This program is generously sponsored by:
Our “Meet the Media” event has always been one of our most highly-attended programs. 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. Space is limited for this event to allow enough time for all attendees to meet with media outlets, so be sure to register.
Confirmed media representatives (list is evolving; please watch for updates)
Brooks Blanton, News Director, WZZM 13 On Your Side
Brooks Blanton is the News Director at WZZM 13 On Your Side. Brooks has 30 years of experience in the TV News business and has worked at stations in Lansing, Tucson, Phoenix, Charlotte and served as a network producer for FOX NewsChannel based in Atlanta. He has covered major news events throughout his career including several major hurricanes, the BP Gulf Oil Spill and several Presidential elections. Brooks is a native Michigander and a graduate of Michigan State University. Prior to his position at WZZM, Brooks was the News Director at WXMI FOX 17 for nearly 8 years.
Madalyn Buursma, Digital Reporter, WOOD TV 8
Madalyn Buursma first joined WOOD TV8 in 2021 as a site producer. She now works as a digital business reporter for woodtv.com, covering business, development, housing and library stories in West Michigan.
She graduated from Calvin University in 2019, where she worked as the features editor for Calvin Chimes. She also previously worked as an author’s assistant at En-Gedi Resource Center.
Madalyn grew up in Holland and currently lives in Grand Rapids.Reach out to Madalyn with business tips at madalyn.buursma@woodtv.com.
Shelley Irwin, Host, WGVU
Shelley Irwin is the host and producer for The Shelley Irwin Show, a news magazine talk-show format on the local NPR affiliate Monday through Friday. The show, broadcast at 9 a.m., features a wide variety of local and national news makers, plus special features.
She also hosts several public affairs program on the TV side, including Family Health Matters and Kalamazoo Lively Arts. Shelley is award winning in her profession, including five consecutive Gracie Allen Awards from American Women in TV and Radio for excellence as a program host. She was awarded the 2016 Athena Award, honoring an individual who has demonstrated leadership in their profession, mentored and opened new opportunities for women and contributed time and talent to the community and the Rotary of Grand Rapids’ Service Above Self award, given in recognition of Frederik Meijer, whose humanitarian acts of selfless service made an enduring difference in the lives of others.
Most recently, Irwin was named as one of the 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders in West Michigan by the Grand Rapids Business Journal. Her community involvement extends from the Kent County Park Foundation to the Michigan Women’s Foundation, Hope Network, and Girl Scouts among others. She has been named one of the “50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan” twice by Gemini Publications, and has represented the U.S. in the Long Distance Triathlon and Duathlon World Championships.
Joe LaFurgey, Assistant News Director, WOOD TV 8
Joe LaFurgey joined WOOD TV8 as a reporter in 1990. Over the past 29 years, Joe has carved a reputation as a tenacious and talented reporter and writer.
Joe’s career began as a newspaper reporter with the Genesee County Herald in 1982 while he was in college.
After he earned a B.A. in broadcast journalism from Central Michigan University, Joe turned to television in his hometown of Flint. He moved on to WILX-TV in Lansing in 1988 immediately before coming to Grand Rapids.
Over the years, Joe has been saluted by his peers. He’s received numerous awards from the Michigan Associated Press in a number of different categories.
Joe and his family live in the Grand Rapids area.
Lindsay Moore, Reporter, MLive
Lindsay Moore is originally from Metro Detroit and is currently based in Grand Rapids. She studied journalism and sociology at Indiana University. Before returning home to Michigan, Lindsay spent time reporting in Arizona and Indiana. She covers tourism and economic development up and down the lakeshore in West Michigan. From hidden gems to major investments, Lindsay is looking for stories that show tourism along Lake Michigan is an economic engine for the state as a whole. Lindsay is also interested in the intersection of socioeconomics and the environment. As West Michigan grows, there's more stories to tell about balancing the housing market and conserving green space. In 2022, she explored how Michigan's climate would bring new people, business, and infrastructure to the state. The Climate Haven project won first place for environmental reporting from the Society of Professional Journalists.
