Arab American News publisher to speak Oct. 13 as part of Hearst series

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications is hosting a lecture by Osama Siblani as part of the Hearst Speaker Series on Diversity and Modern Media at 7 p.m. Oct. 13 at Andersen Hall, 200 Centennial Mall North.

Siblani is the publisher of The Arab American News, the largest and most widely circulated Arab American publication in the United States.

"I look forward to sharing my experience on diversity in the media and the newsroom," he said. "The rise of xenophobia and anti-Arab and Muslim sentiments in the post-9/11 era puts an additional responsibility on the media to be a voice of reason that tells the truth and promotes tolerance, instead of reinforcing stereotypes. That's what we have been doing at The Arab American News for the past 31 years."  

Siblani was inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame in April 2013. He is a recipient of the Spirit of Diversity in Journalism Award from Wayne State University.

"The Hearst Speaker Series on Diversity and Modern Media is designed to explore issues relating to all forms of diversity in contemporary media," said Maria Marron, dean of the college. "I look forward to the conversation Osama Siblani's perspective as the publisher of The Arab American News will bring this series, and this campus."

A diverse newsroom better reflects the population, which enables fairer, more accurate reporting. To have success in covering diverse issues, a clear strategy must be credited to preserve fairness and accuracy. The Hearst Series on Diversity and Modern Media is a platform to further explore these issues.

The lecture will take place in Andersen Hall, Room 15. More information is available on the Hearst Series website at http://journalism.unl.edu/diversity-series.

The inaugural season of the Hearst Speaker Series will enhance media creators and consumers' awareness of issues in a multifaceted, diverse society and encourage dialogue to improve access to and fairness in the media. The series is provided by an endowment from the Hearst Foundation.

Writer: Stacie Sikora, College of Journalism and Mass Communications