SOU to Host Emerging Media Convention
(Ashland, Ore.) —The week of April 26-May 2 will be a busy one for students and faculty in media-related programs at Southern Oregon University.
Independent Media Week—now in its 11th year—kicks off with a “Media Circus” in the downtown Ashland Plaza from 12-4 p.m. April 26. According to its Facebook page, Independent Media Week “showcases a coalition of independent media producers, local activists, and community groups organized around the theme that ‘a well-informed citizenry is a cornerstone of democracy.’”
Many events will take place throughout the week, including a keynote address given by Austin Powell and Debra Van Poolen on the topic of “Local Roots, Global Reach.” Powell is managing editor of DailyDot.com, one of the highest-trafficked news sites on the World Wide Web. From his home in Ashland, Powell remotely manages a staff of more than 30 employees.
Van Poolen is perhaps best known for her courtroom drawings of Pvt. Chelsea Manning’s trial on charges related to the release of confidential government documents.
The keynote event will take place Thursday, April 30 at 7 p.m. in the Rogue River Room inside the Stevenson Union on campus at SOU. It is free and open to the public.
“These are amazing speakers who I think exemplify the concept that the media need not be place-bound,” said Dr. Erik Palmer, assistant professor of convergent media at SOU. “This is an outstanding opportunity not just for SOU students, but for the entire community to come out and hear about the world of emerging media from two great perspectives.”
Additionally, on April 29, SOU’s UN Club will host a series of films and workshops showcasing local independent media, a workshop on self-broadcasting techniques, and a panel discussion on the future of independent media in the Rogue Valley. This is an all-day event beginning at 8 a.m. and running through 10 p.m. in the Meese Room inside the Hannon Library on SOU’s main campus in Ashland.
SOU’s second annual Emerging Media Convention runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 1, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 2. It features panel discussions and professional development opportunities on animation and gaming, copyright law and more. One of the highlights of the convention is Artist Ally, which provides students an opportunity to display their work for both the SOU and Rogue Valley community to view.
The Emerging Media Conference is an event designed to allow businesses, SOU students, and alumni to collaborate and expand their support network. Its primary goal is to attract a wide audience consisting of students, faculty, high schools, and the community.
“In addition to providing a venue to display their creative works, Artist Alley offers students a chance to network with potential employers, gain freelance opportunities, and meet with students who share similar passions,” according to Dr. Palmer.
For more information on the Emerging Media Convention, visit www.souemcon.com. Information on Independent Media Week can be found at www.sodmc.tumblr.com.
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About Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University provides outstanding student experiences, valued degrees, and successful graduates. SOU is known for excellence in faculty, intellectual creativity and rigor, quality and innovation in connected learning programs, and the educational benefits of its unique geographic location. SOU was the first university in Oregon—and one of the first in the nation—to offset 100 percent of its energy use with clean, renewable power, and it is the first university in the nation to balance 100% of its water consumption. Visit sou.edu.