Poynter Institute executive to discuss media issues as part of 'Unpacking Ferguson' series
October 24, 2014
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A Poynter Institute executive whose work in promoting photographic reporting, leadership, ethical decision-making and diversity integration has led him to various parts of the word, will speak Wednesday (Oct. 29) as part of the ongoing “One Community: Unpacking Ferguson” series of events on Purdue University’s campus.
Kenny Irby will speak from 7-9 p.m. in Fowler Hall on the topic, “Who Owns the Narrative? Bias in Media Reporting.” The event is free and open to the public.
“One Community: Unpacking Ferguson” is intended to foster open, educational dialogue in the campus and local community following the police-action shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.
Irby is the Poynter Institute’s director of communications. He directs the Write Field initiative, a new academic and enrichment program for middle school minority males. He founded Poynter’s photojournalism program in 1995, and during his 19 years with the institute has traveled to Nigeria, the Netherlands, Denmark, Canada, Jamaica, Singapore, South Africa and Russia to promote excellence in photojournalism and truth-telling.
Irby chaired the 2007 Pulitzer Prize photography categories, has lectured at the World Press Photos buddy training program and the International Center of Photography. He is a founding member of the National Press Photographers Association’s Best of Photojournalism Committee. Among his numerous awards, he won the 2007 Sprague Award, the National Press Photographers Association’s highest honor; the 2006 Society for News Design President’s Award; 2002 NPPA President’s Award; and the 1999 Joseph Cost Award. He is a frequent lecturer, teacher and author of photographic reporting issues, most recently with National Public Radio.
Writer: Jim Bush, 765-494-2077, jsbush@purdue.edu
Source: G. Christine Taylor, 765-494-6969, taylorgc@purdue.edu