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Auburn Journalism Day 2026 Schedule
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, 9 am–3 pm
Melton Student Center
Keynote Speaker
Jennifer Horton '05
Register for the event on Handshake.
Schedule of Events
9:00–9:50 am, Room 2222
Keynote Address: Jennifer Horton (Auburn University, class of 2005)
Investigative Reporter, WBRC 6 News, Birmingham, AL
10:00–10:50 am, Room 2222
Gen Z Unfiltered: The Future of News and Sports
Moderators: Dr. Joan Harrell, Prof. John Mitchell and Prof. Andy Young
Panelists: Tyler Raley, Lead Team Reporter, Auburn Undercover
Jakai Spikes, Multimedia Journalist, WVTM-TV (Birmingham)
Christian Griffin, Host of On the Line, ESPN 106.7
Kelis McGhee, Digital Producer, WTVM-TV (Columbus)
10:00–10:50 am, Room 2223
AI in Journalism: Emerging Practices in the News Industry
Moderators: Dr. Justin Blankenship and Dr. Sayyed Fawad Shah
Panelists: Bill Barrow, Reporter, Associated Press
William McLain, News Director, WTVM-TV (Columbus, GA)
Hannah Folmar, SEO Specialist, Advance Local
11:00–11:50 am, Room 2222
Reel to Real: Building Your Reel and Portfolio for a Career in Sports Media
Moderators: Dr. Brian Delaney and Prof. Ric Smith
Panelists: Rosie Langello, Anchor, WSFA-TV (Montgomery)
Wes Sinor, Senior Producer for Sports Video/Social Media, AL.com
11:00–11:50 am, Room 2223
Political Reporting in 2026: Covering the Midterms and State-wide Races in Alabama
Moderators: Dr. Autumn Lorimer Linford and Dr. Jessica Sparks
Panelists: Bill Barrow, Reporter, Associated Press
Mike Cason, Reporter, AL.com (retired)
Jennifer Horton, Investigative Reporter, WBRC 6 News
Todd Stacy, Publisher, Alabama Daily News
Noon–1:00 pm, Room 2216
Lunch for invited guests
Noon–1:00 pm, Room 2218
Auburn University Journalism Advisory Council Fall Meeting
1:00–2:00 pm, Room 2216 / 2218
Small group and one-on-one career development workshops
Participants: TBA
2:00–3:00 pm, Student Media Suite
Student Media tour for invited guests