2026 BEA OL

In a time when journalists are under greater scrutiny from the general public as well as those holding political power, the requirements of a journalist’s job continue to need reassessment. Several instances on the national level involving confrontational exchanges between President Donald Trump and mainstream media journalists have garnered national attention and sparked conversation regarding best practices for how journalists should respond and handle their composure during such confrontations. However, local journalists are and have been dealing with these same issues from hostile witnesses and lower-level politicians (e.g. county board members, city council members, etc.) across the political spectrum of ideologies who have been emboldened to treat the press in the same manner. In this panel, we will explore not only the well-known examples of Trump confronting journalists in public venues but local journalists experiences with confrontational sources and how, if at all, those journalists and those around them should respond. Tips for handling tense moments while gathering and reporting the news involving those in power will be discussed from both an academic and professional practice perspective.
Moderator: K. Megan Hopper, Illinois State University
Panelists: Bob Carroll, Illinois State University
Colleen Holden, Illinois State University
Steve Suess, Illinois State University