; were also part of the discussion.
During the panel, the group discussed ethical dilemmas they have faced throughout their careers in journalism, broadcasting, advertising and public relations and sports media. Students were encouraged to ask questions and engage with the panelists about their situations, how they responded and what they would do differently today.
To ensure that ethics are incorporated in a student's learning throughout their educational program, participation was mandatory for students enrolled in the college’s required ethics course, Media, Ethics and Society.
“This panel was a great opportunity for my students to learn about ethics outside of reading a textbook,” said Alloway. “Ethics is a critically important topic and I’m glad we could bring practiced professionals from the industry into the classroom.”
