PRSA Pittsburgh PR Summit

Misinformation in the Media

The rise of misinformation in the media is all around us. And with the public increasingly using platforms like social media as its main source of news, the PR profession has a key role in maintaining the integrity of that information.

This year, PR Summit will once again be digital, where we will host a pair of virtual sessions on Wednesday, October 13 and Thursday, October 14 with a renowned panel of national and local experts for a critical discussion on how to guard against the spread of misinformation.

The 2021 PR Summit is proudly sponsored by The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation.

Tickets Available Now!

RSVP below to the sessions you’re interested in!

PR Summit sessions are FREE for PRSA and PRSSA Pittsburgh members as well as non-members.

PR SUMMIT SESSIONS

Each session will be moderated by Andrew Conte, Ph.D, director, Center for Media Innovation, Point Park University.


Misinformation and Civil Rights
Wednesday, October 13, 4-5 p.m.

Presenters:
Dr. Benjamin Chavis, president and CEO, National Newspaper Publishers Association and host/executive producer of The Chavis Chronicles on PBS.

Recently named to the inaugural CORE Multimedia Group’s 100 Most Influential Blacks Today—a list that also includes Oprah Winfrey and LeBron James—Dr. Chavis is a lifelong crusader for social justice and freedom. Dr. Chavis overcame an unjust 34-year prison sentence before being pardoned 40 years later in a case that gained international attention. He became a vocal leader of the civil rights movement, and is the former executive director and CEO of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and remains an active supporter.

Kim Palmiero, CEO, editor-in-chief, Postindustrial Media

Discussion points will include:

  • Misinformation is not new—how the spread of false information has impacted black communities
  • State of the media today and the role of the Black Press
  • Journalism ethics
  • Advice for PR pros
  • COVID, vaccines, social justice and more. What has the past 18 months taught us?

The Pitfalls of Media Misinformation
Thursday, October 14, noon-1 p.m.

Presenters:

Jim Lokay, anchor, Fox 5 News, Washington D.C.

John Allison, news editor, Trib Total Media

Jessica Ghilani, Ph.D., associate professor of communication at University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg

Paul Gough, reporter, Pittsburgh Business Times

Discussion points will include:

  • Misinformation vs. disinformation vs. malinformation
  • Cutting through the clutter to get to the truth
  • What can PR pros do and what should they watch out for?
  • Recommended tools
  • Is this the new normal or can we fix it?

Learn More About Our 2021 Speakers

Andrew Conte, Ph.D, director, Center for Media Innovation, Point Park University

Dr. Benjamin Chavis, president and CEO, National Newspaper Publishers Association and host/executive producer of The Chavis Chronicles on PBS

Kim Palmiero, CEO, editor-in-chief, Postindustrial Media

Jim Lokay, anchor, Fox 5 News, Washington D.C.

John Allison, director of content, Trib Total Media

Jessica Ghilani, Ph.D., associate professor of communication at University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg

Paul Gough, reporter, Pittsburgh Business Times

Learn More About Our 2021 Sponsor

The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation (PNA Foundation)

As the non-profit arm of the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, the PNA Foundation works to provide training and resources to PNA member news organizations, to develop the next generation of readers and journalists, and to educate the public on the importance of the First Amendment and the role of a free press.

Learn more about the PNA Foundation by visiting their website, or following them on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

What is PRSA PGH’s PR Summit?

PR Summit is an annual conference, and the largest professional development event, hosted by PRSA Pittsburgh and geared toward professionals and students in the field. It’s an opportunity for individuals to learn more about how trends in the industry are influencing the work and experts in the Pittsburgh area.

Why Should You Attend PR Summit?

As members of PRSA Pittsburgh, we are at the frontlines of guarding against the spread of misinformation. This year’s PR Summit will help to educate and inform from a variety of expert opinions to equip the region’s PR professionals with the tools needed to maintain the integrity of the day-to-day news cycle.

Stay Tuned!

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“It’s incredible to hear stories and insight straight from the source of the local brands you admire. At PR Summit, you don’t just get the ‘who’ and the ‘what.’ You get the ‘why?'”

Ashley JonesContent Manager, Red Havas

“Whether you’re a student or seasoned professional, there’s always something to learn at PR Summit. The sessions are always relevant, engaging, and provide key takeaways to bring back to your teams and workplace.”

Jordan MitrikSenior PR & Content Specialist, Brunner