Irish broadcast journalist and Sky News broadcaster David Blevins will join IWU faculty and students Thursday, October 10, to speak on Ireland’s long-standing Protestant and Catholic conflict, and his experience as a Christian journalist.
Blevins is a senior Ireland correspondent whose impartial journalism on the conflict in Ireland has not only garnered international attention but has, according to Sky News, “won him commendations from both sides of the political divide.”
“David’s career is both impressive and inspiring,” said Amy Smelser, professor of journalism and communication. “He travels the world to encourage young journalists in their careers and to show them how faith informs his approach to reporting. Without his foundational faith, David's coverage of Ireland and Northern Ireland wouldn't be as rich.”
Following presentations in a few select classes on Thursday, Blevins will speak in the Globe Theater at 6:30 p.m. for a general audience on The Troubles, an ethno-nationalistic Irish conflict between Catholics and Protestants, and how this national conflict arose from more than political or religious differences.
Dr. Mark Perry, chair and professor of the Division of Communication and Theatre, said the division is thrilled about having Blevins on campus. “David is a first-class journalist and an inspiring brother in Christ,” remarked Perry. “The opportunity for our students to learn from David allows for strong faith integration grounded in real world experience.”
Blevins’s work and connection to IWU professors has also helped to initiate a journalism travel class in May 2020 to Northern Ireland working with Blevins and others. The goal is to help students learn to report on events that have lasting trauma on people.
“Because of our relationship with David, Dr. Perry and I proposed a travel class to Northern Ireland,” Smelser said. “David connected us with people in Belfast to create an itinerary that will enable students to meet people on both sides of the Northern Ireland conflict. We'll learn from David and other Christian journalists as we give voice to the people most affected by decades of trauma. I can't think of better professionals to teach us the important role faith plays in our field.”
For more information on the Division of Communication and Theater, visit indwes.edu/undergraduate/division-of-communication-and-theatre/.