Panel on Violence in News to Feature Professor for Ethics in Journalism

Photo Submitted

Peter Nickeas

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas Center for Ethics in Journalism will host a panel discussion on reporting violence in the news 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. 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, the ethical reporting of such incidents is important," said Raymond McCaffrey, associate professor and director for the Center of Ethics in Journalism. "We're pleased to host this thought-provoking and timely event on the responsible reporting and the impact of violent news coverage."

The panel discussion will feature Peter Nickeas, the university's 2023 visiting distinguished professor of ethics in journalism. Nickeas and fellow panelists 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 news coverage on the public's perception and mental health, and strategies for journalists to maintain objectivity while covering distressing events.

"Peter has been a valuable resource and an inspiration to our students," said Bret Schulte, chair of the School of Journalism and Strategic Media. "His experiences are sobering, and his insights are profound. He's a thoughtful, committed and unflinching reporter."

Nickeas, whose work is focused on violence and investigative reporting, is a former Chicago Tribune reporter and a senior writer for CNN. He has been awarded fellowships at John Jay College (Guggenheim Fellowship), Columbia University (Ochberg Fellow) and Harvard University (Fellow at the Nieman Foundation).

He will be joined by Arkansas journalists Lisa Thompson, executive editor at the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette; Brenda Lepenski, general assignment reporter at KATV News in Little Rock; and Chad Mira, co-anchor at KNWA Northwest Arkansas News.

The distinguished panel of nationally recognized journalists will share their insights and experiences.

The reception will be held in Alumni House's Sturgis Hall, and the panel discussion will be held in Boyer Hall. Free parking is available after 5 p.m. in Lots 76 and 72 directly south of the Alumni House as well as the visitor spaces behind the building located at the intersection of Razorback Road and Maple Street.

The University of Arkansas Center for Ethics in Journalism in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media promotes integrity, transparency and responsible reporting in 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 foster discussion and awareness of ethical considerations in journalism and media.