January 2, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Mary Ellen Michna, Publicity Chair
708/479-9010

Conference to address
stereotyping in the media

Be a part of a daring initiative as media professionals take a hard look at "Stereotyping in the Media: Focus on Women and Minorities." Whether the issue is politics, news, entertainment, advertising or business - there is a difference in how women and minorities are portrayed in the media. Just think about it: Who gets interviewed for which types of stories and why? Which community events get coverage and why? In the movies, who gets to portray the hero or the villain? Who solves the crime? Who runs the company? Who is the secretary? Who plays the janitor?

The February 15, 2003, event is a collaboration of the Association for Women Journalists and the Illinois Woman's Press Association.

The Keynote Address on "Stereotyping in the Media" will be presented by Mary Mitchell, Sun-Times columnist. Additional speakers are:

"Scanning the Media: What We Do Right and What We Do Wrong"
Beau Basel Beaudoin, Professor, Television Department
Culture, Race & Media Coordinator
Columbia College, Chicago

"Broadcast News: Management's Viewpoint on What Gets Covered, Who Gets Interviewed and Why"
Jim Disch, Public Affairs Director, Chicago Archdiocese and former News Director, CLTV

"Myths and Realities about Hispanics"
Jorge Herrera, Senior Account Executive for both national and international accounts
La Agencia de Orci & Associados, one of the largest independently owned Hispanic ad agencies in the U.S.

• Date: Saturday, February 15, 2003
• Time: 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
• Place: The Crystal Room at the Chicago Athletic Association, 12 South Michigan Ave., Chicago
• Registration (includes Continental Breakfast and Luncheon) $50 for pre-registered guests ($75 at the door); $25 for full-time students (ID required). Seating is limited.
• Send checks to Bonnie McGrath, AWJ Treasurer, 1206 S. State St., Chicago, IL 60605. Please note: IWPA/AWJ joint event on the check.

For additional information, please leave your name and telephone number at the IWPA Hotline: 312-458-9151.
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The IWPA, formed in 1885, is an affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women, which is dedicated to advancing the highest standards of professionalism for those working in the communication field. Memberships are available for any professional currently working in communications.

The AWJ, formed in 1988, was created to assure that women were adequately represented in media newsrooms and would be fairly and accurately portrayed through the news media. Membership is open to all working journalists, newsroom support personnel, college students and academics.