By Aaliyah Butler,
WASHINGTON – Howard University Department of Media, Journalism and Film will host “Power Players Behind the Scenes” career panel event, in collaboration with NBCU Sports and NBCU Academy, on September 16 at 5:00 p.m. EST via Zoom. This event will lead up to the Truth & Service Classic between Howard and Hampton University. The career panel event is open to the Howard community and the public.
“We are at a moment in history in which media’s role in our society is heightened by the need for experienced, truth-seeking journalists to educate and inform the public,” said Gracie Lawson-Borders, dean of Howard University Cathy Hughes School of Communications. “It is fitting that the department is hosting this panel with NBC to continue the conversation with students on the importance of preparation and readiness to serve in a number of impact roles in front and behind the camera.”
Moderated by Tiffany Cross, Host of MSNBC’s “The Cross Connection,” the panel discussion targets influential decision-makers behind the scenes in news and sports. Experts will provide critical insight on what it takes to build a successful career as a media professional and signature roles that impact the stories we see every day. This event continues a strong collaborative relationship between the Cathy Hughes School of Communications and NBCUniversal.
Panelists include:
- Walter Cade, senior vice president of sales, NBC Sports Partnership Development/Regional Sport Networks;
- Kevin Cross, president and general manager, NBC 5, Telemundo and NBC Sports Chicago;
- Crystal Fisher, vice president of TV and streaming, strategy and business development;
- Rashida Jones, president of MSNBC; and
- Bria Scott, Howard University senior capstone broadcast journalism major and vice president of the Howard University Association of Black Journalists.
“We want to introduce students to a variety of career paths in the media industry. We have a great group of NBCU panelists that will provide insight and inspiration,” said Damon Phillips, senior vice president of strategic initiatives for NBC Sports.
NBC Sports is an American sports programming division of the broadcasting network NBC. NBC Sports is home to games for the National Football League, the Olympics, the U.S. Open, and many more. NBC Sports has been synonymous with innovation, storytelling, iconic moments, legendary voices and record audiences since the 1920s. As a result of its pioneering ethos, the iconic moments in NBC Sports’ historic portfolio are overflowing and unforgettable.
“NBCU Academy is thrilled to partner with NBC Sports to raise the profile of careers in television behind the scenes,” said Yvette Miley, senior vice president of NBC Universal News Group Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. “The ‘Truth and Service’ career panel aligns with our mission of creating a diverse pipeline, and our panelists are a testament to what commitment to diversity looks like.”
Additionally, NBCU will be broadcasting the first-ever Truth and Service Classic on the NBC Sports Network on September 18 at noon EST. This is the first college football game to be held at Audi Field, home of Major League Soccer club, D.C. United. NBC Sports has invited senior capstone broadcast journalism student, Alex Williams, to help report the game.
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work with NBCU, and I am so excited to help cover and shed light on one of the greatest HBCU rivalries in history,” said Williams.
