Elevate: HBCU Media Conference

April 17 – 18, 2025 | The Starling Atlanta, Midtown | Atlanta, GA

Sponsored by the Google News Initiative, the HBCU Media Conference is a two-day event designed to empower the next generation of HBCU journalists by providing access to industry leaders, hands-on training, and groundbreaking discussions on the future of media.

Whether you’re a student journalist, faculty member, or media professional, this event will equip you with the tools needed to navigate today’s digital media landscape.

Registration is now open!
HBCU departments, student media, educators and students can now register. Groups may book up to 8. Individual students and educators may also register.
➜ Register

The Starling, Midtown Atlanta
Those planning to attend can now book a room at The Starling. We have reserved a spacial room block. Follow the button below to book your room today.
➜ Book a room

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Breakfast

9:30 am - 10:30 am

Welcome Address: The Importance of HBCU Student Journalism

This opening keynote sets the tone for the conference, highlighting the legacy, impact, and future of HBCU student journalism. The speaker will address representation, digital transformation, democracy, and the power of storytelling. This session aims to motivate and empower attendees to embrace leadership in media.

10:45 am - 11:45 am

How Can Your Campus News Serve the Community

This panel will explore the role of campus newsrooms in informing, engaging, and advocating for their communities. Speakers will discuss building trust, leveraging partnerships, solutions journalism, and digital expansion. Attendees will leave with practical steps to enhance the impact and relevance of their campus publications.

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Lunch

1:15 pm - 2:15 pm

HBCU Journalism Initiatives (Lightning Talks & Interactive Q&A)

This session features rapid-fire presentations from HBCU journalism initiatives, highlighting their mission, impact, and opportunities for student engagement. Each initiative will deliver a 5–7 minute talk followed by an interactive Q&A.

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Writing Workhop

This interactive session focuses on journalistic writing skills, covering strong leads, storytelling techniques, clarity, and digital optimization. Attendees will participate in writing exercises, peer feedback, and revision techniques to strengthen their reporting.

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Social Media Workshop

This session equips student journalists with strategies to maximize social media presence. Topics include content creation, branding, engagement tactics, audience growth, and ethics. Attendees will develop tailored content strategies for their platforms.

3:45 pm - 4:30 pm

Creating a Product That Works for You

This session focuses on helping student journalists build sustainable media products (articles, podcasts, newsletters, and social content). Experts will cover branding, audience engagement, monetization, and scaling strategies. Attendees will gain insights into creating media that aligns with their mission and long-term goals.

4:45 pm - 5:45 pm

The Need for Young Black Journalists

This keynote underscores the importance of Black journalists in the evolving media landscape. Topics will include representation, industry challenges, career growth, and leveraging digital media. The address will serve as a call to action for young Black journalists to lead, innovate, and advocate for their communities.

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Evening Reception

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Breakfast

9:30 am - 10:30 am

Realities of The Field

This open conversation provides a candid look at the journalism industry, featuring early-career professionals and seasoned journalists. Topics include job searching, newsroom representation, mental health, and career pivots. Attendees will gain first-hand insights on navigating the field.

9:30 am - 10:30 am

New Wave of News

This discussion will explore the rapid transformation of news media, including mobile-first journalism, audience engagement, multimedia storytelling, and misinformation challenges. Panelists will highlight emerging trends and how young journalists can adapt to the digital-first approach.

10:45 am - 11:45 am

Graduate School Programs – Speed Dating Information Session (Structured Networking & Information Exchange)

This fast-paced networking session allows students to engage in brief, structured conversations with graduate program representatives. Students will rotate between tables or virtual breakout rooms, engaging in 5–7 minute discussions about academic opportunities.

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Lunch

1:15 pm - 2:15 pm

Journalism That Moves the Culture: Business, Sports & Politics Through a Digital Lens

This session will examine the intersection of journalism, culture, and technology. Topics include how Black journalists are shaping business reporting, sports journalism, and political coverage. Panelists will discuss digital storytelling tools, independent journalism, and advocacy-driven content.

1:15 pm - 2:15 pm

Pro-tips for video

No matter the equipment, analogue, digital, or phone, we'll share powerful, low to no-cost tools, tips and techniques for shooting editing, and telling video journalism. You'll come away with a plethora of new ideas for enhancing your video journalism for any platform.

2:00 pm - 3:15 pm

Internships Workshop

This session provides a roadmap for securing internships in journalism and media. Topics include resume-building, networking, applications, and interview prep. Attendees will develop their resumes, practice pitches, and receive industry insights.

2:00 pm - 3:15 pm

AI Workshop

This hands-on session explores how AI tools like Microsoft Co-Pilot are transforming journalism. Topics include content automation, audience insights, fact-checking, and ethical AI use. Attendees will gain practical experience using AI for reporting and publishing.

3:45 pm - 4:30 pm

Career Introductions: Newsroom-Adjacent Careers

This session will showcase careers beyond traditional reporting, including editorial strategy, marketing, tech, product development, and business operations. Panelists will share career pathways, industry skills, and strategies to enter these fields.

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Fellowship Success: Maximizing Impact and Growth

This discussion focuses on fellowships as stepping stones for career advancement. Attendees will learn about applying for fellowships, networking, skill-building, and leveraging opportunities for long-term success. Fellowship recipients will share their journeys and best practices.

4:45 pm - 5:45 pm

What Are We Looking For in Hiring Emerging Talent

This interactive discussion will explore the qualities, skills, and innovative potential that organizations seek in early-career professionals, particularly those from diverse backgrounds and emerging media landscapes. Hiring managers, industry leaders, and HR professionals will exchange insights on talent acquisition, recruitment strategies, and professional development to ensure new hires align with the evolving media industry.

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Evening Reception

Date : April 17, 2025 - April 18, 2025
Time : 8:00 am - 8:00 pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Venue : 188 14th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30361