Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/605448
34 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2015 | SAGAFTRA.org Broadcast News AT CONFERENCES NATIONWIDE, SAG-AFTRA IS THERE Native American Journalists Association's National Native Media Conference Crystal City, Virginia / July 9–12 Journalists, broadcasters, producers, filmmakers and professionals from tribal, independent and mainstream media across the U.S. convened to raise the professional profile of this important group. SAG-AFTRA Native American Committee member LaVonne Rae Andrews and Becky Curran, SAG-AFTRA's EEO & Diversity coordinator, attended to network with journalists and SAG-AFTRA employers. The goal of the conference and NAJA is to improve communications among Native people and between Native Americans and the general public. National Native Americans Committee member LaVonne Rae Andrews. National Association of Black Journalists 40th Anniversary Convention and Career Fair Minneapolis, Minnesota / Aug. 5–9 The NABJ Conference and Career Fair is the largest diversity journalism conference in the nation, and is attended by top professionals in the country and students looking to enter the broadcast industry. This year at the NABJ convention, SAG-AFTRA sponsored a panel discussion called Changing Times, Changing Terms: Navigating your Career Path. The well- attended panel included Vice President, Broadcasters Catherine Brown; members Reg Chapman of WCCO-TV and Vickie Thomas of WWJ/CBS Radio; SAG-AFTRA's Associate Executive Director/Labor Counsel, News and Broadcast Rich Larkin; and agent Rob Jordan from Ken Lindner & Associates. SAG-AFTRA also had a booth in the convention expo hall, where Chicago Executive Director Eric Chaudron and Director of Locals Administration Colleen Aho answered questions for conference attendees. A highlight of this year's NABJ Convention was the President's Reception, hosted by then-NABJ President Bob Butler, a SAG-AFTRA member who serves on both the National Board and Broadcast Steering Committee. SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Broadcasters Catherine Brown, left, with National Board member and former National Association of Black Journalists President Bob Butler. Asian American Journalists Association National Convention San Francisco / Aug. 12–15 At this year's AAJA Convention, SAG-AFTRA sponsored a reception for young members and students to familiarize them with the union and give them the opportunity to network with established SAG-AFTRA members. The union also held office hours, where attendees could meet one-on-one with staff members, including National Director, News & Broadcast Southern California Anna Calderon; Director, EEO & Diversity Ellen Huang; and Broadcast Business Representative Jessica Bowker. The trio provided help with personal service contracts and answered attendees' questions. SAG-AFTRA staff also attended other key AAJA Convention events, including an online Google hangout session, where convention attendees could inquire about the union. Members and pre-members attended a SAG-AFTRA-sponsored reception at the Asian American Journalists Association convention. S AG-AFTRA's News & Broadcast and EEO & Diversity departments attended a series of important national journalism conventions and conferences this year. These conferences are a chance for journalists and broadcasters to network, spend time with colleagues, and increase their knowledge about prominent issues in the news and broadcast industry. SAG-AFTRA has always been a fierce advocate for diversity in the workplace and educating media professionals about their workplace rights. Continues on page 36