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“It’s important to listen to and read the work from these talented journalists, but it’s also extremely valuable for our students and the general public to hear about their perspectives and methodology, and to ask them questions.”

Andrew Conte, director, Center for Media Innovation

Pictured is David Folkenflik. Submitted photo

Journalists from National Public Radio and The New York Times Magazine will headline Point Park University's 2019 Media Innovators Speaker Series. 

The series, presented by the Center for Media Innovation and the Pittsburgh Playhouse, in collaboration with 90.5 WESA, kicks off Tuesday, Jan. 15, with David Folkenflik, a media correspondent for NPR. His work primarily appears on NPR news programs “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.” He also co-hosts “On Point” and appears regularly on “Media Circus.”

Andrew Conte, director of the Center for Media Innovation, said this rich selection of national reporters will allow for engaging discussions on the rapidly changing media, the environment and politics.

Pictured is Nathaniel Rich. Submitted photo

“It’s important to listen to and read the work from these talented journalists, but it’s also extremely valuable for our students and the general public to hear about their perspectives and methodology, and to ask them questions,” Conte said.

WESA General Manager John Sutton said the growing role of media in people’s lives requires that we better understand it.

“We’re pleased to partner with Point Park to bring some of NPR’s best journalists to Pittsburgh for important conversations about how media both shapes the news and is a part of it,” Sutton said.

2019 Media Innovators Speaker Series 

Pictured is Melissa Block. Submitted photo

All shows start at 7 p.m. at the Pittsburgh Playhouse at Point Park University.

  • Tuesday, Jan. 15: David Folkenflik, PNC Theatre. Tickets are $25. Archived video of Folkenflik's Q&A with Point Park students | Speaker Series presentation.

  • Thursday, Feb. 21: Nathaniel Rich, Highmark Theatre. Tickets are $25. Rich is a novelist and writer-at-large for The New York Times Magazine. He recently authored “Losing Earth,” an interactive feature in The New York Times that looks at how humans failed to stop climate change. Sponsored by the Heinz Endowments, as part of the environmental journalism program at Point Park.

Pictured is Don Gonyea. Submitted photo

  • Tuesday, March 19: Melissa Block, PNC Theatre. Tickets are $35. Block, the former host of “All Things Considered,” is a special correspondent for NPR. She produces richly reported profiles of figures at the forefront of thought and culture, as well as stories on the critical issues of our day.

  • Thursday, May 9: Don Gonyea, Highmark Theatre. Tickets are $50. Gonyea, a national political correspondent for NPR based in Washington, D.C., spends much of his time traveling throughout the U.S. covering campaigns, elections and the national political climate. His reports can be heard on all NPR programs and at NPR.org.

A four-show package can be purchased for $100, a 25 percent savings over individual ticket prices. In addition, a Herbein + Company Four Show Meet & Greet Package can be purchased for $400. This includes a ticket to each event, plus a pre-show meet-and-greet with food and drinks included. That package is limited to just 50 tickets.

Ticket sales for individual shows go on sale Monday, Nov. 26. For more information or to order tickets, call 412-392-8000 or stop by the Pittsburgh Playhouse Box Office.

Video Highlights

David Folkenflik Speaks to Students

Media Innovators Speakers Series Welcomes David Folkenflik