The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication will hold the 48th annual Murrow Symposium on April 3–4. This year’s theme “Illuminate! The Power of Untold Stories,” was selected to challenge assumptions, ignite empathy, and deepen understanding of the diverse human experience.
The symposium features 22 sessions including keynotes, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops led by industry leaders from around the world. All offerings are free and open to the public and will be held in the Compton Union Building on the Pullman campus with marquee events broadcast virtually.
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa will receive the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award and deliver a keynote address during the luncheon on Wednesday, April 3. Hinojosa’s more than 30-year career includes reporting for PBS, CBS, WNBC, CNN, and NPR, as well as anchoring the Emmy Award-winning talk show “Maria Hinojosa: One-on-One.” Her podcast series “Suave” about a justice system in which juveniles can receive life-long prison sentences, earned a Pulitzer Prize in 2022. She is a trailblazing advocate for diversity in newsrooms who made history as the first Latina in many of the newsrooms in which she worked.
“Each year, faculty members in the Murrow College of Communication consider nominations of potential recipients of this award who best reflect Edward R. Murrow’s professional ideals and virtues,” said Bruce Pinkleton, dean of Murrow College at WSU. “In honoring Maria Hinojosa with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award in Broadcast Journalism, we recognize her tireless efforts to tell the stories of individuals who are often overlooked or ignored by mainstream media.”
As a special addition this year, Hinojosa will participate in a pre-symposium discussion of her book, “Once I Was You: A Memoir of Love and Hate in a Torn America.” The author talk at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, is offered in person in Goertzen Hall and online as a webinar. Hosted by NW Public Broadcasting’s Johanna Bejarano, the event will bring members of the Murrow Community together with the WSU Alumni Association’s virtual book club, Well Read Cougs, to hear Hinojosa share insights about her captivating memoir.
The 2024 Murrow Hall of Achievement Celebration will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3. This year’s honorees include director, producer, and manager Tom Holmberg, broadcast journalist and corporate affairs manager Tiffany Paup Sanders, and media industry veteran Liz Pritchard. In addition, Glenn Johnson will receive the inaugural service award to recognize individuals who have made a meaningful and deep contribution to the Murrow Community by creating a legacy of impact and inspiration.
The Murrow College welcomes all students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members to register for free and attend the symposium. The event will also provide students with one-on-one coaching sessions and informational interviews with potential employers. WSU Photo Services will provide free headshots for all who attend.
Additional details are available on the Murrow College Symposium website and social media channels.
