Great Lakes Broadcast and Sports Media Academy

Keynote Address: Jennifer Hammond

Detroit Sports Reporter Jennifer Hammond brought the hammer to the Great Lakes Broadcast & Sports Media Academy on Thursday, November 6 at Ford Field!

Known for her energetic storytelling and passion for Detroit sports, Fox 2 Detroit's Jennifer Hammond headlined this year's event with an inside look at life on the sidelines, from locker room interviews to building trust with players and viewers alike.

Behind the Mic & Camera: Ask the Experts Roundtables

Attendees participated in small-group conversations with industry pros. Each table covered a different topic. Students choose what interested them, asked questions, and got advice from the people who do it every day.

Broadcast Tech Trends: Explore how new technology, like AI, cloud production, and streaming, is shaping the future of broadcasting.
Chris Brunt, Director of AI, Digital, & Revenue, Jacobs Media, Inc.
Digital Storytelling: Find out how to create short, engaging stories for websites and social media that connect with audiences on every platform.
Tim Pamplin, Reporter, WWJ Newsradio 950, Detroit
Podcasting: From idea to upload, learn what it takes to create, produce, and promote your station’s, or your own, podcast.
Zach Clark, Producer/Host, Audacy Sports & Originals, Detroit
Sports Reporting: Get tips on covering games, writing recaps, and reporting sports stories that keep fans engaged.
Daniella Bruce, Broadcast Reporter for Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings

Play-by-Play: Discover how play-by-play announcers bring the action to life and learn the basics of calling a game.
Jeremy Otto, Play-by-Play Announcer
Investigative & Breaking News Reporting: Understand how reporters handle breaking news, verify information quickly, and keep stories accurate under pressure.
Paula Tutman, Retired Journalist and Reporter, WDIV-TV, Detroit
Landing Your First Media Job: Hear what hiring managers look for in resumes, demo reels, and interviews, and how to land your first big opportunity.
Mike Schram, News Director, WILX-TV, Lansing
Esports & Emerging Media: Explore how competitive gaming and streaming are opening new doors in broadcasting, production, and content creation.
Adam Antor, Professor of Esports Production, Ferris State University

Justin Summe, Esports Coordinator, Ferris State University

Anchoring, On-Air, & On-Screen Confidence

A great anchor isn't just someone who reads from a teleprompter, they connect with their audience through presence, delivery, and authenticity. This session helped students develop the skills to shine on-camera, on-air, and on-screen, whether anchoring news, sports, or entertainment.

Nicole Buchmann
Studio 10 Executive Producer & Host
WILX News 10, Lansing

Owen Oszust
Sports Reporter
WILX News 10, Lansing

Storytelling & Trust in Sports

Industry veterans from FanDuel Sports Network will discussed how telecasts are more than just showing the game, they tell the stories of the teams, players, and how each game unfolds. Attendees discovered how stats, graphics, interviews, and behind-the-scenes access can enhance the storytelling process and bring fans closer to the action. The session also explored how production teams build trust with players, coaches, and audiences to create authentic, engaging coverage that resonates beyond the final score.

Jason Dizik
Live Event Producer, Detroit Pistons & Tigers
FanDuel Sports Network

Career Conversations: Broadcasting & Beyond Roundtables

In this fast-paced roundtable session, students rotated between tables hosted by media leaders. Each table focused on a practical career topic, from acing interviews to pitching yourself to employers.

Elevator Pitches: Learn how to pitch yourself (or your station) in 30 seconds with confidence and impact.
Stephanie Lundberg, General Sales Manager, WWMT-TV, Kalamazoo
The Hardest Interview Questions: Get strategies for answering tricky interview questions like a pro.
Mark Jaycox, VP/Market Manager, Midwest Communications, Inc., Lansing
Resume & Demo Reel Do’s and Don’ts: Discover what hiring managers really want to see, and what to avoid.
Jade Springart, Program Director & Afternoon Host, WRIF-FM, Detroit
Networking in the Real World: Find out how to make authentic connections that lead to career opportunities.
Carly Munoz, Assistant Brand Manager, Priority Health, Grand Rapids

What Hiring Managers Really Look For: Hear directly from decision-makers about the skills and traits that get candidates hired.
Ryan Cole, Assistant News Director, ABC12-WJRT, Flint
Career Paths You Might Not Expect in Broadcasting: Explore unique and lesser-known roles in media that could be your perfect fit.
Ian Rhodes, Production Manager, WDIV-TV, Detroit
From Internship to Full-Time Job: Tips for turning a temporary role into a career-launching opportunity.
Shannone Dunlap, EVP & General Manager, Black Diamond Broadcast Group, Central & Northern Michigan
Building Professional Confidence Early: Learn how to project confidence in interviews, internships, and the workplace.
Max White, Digital Executive Producer, WXYZ-TV, Detroit

Crisis Coverage: Reporting When News Breaks

When breaking news happens, reporters have to react quickly, accurately, and responsibly. This session explored how journalists prepare for fast-moving events, balance speed with accuracy, and deliver stories under pressure.

Karen Drew
Anchor/Reporter
WDIV-TV, Detroit

Nick Monacelli
Anchor/Reporter
WDIV-TV, Detroit

Brandon Wirth
News & Sports Director
Big Rapids Media Network, Big Rapids

Fact vs. Fiction: Spotting Misinformation in the Digital Age

With misinformation spreading faster than ever, journalists play a vital role in verifying facts and protecting public trust. This session taught practical strategies to identify false content and ensure credibility in reporting.

Marie Osborne
Director of Community Affairs & News
Cumulus Media, WJR-AM, Detroit

Curtis Paul
Digital Media Director
Cumulus Media, Detroit/Ann Arbor

Seth Wells
Morning Anchor/Executive Producer
WILX-TV, Lansing

Media Disclaimer for Events

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