Wayne State University
COM 5500: Journalism & New Media
By Brittany Thomas
PRSA Detroit and Wayne State University’s College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts invite five Detroit-area professionals to discuss the future and ethical use of generative AI in a conference panel for students, faculty, PRSA members and other professionals.
September 26, 2024, 11:50 a.m. EST
Panel discusses advancement and ethics in AI for community and PRSA members at
Wayne State University, September 24, 2024. Photo credit: Brittany Thomas.
Wayne State University and PRSA Detroit hosted five metro-Detroit professionals for a timely panel discussion regarding the future and ethical use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Held at the Schaver Music Recital Hall inside Wayne State’s Old Main building at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, the event welcomed a large audience of students, faculty, PRSA members, and other professionals from around the city for networking, refreshments and the panel program.
Incoming PRSA Detroit Chapter President Megan Bonelli on the decision to select AI ethics for this year’s panel, September 24, 2024. Audio credit: Brittany Thomas.
“With it being Ethics Month in the industry of public relations, AI was top of mind because it’s a tool that we’re all exploring, learning together, and having to adapt into our day-to-day work whether we like it or not,” said Incoming PRSA Detroit Chapter President Megan Bonelli on why AI was chosen as this year’s panel topic. “We want to make sure there’s a diverse amount of voices because it’s important to talk about this from all the different perspectives it impacts.”
Incoming PRSA Detroit Chapter President Megan Bonelli addresses the
audience at the ethics panel, September 24, 2024. Photo credit: Brittany Thomas.
The panelists took turns describing their personal and professional uses of AI and shared the trajectory of these technologies in their work to familiarize other professionals with the varying applications of AI depending on the industry and organization.
Panelist and 98Forward Senior Director Ernest Wilkins on his personal application of AI, September 24, 2024. Video credit: Brittany Thomas.
“I plan to further leverage AI by leaning into AI-driven video creation and artificial voices to streamline my content production,” said Nina Knauf, panelist and senior account executive for Truscott Rossman. “It’s about embracing AI as a collaborator that enhances our creative capabilities rather than replacing them.”
To close out the discussion and emphasize the inevitable expansion of AI capability and function in industry, the speakers offered students takeaways and tips to practice now as they complete their studies and look to the job market. One prominent theme was first learning to responsibly utilize AI in the classroom, so the skills would more easily translate to the workplace.
WSU Professor of Journalism and Director of the Journalism Institute for Media Diversity Alicia Nails speaks on the student application of AI, September 24, 2024.
Audio credit: Brittany Thomas.
“The person who can do both AI and wing without it is going to always be in a better position than the person who’s become so dependent on AI. So, what are the proper uses of it?” asks Alicia Nails, professor of journalism and director of the Journalism Institute for Media Diversity at Wayne State University. “Students need an appreciation for [AI] it. It is the future. But we need to make sure we’re using it responsibly. They shouldn’t let uncertainty using these technologies prevent them from learning what they need to learn. My advice is don’t let it cripple you and don’t let it be a crutch.”
Looking around the room, several early-career professionals who graduated from post-secondary institutions across the country before the AI explosion sat listening. Students attending college today will be highly advantaged or greatly hindered by their increased exposure to AI technologies in the classroom. However, given that professionals at all levels are learning these tools together, those already in the workforce must keep up with AI innovation outside the classroom.
Wayne State University graduate Alex Leroux shares her perspective on keeping up with AI in the field, September 26, 2024. Audio credit: Brittany Thomas.
“I think I could definitely do more in staying on top of it, being aware of it and learning it,” said Alex Leroux, Wayne State alumna and business communications manager for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “We have to use it. We have to trust those experts that focus in it, just as we’re trusting doctors with medicine to help heal us. I am trusting the experts and then trusting myself to use the AI programs in an ethical manner and to help my work.”
PRSA Detroit next welcomes members and nonmembers to CRIMSON Agency at 155 W. Congress St., Suite 501, Detroit, MI 48226 for Media Matters: A PR Pro’s Guide to Reconnecting through Relationships on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. There is a cost for nonmembers to attend.
- Learn more about PRSA Detroit
- Register for Media Matters: A PR Pro’s Guide to Reconnecting through Relationships
- Read more about the ethical use of AI in PR practice