Joe Johns speaks on the 1st Amendment at Campbellsville University's Annual Media Appreciation Luncheon

By Josh Christian, student news writer, Office of University Communications

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CAMPBELLSVILLE, KY (04/19/2018) (readMedia)-- CAMPBELLSVILLE, KY- "The basis of our 1st Amendment right is to be able to ask a question of someone in power and the right to publish their response," Joe Johns, CNN senior Washington correspondent, said at Campbellsville University's 14 annual media appreciation luncheon on April 12 in the banquet hall of the badgett academic support center.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances," Johns read from the 1st Amendment from United States constitution.

Johns spoke to the state of the 1st Amendment throughout his address, saying that it was "stronger now than it has been any other time of my life."

"It is strong right now because journalists are standing up and asking the questions and are publishing the answers," Johns said.

"I don't think there is a lot of reason to be afraid. We have access to public officials, and we are asking the tough questions. As long as this continues, the 1st Amendment will remain strong," Johns said.

Johns also explained that the recent attacks on journalists were a part of the institution, as the institution of journalism had always been adversarial to the public.

He then spoke on his rules of good journalism as was his costume when speaking to an audience that included journalism students.

Some of the rules included the issue of questions, cultivating curiosity, understanding the elements of a good story, and having backbone.

"The most important stories are when your truth meets another's truth, and they collide," John's said.

"We all want to see what happens next."

Johns then addressed the question of bias in the media.

"We [the media] are often accused of being biased," Johns said.

"Journalism is a human endeavor and all humans bring their own history and views to the enterprise. News happens when two truths find themselves at odds with one another, but facts are facts and there are no alternate facts."

Johns explained that there was a "sacred trust" between the public and the institution of journalist, and it was the people's right to have information.

Dr. Hedgepath, vice president of academic affairs and provost at Campbellsville University, also brought a campus update at the media luncheon.

"We have just reached a record enrollment of 10,000 students," Hedgepath said,

"This growth is due to the growth in dual enrollment students, online programs, and regional centers," Hedgepath said.

Hedgepath explained that the number of dual enrollment students has almost tripled.

"Monthly, we also have new leads on a regional center," Hedgepath said.

Hedgepath also announced Campbellsville University's first PhD program.

Stan McKinney, associate professor of journalism and lead professor for mass communications at Campbellsville University, also gave out several awards during the luncheon.

Steeley Shacklette, student at Campbellsville University, was awarded a mass communications scholarship.

Matt Wehle, student at Campbellsville University, was also the winner of the photography of the year contest and received his plaque during the luncheon.

McKinney also awarded and recognized the Kentucky Press Association, for their support and educational opportunities for journalism students over the past 21 years.

WAVE 3 was also recognized and given an award for their exemplary media service.

Members of the American Legion post 82# and Chaplain Steven

Orr presented colors and prayed during the luncheon. They were also part of sponsoring an American eagle, Patriot, which was present for pictures before the event.

Déja Thompson, student at Campbellsville University, and Jamie Lawrence, church outreach marketing coordinator and head bowling coach at Campbellsville University, led music.

Cutlines:

Stan McKinney, associate professor of journalism and lead professor for mass communication at Campbellsville University, left, presents an award to David Thompson, executive director of the Kentucky Press Association, for KPA's 21 years of hosting the Kentucky High School Journal-ism Association (KHSJA). Campbellsville University has now taken over the KHSJA. (CU Pho-to by Joshua Williams)

From left are mass communication students with Joe Johns, a CNN senior Washington corre-spondent, in a question and answer session following the Campbellsville University annual Me-dia Appreciation Luncheon. Front row -- Jeannie Clark, general manager, WLCU-TV/FM, direc-tor of broadcast services and instructor; Breanne Ward, 2017 mass communication alumna; Joe Johns; current student Andrea Burnside; Ashley Pennington and Sara Farmer, communications intern. Second row – C.J. Burgess, Courtney Gray, Matt Billiott, Zach Wright, Steeley Shacklett, Kasey Ricketts, communications assistant in the Office of University Communications; Joan C. McKinney, director of university communications; Ariel Emberton, student media luncheon planner, and Stan McKinney, associate professor of journalism and lead professor of mass com-munication. Third row – Matt Payton, radio program/production director; Jared Welander, Trent Taylor, Jesse Russell, Brandon Bagwell and Matt Wehle. (CU Photo by Joshua Williams)

Members of the Edwards O'Banion American Legion Post #82, from left, Steven Orr, Gary Par-ent and Robert Bryant, look through promotional material given out at the Media Appreciation Luncheon.

(CU Photo by Shelby Hall)

Steffanie Hampton, left, a Campbellsville University senior from Onondaga, Mich., takes a selfie with Patriot, a Bald Eagle from the Liberty Nature Center in Somerset, Ky., and his handler, Ma-son Morgan, at the Media Appreciation Luncheon.

(CU Photo by Andrea Burnside)

Joe Johns, a senior Washington correspondent with CNN, discusses the First Amendment during Campbellsville University's 14th Annual Media Appreciation Luncheon April 12. (CU Photo by Joshua Williams)