TOLEDO, OH – PRSA Northwest Ohio, the Press Club of Toledo and AAF Toledo will jointly host “Meet the Media,” an interactive panel discussion on Thursday, March 19, at WGTE Public Media.

The event will bring together journalists, editors and media professionals with public relations and marketing practitioners for an honest, behind-the-scenes look at today’s evolving media landscape. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with media representatives and gain insights into newsroom priorities, storytelling trends and best practices for working with the press.

“Meet the Media is an important opportunity to strengthen relationships between journalists and communications professionals in our region,” said Marcus Harrison, board president of the Press Club of Toledo. “Open dialogue helps foster trust, transparency and more effective storytelling across our community.”

Valerie Thompson, board president of AAF Toledo, said the event highlights the value of collaboration across communications disciplines. “Bringing together professionals from advertising, public relations and journalism creates a more connected and informed local media ecosystem,” Thompson said.

Anastasia Ortiz, board president of PRSA Northwest Ohio, said the program is designed to provide practical insights and meaningful connections for attendees. “This event offers a unique chance to hear directly from media leaders about what they need from communicators today,” Ortiz said. “It supports professional development while strengthening partnerships that benefit organizations and audiences alike.”

Networking will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by the program at noon at WGTE Public Media in Toledo.

Jaden Jefferson will serve as moderator. Panelists include Rona Proudfoot, city editor at The Blade; Fletcher Word, publisher of Sojourner’s Truth; Logan Cooney, audio production manager at FM 91 WGTE Public Media; Riley Runnells, program manager at EPIC Toledo; Sophia Perricone, anchor at WTOL 11; Sashem Brey, anchor at 13abc; and Erin Holden, editor at Toledo Free Press.

Tickets are available online: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/northwestohio-prsa/meet-the-media-in-partnership-with-press-club-aaf-toledo-prsa-nwo