Symposium History
Long before the University began honoring journalistic excellence with awards, the School of Communication was at the forefront of communication excellence. Beginning in the 1970s, the School of Communication created thought-provoking forums and discussions focused on topics such as:
The First Amendment and Broadcasting
International Rights of Media News Flow
Reshaping American Democracy
The Information Society: The Ethical and Social Issues
The Murrow Heritage: Challenge for the Future
Ally or Adversary? The Press in International Affairs
Violence in America: Is TV to Blame?
Many of the panelists and moderators who contributed to these thought provoking discussions are legends in communication.
David Fanning, Frontline
Tom Brokaw, NBC News
Peter Jennings, ABC News
Eric Severeid, former CBS News journalist
Ralph Otwell, former editor of the Chicago Sun-Times
Charles Kuralt, former CBS News correspondent
Richard Salant, former president, CBS
Howard K. Smith, CBS News
Ted Koppel, ABC News
Diane Sawyer, ABC News
Daniel Schorr, NPR commentator and former CBS News correspondent
Jody Powell, former press secretary to President Jimmy Carter
Bernard Kalb, former secretary of state for public affairs, Reagan Administration
Bettina Gregory, ABC News
Barry Serafin, ABC News
Jack Anderson, Pulitzer Prize-winning print journalist
Alfred Sikes, former chair of Federal Communications Commission
Sander Vanocur, former ABC and NBC journalist
Tom Brokaw was awarded the 2006 Edward R. Murrow Award for Lifetime Achievement in Broadcasting.