The College of Communication and Information Sciences (C&IS) continues to distinguish itself as a place where students experience opportunities with global impact. On Sept. 19, Alabama Public Radio (APR), stationed inside The University of Alabama’s Digital Media Center (DMC), welcomed its first State Department delegation. The event brought international voices and perspectives directly to campus.
The depth and seriousness of APR’s reporting was first noticed by the State Department three years ago when APR’s 14-month investigation into human trafficking caught their attention. APR News Director Pat Duggins was asked to address a delegation from 13 African nations that were engaged in a fight against trafficking in their own countries.
That invitation led to seven follow-up requests from the State Department and the Congressional Office of International Leadership to address delegations with members from 50 nations on the work done at APR. Those talks showcased APR’s approach to storytelling and the unique contributions of its student interns, whose reporting is a centerpiece of the newsroom.
In this most recent September visit, journalists from Sweden, Ireland, Germany, Latvia, Serbia, Slovenia and Spain came together for a day of thoughtful discussions on media ethics and storytelling. They were greeted by C&IS Dean Brian Butler, who underscored the college’s commitment to preparing students for leadership in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Dr. Chris Roberts, a longtime champion of ethical journalism, guided the group through an exploration of professional standards and APR’s student interns shared the stories they have investigated and produced.
“I’ve given eight of these talks to international delegations, and I always mention the work of Alabama Public Radio’s student interns,” Duggins said. “But this is the first time the State Department has visited the APR newsroom. Our interns’ eyes lit up at the opportunity to meet these European journalists.”
The visit marked a milestone for both APR and C&IS, not only as the first time an international State Department delegation stepped inside the DMC, but as a reminder of the global relevance of student-driven storytelling at Alabama. By opening the doors of the APR newsroom, C&IS demonstrated the ways in which its students are learning, leading and contributing to conversations that transcend borders.
For APR and C&IS, the delegation’s visit was more than just a tour. It was an affirmation of the global reach of the work taking place within the DMC. What began as a local newsroom investigation has evolved into an international dialogue on journalism, ethics and the role of students in shaping the future of media. As the conversations in Tuscaloosa demonstrated, the stories produced by APR’s newsroom are not dictated by geography. They resonate across borders, sparking dialogue and building bridges of understanding.
For students, the delegation’s visit was an honor and a clear sign of the importance of being a part of APR. Meeting international journalists face-to-face and sharing stories and experiences gave students a chance to see journalism beyond the confines of Alabama.