Michel Martin, host of National Public Radio’s “Morning Edition,” will speak at Southern Adventist University next Thursday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. in Iles P.E. Center.
The Emmy-winning journalist’s visit to campus will mark the second event in the School of Journalism and Communication’s (SJC) annual R. Lynn Saul’s Endowed Lecture Series. The series was inaugurated last year when Carl Bernstein, one of the journalists who uncovered the Watergate scandal, spoke with local PBS host Alison Lebovitz before a packed audience on “Why Truth Still Matters.”
The theme of Martin’s upcoming presentation is titled “Making Sense of a Polarized World.” The event is open to the public and free of charge. Individuals with a Southern ID do not need to register for the event, and enrichment credits will be given to students who attend.
Martin, an alumna of both Harvard University and Wesley Theological Seminary, will speak about her personal narrative and career path, both of which have shaped the person she is today, according to Karina Savelio, office manager for the SJC. Audience members will learn about the valuable lessons Martin has learned throughout her life, as well as her impactful contributions to the field of journalism, future aspirations and perspectives she’s gained through her experiences.
The theme of Martin’s upcoming presentation is titled “Making Sense of a Polarized World.”
According to NPR’s website, Martin hosted several shows on the network before joining “Morning Edition.” She has dedicated 25 years to a career in journalism, gaining experience in both print and televised media. Her list of previous media outlets includes ABC News, the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal.
As a precursor to the event, Southern will host a convocation at 11 a.m. next Thursday, titled: “Is Journalism a Bad Word: Reclaiming Its Mission and Purpose for a New Generation.” According to Alva James-Johnson, associate professor in the SJC who will be leading the program, the convocation will “explore the role of journalism in society, the decline in trust of news media among certain U.S. population segments in recent years and efforts to restore the public’s appreciation for the free press.”
David Barasoain, a Peabody Award-winning podcast producer and content creator, will moderate the main event and be involved in leading the preceding convocation. Barasoain, an alumnus of Southern, currently serves as senior producer for the “Buried Truths” podcast, according to Savelio.
To learn more about registering for and watching the planned livestream of “Making Sense of a Polarized World,” visit: https://www.southern.edu/events/lynnsauls.html.
