J-school hosts Washington, D.C., journalists roundtable about N.C. politics

The UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media hosted a roundtable discussion for journalists — “North Carolina: Political Hot Spot in 2014 and Beyond” — April 2 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

The event is part of an ongoing series for journalists organized by Ferrel Guillory, a professor of the practice in the J-school and the director of the UNC Program on Public Life.

J-school Dean Susan King moderated the discussion by a panel consisting of Peter Hans, chair of the UNC Board of Governors; James Johnson of the Kenan Institute for Private Enterprise; Nicholas Didow of the Kenan-Flagler Business School; and Guillory.

The audience included representatives of The Washington Post, Associated Press, Governing magazine, Reuters and Pew Research Center. Several J-school alumni who work in the nation’s capital attended, as did some students spending this semester in Washington.

Discussions touched on North Carolina’s political makeup, shifting demographics, the state’s dramatic population growth, the effort to fashion a “brand’’ for North Carolina, and public higher education.

For journalist resources on North Carolina’s political landscape or for information about the UNC Program on Public Life, contact Guillory at ferrelg@email.unc.edu.

Pictured: Nicholas Didow, right, presents as, left to right, James Johnson, Ferrel Guillory and Peter Hans listen. (Photo courtesy of Kelley Sousa)