National Association of Black Journalists Travel to Atlanta for Media Tour
32 Students Visit News Media, Agencies; Connect with Alumni During Trip
By Seinga Macauley
Public Relations Chair
NABJ Mizzou
Columbia, Mo. (Feb. 17, 2016) — The National Association of Black Journalists Ale Chapter (NABJ) traveled to Atlanta, Feb. 2-7, for its annual Media Tour. The trip is the group’s most anticipated event of the school year.
Media Tour is a weeklong trip of visits to news media and strategic communication agencies in top 10 market cities for journalism. NABJ coordinates the tour each year to give members the opportunity to experience their area of study outside the classroom. Locations of recent tours have included D.C., New York City and Philadelphia.
The 32 participants were excited to visit CNN, DigitasLBi, Hot 107.9, Atlanta Tribune, among others. They also experienced Atlanta’s culture and and networked with their NABJ peers.
“One thing that I enjoyed was meeting new people not only within the different agencies we went to, but also within our own NABJ group,” freshman Kelsie Wilkins said.
Divided by broadcast, strategic communication and print groups, students received personal tours, panels, and even real-world challenges with industry professionals and Missouri School of Journalism and University of Missouri alumni.
“Out of Media Tour, I got that it’s okay that I have different experiences because it’s shaping me into a better journalist,” said Abriana Green, a junior studying print journalism. “Don’t be afraid to speak to people and ask questions because that’s the only way you’ll get to know what you want to know.”
NABJ’s members believe that every opportunity to increase their chance to go on Media Tour is important for earning internship and career opportunities.
“If I didn’t go to half of these meetings, but then went on Media Tour, I would have not been ready,” Wilkins said. “Just make sure you’re paying attention, getting all the information you can from any experience. Through NABJ and outside NABJ, just soak in all the knowledge you can.”
The National Association of Black Journalists Ale Chapter is a group of journalists and media professionals at the University of Missouri. Their main purpose focuses on striving for excellence by encouraging diversity, educating through mentorship and promoting unity in the field of journalism.
Updated: September 15, 2020