Peter Nickeas
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas Center for Journalism Ethics will host a panel discussion on reporting on violence in the news on Thursday, Nov. 16 at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House, 491 N .Razorback Road in Fayetteville. The panel will begin at 7 p.m., preceded by a reception at 6 p.m. The event is free and students, faculty, staff and the public are welcome.
“In an era marked by increasing exposure to violence through various media channels, ethical reporting of such incidents is important,” said Raymond McCaffrey, associate professor and director of the Center for Journalism Ethics. “We are pleased to host this timely and thought-provoking event on responsible journalism and the impact of violent media coverage.”
The roundtable will feature Peter NickeasDistinguished Visiting Professor of Journalism Ethics at the University in 2023. Nickeas and colleagues will address topics related to reporting on violence in the news, including the role of journalists in providing accurate and sensitive coverage of violent events, ethical considerations when deciding what and how to report on violence, the impact of violent media coverage on public perception and mental health, and strategies for journalists to maintain objectivity while covering distressing events.
“Peter has been a valuable resource and inspiration to our students,” said Bret Schulte, president of the School of Journalism and Strategic Media. “His experiences are sobering and his insights are profound. He is a thoughtful, engaged and unflinching journalist.”
Nickeas, whose work focuses on violence and investigative reporting, is a former Chicago Tribune journalist and senior editor for CNN. He has received fellowships from John Jay College (Guggenheim Fellowship), Columbia University (Ochberg Fellow), and Harvard University (Fellow of the Nieman Foundation).
He will be joined by Arkansas journalist Lisa Thompson, editor-in-chief of the Northwest Arkansas Democratic Gazette; Brenda Lepenski, general assignment reporter at KATV News in Little Rock; and Chad Mira, co-anchor of KNWA Northwest Arkansas News.
The distinguished panel of nationally recognized journalists will share their insights and experiences.
The reception will take place in Sturgis Hall in the Alumni House and the panel discussion will take place in Boyer Hall. Parking is available in visitor spaces behind the building located at the intersection of Razorback Road and Maple Street.
The University of Arkansas Center for Journalism Ethics in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media promotes integrity, transparency and responsible journalism. By hosting events like this, the center aims to inspire the next generation of journalists to uphold high ethical standards in their work and to foster discussion and awareness of ethical considerations in journalism and media.
