School of Communications showcases research, creativity at BEA2025

The School of Communications continued its tradition of strong representation at the annual Broadcast Education Association convention — this year promoted as BEA2025 — held April 4–8 in Las Vegas.

Ten faculty members participated in the convention, contributing as presenters, moderators and panelists. Additionally, a team of Elon University students, led by Bryan Baker, managed all production aspects of the event’s Best of Festival Awards Ceremony.

Below is a summary of Elon’s participation:

• Jessalynn Strauss moderated the panel “Balancing Teaching and Student Media Advising: Synergies and Struggles,” where student media advisers discussed their successes, challenges, and lessons learned in juggling teaching responsibilities with student media advising. Panelists included Alex Luchsinger, Staci Saltz, Kai Swanson and Hal Vincent.
• Kai Swanson also moderated “Teaching American Comedy Production in the Age of Cancel Culture: History, Structure, and Inclusive Pedagogy,” a session focused on how educators can teach American comedy production within a historical and culturally inclusive framework, while navigating today’s evolving social landscape.
• Hal Vincent served as a panelist in “Seeing is Deceiving: Findings from Multiple Case Studies of Generative AI in Media,” a session that explored media manipulation and argued that the techniques now associated with generative AI have long-standing historical roots.
• Staci Saltz moderated “Navigating the Challenges: Effective Strategies for Teaching DEI Amidst Pushback,” a panel examining strategies for maintaining and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in curricula. Panelists included Karen Lindsey and Jessalynn Strauss.

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  Vic Costello participated in a panel titled “Content Creation is Now a Multi-Billion Dollar Industry. While Many Students Want to Create Content, They Aren’t Interested in Traditional Student Newscasts. Should Media Schools Teach Content Creation?” The session addressed how colleges and universities are adapting to the growing popularity and career viability of content creation beyond traditional media outlets.

• Daniel Haygood contributed to two research-focused sessions. During the History Division’s Top Research Presentations, he presented “Early Sports Broadcasting’s Pioneering Partnership – The Role of Atlantic Refining Company and N.W. Ayer & Son in Developing and Sponsoring Early Sports Broadcasting.” He also presented “Raleigh’s Capitol Broadcasting Company – A Leader in Local & Regional Sports Broadcasting” during the Faculty Research-in-Progress Digital Poster session.
• Tom Nelson was among the more than 1,200 attendees.

Additionally, a group of Elon students showcased their award-winning work during the Festival of Media Arts: Student Showcase Session – Audio Competition:

• Brandon Cericola ’26 and Kate Rivera ’25 – “Animated Soundscape Recreation for ‘Rango’” (Multimedia Sound Design)
• Will Calkins ’25 – “Lucky Day Podcast” (Narrative Audio)
• Colin Dorroh ’27 – “Cinelon Promo” (PSA, Promo, or Commercial)