Social media shouldn’t be thought of solely as a way to distribute stories, it should live in the journalism ecosystem from the start – to find the story. In particular, local news outlets aim to find untold stories and bring them to life on-air, in print, and online. Our panel of digital, broadcast and newspaper experts will discuss the ways stories are ideated, pitched and packaged, reported and distributed – all with the help of social media. Plus, how social media continues to grow and evolve with the latest, greatest, and upcoming tools of the trade.
Panelists: Bob Bennett, John Colucci, Roman Feeser, Ernesto Mourelo
BOB BENNETT is senior producer for WAVY-TV/WVBT-TV in Norfolk, Virginia. He has 26 years of television experience, and has won numerous Emmys and an Edward R. Murrow award for news coverage. Bennett also worked at WJLA-TV, where he produced the 6:00 newscast, as well as worked with the web team to increase the station’s Facebook fan base by more than 100,000 users in less than a year. Besides expertise in social media, Bennett also specializes in severe weather coverage and breaking news. Outside of work, Bennett mentors young producers and reporters, critiquing their work and preparing them for a future in television news. He is also a lifetime member of NLGJA, as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists.
JOHN COLUCCI is the senior director, social media for Sinclair Broadcast Group, overseeing social media strategy, education, partnerships, projects and curation and creation of content for all of the company’s TV stations and digital properties. In addition to his leadership role, Colucci is an on-camera personality, appearing as a social media reporter for KOMO-TV in Seattle and other Sinclair stations, and previously was a regular contributor to HuffPost Live. Colucci also has spoken at conferences such as South by Southwest, National Association of Black Journalists and NLGJA. Colucci leaped into the world of social media in 2011 while then in a project management role at Virgin America, and led numerous creative marketing initiatives for the fledgling airline. A native of Edison, New Jersey, Colucci now resides in Seattle.
ROMAN FEESER is an award-winning digital producer and social media manager for “CBS Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley.” Before entering his dream job at “Sunday,” he worked as a digital producer for “CBS Evening News.” He has written for the Advocate.
With more than two decades working in local news, ERNESTO MOURELO has straddled the worlds of television and digital media with leadership positions on both sides and in two languages. In his current role with Hearst Television, Ernie leads editorial and social strategy for the company’s TV stations with an emphasis on fostering innovation and upholding the high journalistic standards of Hearst.
Sponsored by:
