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Scholar to discuss issues affecting media's futureJan. 31, 2008 KALAMAZOO--A nationally recognized media expert will address "The Future of Media: Convergence, Concentration, Technology and Regulation" from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, in Room 3512 Knauss Hall at Western Michigan University. Gracie L. Lawson-Borders, director of African-American studies and associate professor of communication and journalism at the University of Wyoming, will present the free public lecture as part of the Department of Communication's visiting scholar program. Lawson-Borders notes that talk of convergence or multimedia journalism is continuing to gain momentum in popular culture and academic research, but technology is not the panacea to all of media's concerns in the 21st century. During her talk, she will explore how technology has enhanced the choices for audiences and how content (media) providers react to this change. She also will examine how technology has transformed traditional media organizations, and she will explore how convergence, concentration of media ownership, emerging digital technologies, and regulations have paved the way for the future. A former journalist, Lawson-Borders is a nationally recognized researcher with areas of expertise in media management, convergence, regulations, new technologies, and media coverage of minority groups and issues. She has been in her current post at Wyoming since 2006. Previously, she taught at Kent State University, Southern Methodist University and Wayne State University. Lawson-Borders has worked at newspapers such the Chicago Tribune, Oakland Press and Akron Beacon Journal. She is the author of "Media Organizations and Convergence: Case Studies of Media Convergence Pioneers." Media contact: Jeanne Baron, (269) 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu WMU News |
