WHRO Public Media's Vice President of News Maurice Jones will be a panelist next month at Hampton University’s “State of the Media,” public forum on Wed. April 23, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.
A leader among university journalism schools, Hampton University’s Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications (SHSJC) is hosting the forum. The discussion will focus on the present and future of American media and news. Former MSNBC president Rashida Jones ‘02, ‘24, a Hampton University Board of Trustee Member and alumna, will headline the panel, along with other media leaders.
“This is an urgent conversation at a critical time,” said SHSJC Dean Julia A. Wilson. “Even a simple glance at the news these days seems to bombard viewers, listeners and readers with seismic shifts in their assessments of our media landscape. Journalists are confronted with various obstacles for reporting truthful content and are consistently combatting misinformation and disinformation generated on digital media platforms by Artificial Intelligence (AI).”
Distinguished panelists include:
- Moderator: Nyla Cross ‘27, Hampton U., SHSJC journalism student, Harvard Du Bois Scholar
- Rashida Jones, former MSNBC President
- Maurice Jones, Vice President of News, WHRO Public Media
- Angilee Shah, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Charlottesville Tomorrow
- Karima Haynes, Director of Reporting Fellows Program, Pulitzer Center
- Jeffrey Reece, Director of Content, Virginian-Pilot
- Melinda Coleau (Woolbright), WRC NBC 4/ WZDC Telemundo 44 Planning Manager
“Though the state of the current media seems daunting to some people, professional and aspiring journalists must remain steadfast with renewed commitment to serving as “watchdogs” to share, inform and educate the public, without reservation. Journalists also may need to begin brainstorming different avenues in which to grow their journalism careers to continue reporting truthful, fact-based and fair stories to their publics,” said Wilson.
During the forum, panelists will share their insights on the state of our media—where we are now, where we are headed and how we need to prepare and survive in an increasingly unrecognizable environment that greatly differs from the strong democratic system that has thrived for generations.
“As media professionals, we must be able to discuss societal issues and think creatively about our industry’s future,” said Rashida Jones. “It’s also our responsibility and civic duty to share vetted, truthful information with local, national and international communities. We serve as role models to the next generation of journalists and that’s why it’s important for us to show up for them.”
Panelists will also provide advice on how aspiring journalists can remain hopeful and become vigilant professionals preparing for an unprecedented future.