© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
WKAR Special Events

NBA's Steve Smith Hosts All-Star Roster of Sports Journalists at Spartan Sports Journalism Classic

Thursday, April 11, 4:45 p.m. | WKAR Studio A | RESERVE SEATS HERE

Some of the biggest names in sports journalism will convene at Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts & Sciences (CAS) building on April 11 when NBA All Star and Michigan State University Athletics Hall of Famer Steve Smith and CAS Dean Pamela Whitten host the first Spartan Sports Journalism Classic.

Steve Smith

“I’m looking forward to connecting with the next generation of sports journalists," Smith said. "MSU has played a big part in my life. I’m honored to join my colleagues and fellow Spartans to support one of the best sports journalism programs anywhere.”

Sports Journalists Panel Open To Public

The event will take place Thursday, April 11, and includes two panels of sports journalists addressing issues related to timely topics and answering questions. The panels, which begin at 4:45 p.m., will be moderated by Smith and streamed live on WKAR.org. Tickets to the panel presentations are free, but reservations are required. RESERVE SEATS HERE

The panels promise a thoughtful look into the world of sports journalism from the perspective of experienced sports journalists and industry professionals. Students are assisting in the preparation of questions. The live audience will include students, faculty and friends of CAS and WKAR. Earle Robinson will also be honored for his 39-year contribution to sports in mid-Michigan.

Sharing Expertise with Students

In addition, journalists will also share their career experiences and insights with MSU journalism students during morning classes and participate in “Speed Coaching” that afternoon. Students will have five minutes to promote themselves to a sports broadcasting superstar before a whistle blows and they are off to a new round.

"An interest in giving back..."

“Early this year I had the opportunity to visit with Steve Smith in Atlanta,” said Whitten, speaking of the former MSU basketball star who also adds U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist and NBA TV sports journalist to his credits. “Steve expressed an interest in giving back to MSU by working with our sports journalism students and challenged us to develop creative learning experiences. I was thrilled when he agreed to co-host a special event with me to help elevate national awareness of our sports journalism program and WKAR's growing commitment to sports.”

Honoring Earle Robinson

In the evening, Smith and Whitten will host an invitational dinner honoring former WKAR sports host and reporter Earle Robinson, who retired in February after 39 years at the station. Robinson was the host of the daily call-in SportsTalk/870 on WKAR.

Featured Guests

In addition to Steve Smith, confirmed guests to date who will participate in journalism classes, speed coaching and the panel discussions include: Jarrett Bell of USA Today, Joe Block of the Milwaukee Brewers, Jack Ebling of SPORT Magazine, Ryan Field of Fox Sports Detroit, Jeff Genthner of Fox Sports South, Rick Gosselin of The Dallas Morning News, Lynn Henning of the Detroit News, Tara Hernandez of Fox 17 TV in Grand Rapids, Greg Kelser of Fox Sports Detroit and Big Ten Network, Joe Rexrode of the Detroit Free Press, Jeremy Sampson of WILX/Lansing, Shireen Saski of CBS Sports, Dennis Schwarze of Lansing State Journal, Tom Shanahan of Gameday Central, Tim Staudt of WILX/Lansing, Kelly Thesier of the LPGA, Al Toby of Yahoo! Sports, and more.

Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!