Our “Meet the Media” event has always been one of our most highly attended programs each year. Using our popular “speed pitching” format, attendees can meet one-on-one with members of the media during timed speed pitching sessions.
For a few minutes, you'll have the undivided attention of assignment editors, reporters and producers from local TV, radio and print outlets looking for story ideas. The program will also include top pitching tips from our media guests - a chance to hear how they most like to receive pitches.
*NEW THIS YEAR* - as the media landscape continues to evolve, we're inviting representatives from new, non-traditional media outlets such as influencers, bloggers and podcasters!
Space is limited for this event to allow enough time for all attendees to meet with media outlets, so be sure to register!
Save your spot and watch this space as we confirm media participants.
MEDIA PARTICIPANTS (This list is evolving; please check back.)
Janice Allen, WXMI Fox 17, Anchor - Morning News
Janice Allen is an Emmy-award-winning journalist who anchors FOX 17 Morning News from 7-10 a.m. on weekdays.
Since 2011, Janice has inspired West Michigan with the Emmy award-winning “Pay it Forward” franchise, highlighting positive stories across our community.
A passionate storyteller and community advocate, Janice also dedicates her time to causes like March of Dimes, Make-A-Wish Michigan, and Lori’s Voice, where she serves as a board member.
Janice's work has been recognized by the Michigan Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Indiana Broadcasters Association, Indiana Associated Press and Society of Professional Journalists.
Teanna Barnes, WWMT News Channel 3, Reporter/MMJ
Teanna joined the WWMT team in June 2024 as a multimedia journalist. She graduated from Michigan State University in April 2024, earning her bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Musical Theatre.
While at MSU, Teanna participated in Focal Point, the school's weekly newscast. As an anchor and reporter for Focal Point, Teanna covered both national and campus-related news stories, with a commitment to telling the stories of the neighboring communities.
Teanna is originally from West Bloomfield in Oakland County, and has many fond memories of growing up in Metro Detroit.
Teanna is passionate about the importance of the arts in schools as well as mental health advocacy and awareness.
Corinne Bass, @thalifeofrin, West Michigan Influencer, Content Creator, Digital Storyteller
Corinne (Rin) is a content creator and creative strategist specializing in social media and digital storytelling. With a combined following of nearly 30,000 across Instagram and TikTok, she shares travel, lifestyle, and fashion content centered around Michigan while helping brands translate their vision into impactful campaigns. Corinne holds a degree in Public Relations from Central Michigan University and is a former CMU PRSSA member.
Theresa Coty O’Neil, Southwest Michigan Second Wave, Editor
Theresa Coty O’Neil is the Managing Editor of Southwest Michigan Second Wave. As a longtime freelance writer, editor, and writing teacher, she has a passion for sharing the positive stories in Southwest Michigan and for mentoring young writers. She also serves as the Project Editor of the Faith in Action series and Project Lead for Battle Creek Voices of Youth.
Audra Gamble, MLive/The Grand Rapids Press, Editor
Audra Gamble has been a journalist in West Michigan for over a decade. She is an editor for MLive/The Grand Rapids Press and previously was the lead news reporter for MLive's West Michigan newspaper properties. Audra is a graduate of Grand Valley State University and grew up in Metro Detroit. She has won several Michigan Press Association and Michigan Associated Press journalism awards, including best public service journalism and best feature writing. She and her family live in Hudsonville.
Tanner Hollbrook, WZZM-TV 13 On Your Side, Morning Anchor & Reporter
Tanner Holbrook joined the WZZM 13 On Your Side team in June of 2024 as a morning anchor and reporter.
Holbrook is a native of southwest Michigan, hailing from Coldwater. He grew up watching Grand Rapids television and is excited to return to his home market.
He got his start in news during his early college years at Ball State University in Indiana. There, he reported and anchored for the student-run newscast, NewsLink Indiana.
During his time in college, Holbrook reported and anchored news on WLKI-FM radio in Angola, Indiana, and also spent some time as an intern at WKRC-TV, the CBS station in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Most recently, Tanner worked at WFIE-TV 14 News, the NBC station in Evansville, Indiana. He started as a reporter there in 2019, and quickly worked his way up to the evening weekend news anchor role. In 2021, Holbrook took over the morning anchor role at WFIE.
Bill Krupka, WWMT News Channel 3, Photojournalist
Bill Krupka is a Photojournalist at WWMT News Channel 3. Krupka is a video professional and instructional design specialist with extensive experience in pre-production, production and post-production. As a video creator, he utilizes storytelling strategy through multimedia and video production.
Krupka has been with WWMT News Channel 3 since September 2003. He's a newsroom leader with proven skills in shooting, writing and editing news stories on a daily basis for broadcast on air and online. Krupka has been nominated for three Michigan Broadcast Emmy awards, and is a winner of numerous Associated Press Awards and numerous Michigan Association of Broadcasters Awards.
Dee Morrison Albin, WGVU Public Media, General Assignment Reporter
Dee Morrison Albin is a seasoned reporter and award-winning broadcast journalist, covering news from the nation’s capital to the Great Lakes.
Her career spans major markets, including roles as a helicopter reporter for Fox 5 Washington D.C. and news anchor at WOOD TV8 in Grand Rapids, where she developed a reputation for sharp, community-focused reporting.
Dee is currently serving as a General Assignment Reporter for WGVU Public Media in Grand Rapids, the NPR station for West Michigan.
With an eye for detail and a passion for local narrative, Dee covers a broad spectrum of topics including environmental conservation, data center development, regional projects, and workforce trends in education and healthcare.
Dee’s reporting consistently highlights the intersection of public policy and community well-being, making her a trusted voice in West Michigan media.
Richard Piet, Battle Creek Podcast/Community Matters, Founder; Livemic Communications, Founder & President
Richard Piet created BattleCreekPodcast.com as a place to grow locally relevant content. At BattleCreekPodcast.com, he created a hub where local conversations can be found, followed and listened to.
Richard's professional experience includes sharing folks' stories through engaging radio and podcast interview discussions, putting interviewees at ease. With more than 20 years in radio news and talk show hosting, Richard has also built relationships across industries, been a go-to communicator and writer, and a person with whom people want to work. With his new venture, Livemic Communications, Richard is expanding his reach to assist organizations in creating purposeful exposure for their messages.
Jamie Rena', West Michigan Content Creator & Founder of Edit Co. Media Boutique
Jamie Rena' is a Grand Rapids-based marketing professional, content creator, and founder of Edit Co. Media Boutique. Jamie creates community-centered brand connections through storytelling, social media content, creator partnerships, and real-life experiences. Her work is rooted in helping businesses, creators, and communities show up authentically, intentionally, and impactfully.
REGISTRATION
Members $25
Future Members: $35
Students and Un-/Under-employed: Free
AMA Members: $25
Please register by May 12.