Journalism in a Changing Age
Veteran journalists Cheryl Devall (KRVS), Jim Hummel (KADN), and Jan Risher (The Advocate) discussed how journalism has changed, from the rapid news cycle and rise of social media to growing misinformation. They examined pressures on press freedom, shrinking newsroom resources, and media consolidation, offering insight into how these shifts affect reporting and community trust.
ABOUT THE PANELISTS
Cheryl Devall is a veteran storyteller in sound, images and words. As a correspondent for National Public Radio, an editor for Marketplace, Southern California Public Radio and nonfiction audio projects and, most recently, as station manager at KRVS Public Media in Lafayette, Louisiana, she has worked in public radio on and off since 1988. She’s also reported for newspapers in Boston, Louisville, Chicago and Opelousas, the birthplace of Zydeco music. Over four different decades as a reporter and editor, Devall has shared in four duPont-Columbia awards for excellence in broadcasting.
Jim Hummel is the evening co-anchor of News15 KADN/KLAF-TV in Lafayette. During his 16-year tenure as an anchor and reporter in Lafayette, Hummel has covered nearly every major news story in Acadiana. His investigative work has won two Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards, and three regional Edward R. Murrow Awards. He’s also been named Louisiana’s Reporter of the Year four times by the Associated Press Broadcaster’s Association.
Jan Risher is the Louisiana culture editor for The Times-Picayune, The Advocate, and The Acadiana Advocate, and also edits Louisiana Inspired and Louisiana Health. A columnist since 2002, her Sunday “Long Story Short” explores community and the human condition, while her Tuesday “Louisiana at Large” chronicles adventures across the state. A writer, teacher, and entrepreneur, she’s visited 49 countries and 46 states. Her books include Q of the D and Looking to the Stars from Old Algiers. She holds a Master’s in Journalism and New Media and lives in Baton Rouge with her family.