The Eagle’s H.S. journalism conference on ethics draws 75+

Over 75 high school students and teachers flocked the campus of CSC to learn more about the field of journalism Sept. 23 as The Eagle staff hosted its annual conference in honor of Constitution Day. 

The largely recruitment-oriented event for high-schoolers involved in journalism began at 9 a.m. and consisted of three lecture seminars exploring journalistic ethics and a final question-and-answer session between students and speakers. The seminars were divided into the Ponderosa Room, which held journalism ethics sessions, the Lakota Room, where ethics and the career of journalism was discussed, and the Bordeaux Room, which held photojournalism ethics sessions. 

Along with local Chadron High School journalists, students came from Alliance, Mitchell, Gering, Bayard, and Newcastle, Wyoming. Attendees were divided into three groups, with each group attending a different session; rotating rooms after each hour-long lecture. 

The journalism ethics sessions were led by Rich Macke, publisher of the Scottsbluff Star Herald, Gering Courier and Hemingford ledger. Macke reviewed the profession’s code of ethics with students and explored the ethical responsibilities of reporters and editors. 

Lauren Brant, editor of the Gering Courier and a reporter for the Star Herald, gave a presentation on photojournalism and ethics. Brant outlined some basic camera functions and shooting techniques before diving into ethical dilemmas involving photojournalism. 

Kerri Rempp, editor for the Chadron Record, gave lectures covering ethics and the daily responsibilities of journalists. These sessions encouraged students to question a future in journalism as Rempp explored multiple ethical scenarios common in the profession. 

After three hours of seminars, students were provided lunch in the Scottsbluff Ballroom. 

Finally, an open discussion between the speakers and high schoolers was led by CSC Journalism Professor Michael Kennedy. Students were asked open-ended questions about prevalent topics in media, like “fake news” and “alternative facts”. Then, high school guests were handed microphones to answer and add to the discussion.