Poynter pro to speak at UC about news broadcasting and politics

The public is invited to hear Poynter Institute's Al Tompkins lecture Thursday on ethics in broadcasting, political coverage

By Ben Harrison

University of Cincinnati students and the general public are invited to attend a conference titled "People, Politics and Polarization: Politics and Media in the Public Service" on Thursday, Oct. 31, featuring renowned journalist and author Al Tompkins of the Poynter Institute. 

UC College of Arts and Sciences associate professor of Political Science Brian Calfano recommends the conference in particular for students of political science and journalism.

“For those students this is a must-attend conference,” Calfano said. “The topics covered will be beneficial to your future.” 

July 18, 2005-- St. Petersburg, Fla.--  Faculty member Al Tompkins photographed at the Poynter Institute for Media Studies Monday, July 18, 2005 in St. Petersburg, Fla.  (Credit- Bob Croslin)

Al Tompkins of The Poynter Institute

Tompkins' lecture will be broken up into a series of three presentations and a TaftTALK.

Good Storytelling for Television, will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Ethics in Broadcasting will be held from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

The third presentation titled "Motivators for Political Coverage with Audience Value" is scheduled from 2:30 to 4 p.m. 

The lecture will conclude with Tompkins’ TaftTALK. This discussion will involve information about the new UC Certificate in Political and Public Affairs Reporting.

Tompkins is a member of the Poynter Institute’s senior faculty for broadcasting and online. He has taught thousands of journalists, journalism students and educators in newsrooms around the world. His teaching focuses on writing, reporting, storytelling, ethics, critical thinking, photojournalism, social media and online journalism.

Related Stories

1

How AI might help nonprofits

November 7, 2025

University of Cincinnati Professor Victoria LaPoe examined whether people respond differently to AI-created messaging in nonprofit advertising.

2

Shining like a disco ball: Rachel Hoermann’s story of finding passion and purpose at UC

November 6, 2025

Rachel Hoermann has dreamed of becoming a writer since childhood. But like many who grew up in Ohio’s rust belt, the idea of going to college felt out of reach. For years, she cycled through work that never quite satisfied her creative drive. That changed when she came across a box that once belonged to her father—a discovery that would alter the course of her life.

3

New hires reflect UC’s commitment to research, innovation and impact

November 6, 2025

With the 2025-26 school year in full swing, the College of Arts and Sciences has welcomed five faculty members to lead departments that span from chemistry to journalism. Dean James Mack said these new hires “reflect our unwavering commitment to ‘Discovery in Action,’ as we continue to enhance our academic and research excellence”. With these additions, the future of UC is in good hands, and students can look forward to new opportunities for learning, research, and innovation.