Day 2: The New Media Landscape

Tuesday, June 23
(Workshop descriptions subject to change)

Level: All Levels

The media landscape has changed radically in the last few years, and it continues to evolve. Local journalism is shifting, new platforms are emerging, and audiences are discovering news and stories in new ways. This day explores how communicators can navigate the changing media landscape, sharing the stories of ministry and community engagement with clarity and confidence.

*All times ET

Session 1 (12 - 1 p.m.): The Changing Face of News - Identifying Channels to Tell Your Story

Local media outlets look very different than they did a decade ago. This session explores how the news landscape is changing and how communicators can identify the outlets and platforms most likely to carry their stories. Participants will learn how to recognize emerging opportunities for sharing news about their ministries and communities.

PRESENTER: Meredith LeJeune

With more than 20 years of experience, Meredith LeJeune is an award-winning public relations professional known for developing and executing high-impact media relations campaigns. She brings both strategic insight and creative execution to her work, consistently delivering results that elevate brands and expand their reach.

LeJeune is an active leader in the communications industry, serving on the boards of directors of several prominent journalism and public relations organizations. Her service has included the Hampton Roads and New York chapters of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the Black Public Relations Society’s Atlanta and New York chapters, and the Hampton Roads chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists.

Her commitment to excellence has earned her notable recognition, including being named one of PRSA New York’s Top 15 Professionals Under 35 in 2017 and Hampton University’s 2022 class of Forty Under Forty. In 2023, she was recognized as one of Business Insider’s Rising Stars and was a PRSA New York’s Big Apple Awards winner.  In 2024, she was selected to participate in Goldman Sachs’ One Million Black Women: Black in Business program and was honored by Diversity Action Alliance as a Distinguished Communicator of Color.

Session 2 (1:15 - 2:15 p.m.): When the Media Calls - Responding to Media Inquiries

A call from a reporter can be both an opportunity and a challenge. This session explores when to respond, when to pause, and how to prepare thoughtful responses that reflect the church’s values. Participants will discuss strategies for working with journalists while supporting church leaders through complex, sensitive and even joyful situations.

PRESENTER: Coming soon!

Session 3 (2:30 - 3:30 p.m.): Pitching the Story - Helping Journalists Help You

Traditional press releases are only one way to share a story. This session explores time-tested and creative new ways to pitch stories that resonate with today’s journalists and audiences. Participants will learn how to identify compelling story angles, build relationships with reporters, and present stories of ministry in ways that capture attention.

PRESENTER: Amanda Skofstad

Amanda Skofstad serves as director of news and public affairs for The Episcopal Church. Prior to joining the churchwide staff, she worked for six years in academic communications at the University of Notre Dame and spent a decade in religious and theological book publishing. Skofstad studied communications and theology as an undergraduate and holds an MFA in creative writing from the Bennington Writing Seminars. She lives in Chicago's Hyde Park. 

Session 4 (3:45 - 4:45 p.m.): Continuing the Conversation - Breakout rooms

The last session of the day invites you to return and head into breakout rooms to continue the conversations started in the day’s three sessions. Ask questions, share work in progress, practice skills taught, or simply engage in conversation with session leaders and fellow communicators.