Adam Russo, Publisher, West Michigan Newspop
With more than a decade of experience in public relations, Adam Russo founded West Michigan Newspop to spotlight stories often overlooked in the West Michigan news landscape. Independent and locally owned, West Michigan Newspop covers small businesses, nonprofits, and the individuals shaping the community. The online news blog features a wide range of industries, including agriculture, arts, education, construction, food and drink, health, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, tech, and sports.
Adam is a three-time Grand Rapids Business Journal "40 Under 40" honoree and has served as an adjunct public relations professor at Grand Valley State University. Committed to community service, he actively participates on several boards and committees.
Outside of his professional work, Adam enjoys spending time with his dog, training for and competing in marathons and Ironman triathlons, and exploring national parks with his wife.
Mark Sanchez, Staff Writer, Crain’s Grand Rapids Business
Mark Sanchez is a staff writer at Crain’s Grand Rapids Business covering health care and finance. He has worked as a reporter in the West Michigan market for more than 35 years and previously worked at the former MiBiz for 11 prior to its acquisition by Crain Communications in late 2022. He has also worked at the former Business Review West Michigan and Grand Rapids Business Journal, and at The Holland Sentinel as a staff report and business editor. He started his career in radio news at WGHN in Grand Haven.
Phil Tower, Host/Station Manager, WYCE 88.1FM Community Radio
A leader in West Michigan broadcasting, Phil Tower has been on the air for over 30 years. His most recent position was director of news and programming at iHeartradio Grand Rapids-WOOD AM/FM radio, where he provided strategic guidance for all spoken word programming initiatives and managed on-air programming, talent coaching, digital streaming, social media, and podcasting. He has also held positions as marketing and promotion director for WLAV FM radio and as midday talk host at WOOD radio.
In his role as WYCE station manager, Tower is responsible for overseeing daily operations, managing the station’s brand and budget, supervising staff, leading fund development efforts, and spending a good deal of time in community outreach.
In addition to his work with WYCE, Phil operates a private programming and podcast consultancy and has provided strategic guidance and production services for numerous brands, including iHeartMedia (Phil hosts “CEOs You Should Know: Grand Rapids”), Guiding Light, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, Holland Home, and others.
Tower also serves as a member of the adjunct faculty of the Multimedia Journalism department at Grand Valley State University.
“As a Grand Rapidian through and through, I am excited to serve my community’s only public radio station,” Tower said. “Over the course of my career, I’ve seen the power in promoting local voices. It is an honor to lead WYCE once again and be part of the Grand Rapids Community Media Center.
Matt Witkos, Multi-Media Journalist, FOX 17 WXMI
Matt Witkos started at FOX 17 News Team in October 2021.
Matt is a Michigan native from the east side of the state and we won't hold that against him. He's very proud of his Michigan roots. He has worked and traveled all around the country and continues to consider the Great Lake State to be his favorite place.
Before moving to Grand Rapids, Matt worked in Flint at ABC12 news. There he was awarded a Michigan Association of Broadcasters for his Breaking News coverage of a massive fire at a local business. Matt also spent many hours and days exposing issues going on in the city of Flint and its leaders.
When not in the newsroom or out covering a story, you can find Matt visiting and enjoying western Michigan. He's often on trips to local downtowns when he has some downtime. You can see some of his adventures on his social media pages. So, make sure to drop him a like and a follow. If you happen to see Matt, make sure to say hi. He enjoys meeting new people and hearing more about what makes this state so great."
VENUE DIRECTIONS/PARKING
We will be meeting in the event space on the first floor - Christman Community Commons
Directions and parking information
REGISTRATION
Members $25
Future Members: $35
Students and Un-/Under-employed: Free
AMA Members: $25
Please register by April 18.