The inaugural Oklahoma Local News Summit will bring journalists, students and members of the public to downtown Tulsa on Friday, Oct. 23, for a day focused on press freedom, journalism training and recognition of Oklahoma journalists.
Freedom of Information Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Media Center and the Oklahoma Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists are organizing the event. It will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Pocahontas Greadington Learning and Creativity Center in Tulsa’s Central Library.
Oklahoma Local News Summit event details
- Date: Friday, Oct. 23, 2026
- Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Location: Pocahontas Greadington Learning and Creativity Center, Tulsa Central Library
- Organizers: Freedom of Information Oklahoma, Oklahoma Media Center and Oklahoma SPJ Pro Chapter
- Programming: First Amendment discussions, investigative journalism keynote, professional training workshops, networking and journalism awards
First Amendment Congress opens Tulsa summit
The day begins with FOI Oklahoma’s annual First Amendment Congress, examining 250 years of press freedom and current First Amendment issues.
9:15-10 a.m. | Modern Iran’s Quest for Freedom
New York Times Iran correspondent Yeganeh “June” Torbati will join virtually from Turkey for a discussion about Iran’s pursuit of freedom and the role of U.S. policy in shaping its future.
The session will be moderated by Ellen Knickmeyer, a former Middle East correspondent for The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal and former Associated Press correspondent.
10:05-11 a.m. | Are We Truly Free 250 Years Later?
Griffin Media’s Scott Mitchell will moderate a panel examining how artificial intelligence and political polarization are affecting First Amendment freedoms.
Panelists include Leslie Briggs, Oklahoma attorney for the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press; Wendy Suares, evening anchor and investigative journalist at KOKH Fox 25; and Mark Thomas, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Press Association.
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Investigative Journalism Keynote Luncheon
Washington Post Investigations Editor David S. Fallis, a Tulsa native and University of Oklahoma graduate, will deliver the keynote address, “From Tulsa to the Washington Post: How Investigative Journalism Serves the Public’s Right to Know.”
Ziva Branstetter, CEO of the Tulsa Flyer, will introduce Fallis.
Afternoon journalism training and workshops
Afternoon programming will feature concurrent workshops and panels for journalists at different career levels, with sessions focused on reporting fundamentals, digital audience engagement, government coverage and newsroom ethics.
Griffin Media’s Bianca Harris, president of the National Association of Black Journalists-Tulsa, will serve as emcee for the afternoon programming.
1:15-2:10 p.m. | First Concurrent Training Sessions
Session A: So You Want To Be A Reporter
Former Tulsa World editor and journalism consultant Jason Collington will lead a boot camp for new and early-career journalists.
Panelists include Tulsa Flyer business reporter Ismael Lele, Tulsa World reporter Ashton Slaughter and KOKH Fox 25 anchor and investigative journalist Wendy Suares. Jerry Goodwin, associate professor of mass communication at Tulsa Community College, will introduce the session.
Session B: New Engagement in Our Digital Future
University of Missouri journalism professor Joy Jenkins and Kansas City Star opinion editor Yvette Walker will discuss new research on digital news consumption and strategies for connecting with audiences.
Jenkins is a co-author of the U.S. section of the 2026 Reuters Institute Digital News Report and incoming research director at the Reynolds Journalism Institute.
The session will take place in Aaronson Auditorium on Lower Level 1.
2:30-3:30 p.m. | Second Concurrent Training Sessions
Session C: Tips for Developing Sources for Government Coverage
Experienced Oklahoma journalists will share strategies for building sources and strengthening government reporting.
Panelists include KOSU state government reporter Lionel Ramos, The Frontier investigative reporter Clifton Adcock, Oklahoma Watch reporter Paul Monies and Oklahoma Voice editor Janelle Stecklein.
Earl Johnson, vice president of recruitment and alumni engagement at Report for America, will introduce the session.
Session D: Newsrooms Implementing Ethical Policies
Journalist and educator Joe Hight will moderate a working group examining ethical policies for artificial intelligence in newsrooms.
Participants include Rose State College adjunct professor William Hickman, Oklahoma State University journalism professor Yiben “Benetta” Liu and University of Oklahoma journalism professor Chang Sup Park. Gary Lee, executive editor of the Tulsa Flyer and The Oklahoma Eagle, will serve as notetaker.
The group will review existing newsroom policies, discuss research findings and work toward developing three to five policy recommendations for Oklahoma newsrooms.
The session will take place in Aaronson Auditorium on Lower Level 1.
Oklahoma journalism awards ceremony
Following a networking session from 3:30 to 4 p.m., the summit will conclude with a joint awards ceremony from 4 to 6 p.m.
FOI Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Media Center and the Oklahoma SPJ Pro Chapter will recognize excellence in Oklahoma journalism during the celebration.
The ceremony will include refreshments and hors d’oeuvres.