Leaders of CBS, Slate Headline Cronkite Speaker Series

The chairman of CBS News, a New York Times bureau chief, the editor of Slate Magazine and an award-winning author and historian are among those headlining a speaker series this fall at Arizona State University. The events are part of the “Must See Mondays” series, which brings prominent media and communication professionals to ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The series kicked off Sept. 10 with a panel discussion featuring Cronkite alumni who are on-air reporters and anchors. Following that panel are speakers including Ellyn Angelotti, faculty member at The Poynter Institute; Becky Anderson, anchor and host for CNN International; Jeff Fager, chairman of CBS News; Fernanda Santos, Phoenix bureau chief for The New York Times; and David Plotz, editor of Slate Magazine. The fall series will conclude Dec. 10 with Douglas Brinkley, Kennedy Book Award-winning author of the biography “Cronkite,” in a presentation sponsored by Arizona’s House of Broadcasting, a museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of radio and television. The speakers will touch on topics including the use of social media, international journalism, election coverage, the future of network news and Walter Cronkite’s impact on American journalism. Cronkite Dean Christopher Callahan said the “Must See Monday” series enriches the student experience by providing a forum for students to gain deeper insight into important issues that face today’s journalism and communication professionals. “It’s an opportunity for students to enhance their understanding of critical topics in today’s media landscape,” he said. The talks, which are free and open to the public, take place from 7-8 p.m. each Monday of the semester in the school’s First Amendment Forum on ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus. Attendees can blog about the events and share insights on the school’s blog, Cronkite Conversations. Videos of past speakers can be viewed online. In addition, this month the Cronkite School will host special viewings of the three presidential debates and the vice presidential debate in the First Amendment Forum. After the final debate on Oct. 22, Leonard Downie Jr., Cronkite’s Weil Family Professor Journalism and former executive editor of The Washington Post, will moderate a discussion on media coverage of debates and campaigns. The Cronkite School also hosts “Cronkite Night at the Movies,” a journalism-themed film series, each Wednesday of the semester at 7 p.m. in the First Amendment Forum. Cronkite faculty and staff introduce the movies and then lead discussions after the showings. Fall 2012 “Must See Mondays” Schedule Oct. 8 “Social Media: Harnessing the Opportunities and Navigating the Challenges” Ellyn Angelotti, faculty member, The Poynter Institute Oct. 22 (special 6 p.m. start time) “The Last Debate: Presidential Campaigns and the Media,” a viewing of the final presidential debate followed by a discussion on coverage of debates and campaigns Moderated by Leonard Downie Jr., Weil Family Professor of Journalism and former executive editor, The Washington Post Oct. 29 (special 6 p.m. start time) “Covering the World” Becky Anderson, anchor and host, CNN International Nov. 5 “Who Can Vote? A National News21 Investigation of Voting Rights in America” A panel featuring News21 students Nov. 13 (special Tuesday presentation) “The Future of Network News” Jeff Fager, chairman, CBS News Nov. 19 “America, Through My Immigrant Eyes” Fernanda Santos, Phoenix bureau chief, The New York Times Nov. 26 “The Truth-O-Meter, the Obameter and the Promise of New Journalistic Forms” A panel of reporters and editors from AZ Fact Check Dec. 3 “Too Fast, Too Furious: Are the Speed and Vitriol of the Web Destroying Journalism?” David Plotz, editor, Slate Magazine Dec. 10 “Walter Cronkite and American Journalism” Douglas Brinkley, author, “Cronkite,” the new biography of Walter Cronkite Fall 2012 “Cronkite Night at the Movies” Schedule Oct. 3 (special 7:30 p.m. start time) “Shattered Glass” Introduction by Steve Elliott, director of digital news, Cronkite News Service Oct. 10 “Thank You for Smoking” Introduction by Dawn Gilpin, assistant professor Oct. 24 “All the President’s Men” Introduction by Leonard Downie Jr., Weil Family Professor of Journalism Nov. 7 “Live from Baghdad” Introduction by Kristin Gilger, associate dean Nov. 14 “In the Loop” Introduction by Marianne Barrett, senior associate dean and Solheim Professor   Nov. 28 Student Showcase Introduction by Mark Lodato, assistant dean and news director Dec. 5 “Anchorman” Introduction by Mark Lodato, assistant dean and news director For a full schedule of events, visit Cronkite Events.