Oppenheimer Ethics Symposium

A marquee outside a cinema with showtimes for the Oppenheimer Ethics Symposium: Bad Press

Media with a purpose

The Oppenheimer Ethics Symposium is a spotlight event in the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences at University of Idaho that brings national attention to ethical issues in media. Each year, the symposium invites one distinguished keynote speaker — a renowned journalist, editor, filmmaker, scholar or media professional — to lead a public conversation on the ethical responsibilities of the press.

With a focus on timely topics such as misinformation, representation and media accountability, the symposium fosters public dialogue and encourages students to critically examine the evolving role of journalism in society.

This event is free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend the keynote presentation and related discussions.

A legacy of ethical inquiry

Founded in 2011, the Oppenheimer Ethics Symposium is sponsored by the School of Journalism and Mass Media. Its mission is to promote professional responsibility and ethical behavior by journalists and other media professionals, while giving students the opportunity to engage with nationally recognized journalists and media professionals.

The symposium is made possible through the support of U of I alumni Doug and Arthur “Skip” Oppenheimer of Boise.

Event highlights

The Oppenheimer Symposium features a range of interactive and thought-provoking experiences designed to engage both the campus and broader community in media ethics. In addition to the keynote presentation, the symposium often includes panels with faculty and students, classroom visits from the keynote speaker and community events that extend the conversation beyond campus and encourage broader public dialogue.

Past keynote speakers and topics
  • 2025: Christine Brennan, USA Today sports columnist — Women’s sports and media representation
  • 2024: Rebecca Landsberry-Baker and Joe Peeler — Press freedom in Indian Country ("Bad Press")
  • 2023: Katie Sanders, PolitiFact — Finding Truth in a Sea of Misinformation
  • 2022: Carl Zimmer, New York Times — Science reporting during COVID-19
  • 2021: David Folkenflik, NPR media correspondent
  • 2019: Kendra Pierre-Louis, environmental reporter, The New York Times
  • 2018: Adam Goldman, national security reporter, The New York Times
  • 2017: John Branch, national sports reporter, The New York Times
  • 2016: Leonard Pitts, syndicated columnist
  • 2015: Jacqui Banaszynski, Knight Professor of Community Journalism, University of Missouri
  • 2014: Paul Farhi, media writer, The Washington Post
  • 2012: Kelly McBride, lead ethicist, Poynter Institute
  • 2011: Jan Schaffer, executive director, J-Lab

Why it matters: Ethics in a changing media landscape

The symposium provides a platform for examining media’s role in shaping society — from journalism to documentary filmmaking to strategic communication. As media continues to evolve, the event encourages attendees to understand the impact of ethical journalism, reflect on the responsibilities of storytellers and media professionals, and advocate for free, accurate and inclusive media.

Contact us

For more information or media inquiries, please contact Caitlin Cieslik-Miskimen.