How do we build institutional trust through earned media when the rules of journalism are being rewritten?
Join us for the first Communicators' Forum of 2026 for a deep dive into the state of the press. As communicators, we operate at the intersection of public interest and institutional storytelling. Our distinguished panel will explore how journalists navigate credibility and accountability in an era of skepticism.
The panel:
- Moderator: Zoe Clark, Michigan Public Associate General Manager, Political Director, and Co-host of It's Just Politics
- Elizabeth Jensen, Knight-Wallace Fellow and Co-chair, Press Forward Northern Michigan
- Josh Pasek, Professor of Communication & Media and Political Science
- Nicole Avery Nichols, Editor and Vice President of the Detroit Free Press
During the forum you'll also hear from interim Vice President for Communications Ken Kettenbeil and get an update from ITS on the ADA federal compliance guidelines.
Please note the later start time. Morning refreshments will be served starting at 9:30 a.m. in the Rogel Ballroom at the Michigan Union, 530 S. State Street. All attendees will need to be seated by 10:00 a.m. We hope to see you there!
The nearest parking for U-M pass-holders is the Thompson Street parking structure at 508 Thompson Street. The closest municipal parking is along city streets (the ePark Ann Arbor app is a convenient way to pay) or at the Maynard Parking Structure at 324 Maynard Street. Rates are $1.65 per hour.
