Challenges in Political Media Commentary

Session Submission Type: Paper Session

Abstract

This panel examines the role of the rhetor/critic in political commentary. For this off-election year pundits will be commenting on topics in local and national elections. Media often have their pick of academic scholars from a variety of disciplines. The panelists have had much experience providing commentary and will discuss their roles in securing air time, the sometimes conflicting roles of exponent and proponent and the ethical and other ad hoc issues inherent in commentary.

Sub Unit

• NCA First Vice President

Chair

• Mary L Kahl, SUNY New Paltz

Respondent

• Mitchell S McKinney, University of Missouri, Columbia

• Kathleen E. Kendall, University of Maryland

• Gerald H. Sanders, Miami University

• Richard E. Vatz, Towson University

Session Organizer

• Wren Colker, Univ of South Florida