Bronco Media Conference Draws Strong Attendance and Industry Engagement at Fayetteville State University

Date: March 31, 2026

A number of individuals standing and smiling at the camera.
Media professionals and faculty participate in a panel discussion during the Bronco Media Conference at the Rudolph Jones Student Center at Fayetteville State University on March 21. From left are Shimei Cook, host of “What’s Hot With Shimei Cook” on Bronco TV; Paul Woolverton of CityView; Greg Funderburg of CBS 17; Beth Hutson of The Fayetteville Observer; Kalim Hassan of WCCG 104.5 FM; and Alanna Miller, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication, languages and cultures at FSU. (Photo by Rakeem Jones)

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The inaugural Bronco Media Conference on March 21, at the Rudolph Jones Student Center at Fayetteville State University, brought together students, media professionals, and industry leaders for a full day of discussion, networking, and creative exchange. 

The event welcomed 113 participants, including attendees, volunteers, panelists, and vendors, reflecting strong interest and engagement from both the community and industry partners. 

Throughout the day, the conference featured five panel discussions addressing timely and relevant topics within the media landscape. Among the highlights was “The Cost of Free Speech: Misconceptions about the First Amendment,” a panel that examined the complexities and boundaries of free expression in modern media. The discussion gained additional recognition after being featured on CBS17 News later that evening. 

Another standout presentation was “Unreal Futures: Preparing Students for Careers in Interactive 3D,” led by Steven Issacs of Epic Games. The session provided valuable insight into emerging technologies and career pathways in interactive media, offering students a direct connection to industry innovation and professional development. 

In addition to panel discussions, the conference hosted an organization hall where a diverse group of companies and media organizations engaged directly with students and attendees. These interactions provided valuable networking opportunities and allowed participants to explore potential career paths and industry expectations. 

The event also showcased creative talent through a series of filmmaker presentations held in the theater. Filmmakers screened their work and participated in live question-and-answer sessions, fostering meaningful dialogue around storytelling, production, and artistic expression. 

The success of the inaugural event has laid a strong foundation for future programming. Planning is already underway for the Second Annual Bronco Media Conference, scheduled for March 2027. 

For more information about future events, please contact Sean Sweeney, professor of communication, languages and cultures at FSU, at ssweeny@uncfsu.edu.

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