Meet the Media at Media Matters 2026
At Peritus PR, we believe the best way to understand today's media landscape is to hear directly from the journalists, editors, broadcasters, and storytellers shaping it every day.
That's exactly what attendees will experience at Media Matters on October 16th. This year's program brings together an exceptional lineup of media professionals whose work spans television news, digital media, community journalism, podcasting, lifestyle publishing, and investigative reporting. Together, they'll share candid insights into what makes a story newsworthy, how organizations can build meaningful relationships with media professionals, and what communicators need to know to effectively reach audiences in an ever-evolving media environment.
Hear from keynote speaker Erin S. Wilson, market leader for StyleBlueprint Birmingham. As well as Christiana Roussel, an award-winning writer, editor, and podcaster. She’ll be joined by an accomplished panel featuring Russell Jones of WBRC, Javacia Harris Bowser of The Birmingham Times, Trisha Powell Crain of Alabama Daily News and Alabama Public Television, and Pat Byington, founding member of Bham Now. Each brings a unique perspective on storytelling, reporting, audience engagement, and the role media plays in our communities.
Before they take the stage at Media Matters, we're introducing the talented media professionals who will be sharing their expertise and helping attendees become more confident, effective communicators.
Keynote Speaker: Erin S. Wilson
As the Birmingham Market Leader for StyleBlueprint, Erin S. Wilson oversees editorial content, social media strategy, and partnerships for one of the South's most influential lifestyle media platforms. In her role, she works closely with businesses, organizations, and community leaders to tell compelling stories that connect with audiences across the region.
Before joining StyleBlueprint, Wilson built an impressive communications career with organizations including Make-A-Wish Alabama, UAB, and Shipt, where she most recently served on the consumer and brand communications team. Her unique perspective spans both sides of the media equation, making her the perfect keynote speaker to share insights on what makes stories resonate and how organizations can build meaningful media relationships.
Panel Moderator: Christiana Roussel
Guiding this year's panel discussion is Christiana Roussel, an award-winning Birmingham-based writer, editor, and podcaster whose work has appeared in publications across the country. Her bylines can be found in Garden & Gun, Good Grit, The Local Palate, Veranda, Southbound, Flower Magazine, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, among many others.
As host of the "Red Fox on the Run" podcast and Features Editor of Palomino County, Roussel is known for asking thoughtful questions and uncovering the stories that matter most. Her experience across multiple media platforms positions her perfectly to facilitate a dynamic conversation with this year's panelists.
Panelist: Russell Jones
For many Alabamians, Russell Jones is a familiar face. He reports weekdays for Good Day Alabama and anchors WBRC's weekend morning newscasts, delivering the stories that keep communities informed across the region.
A Birmingham native and graduate of the University of Alabama's broadcast journalism program, Jones has built his career around connecting with audiences and telling stories that matter. From covering breaking news in Oklahoma City to reporting throughout Alabama, he brings valuable insight into what makes a strong television story and how sources can effectively communicate during interviews.
Panelist: Javacia Harris Bowser
As executive editor of The Birmingham Times and founder of See Jane Write, Javacia Harris Bowser has dedicated her career to elevating voices and building communities through storytelling.
An accomplished journalist and author, Bowser's work has appeared in national publications including ELLE, Good Housekeeping, Good Grit, and Shondaland. She is also the author of the award-winning essay collection Find Your Way Back: How to Write Your Way Through Anything. Her perspective on authentic storytelling, community engagement, and impactful journalism will provide attendees with invaluable takeaways.
Panelist: Trisha Crain
Few reporters understand Alabama's education landscape as deeply as Trisha Powell Crain. With more than two decades covering education, Crain has built a reputation for translating complex policy issues, legislation, and data into stories that inform and empower the public.
Today, she produces in-depth reporting for Alabama Daily News and Alabama Public Television, focusing on the issues shaping classrooms and communities across the state. Known for her data-driven reporting and thoughtful analysis, Crain offers a unique perspective on accountability, public interest journalism, and the importance of clear communication.
Panelist: Pay Byington
As a founding member of Bham Now, Pat Byington has helped build one of Birmingham's most recognizable digital news platforms and community storytelling outlets. Over the past decade, he has played a key role in growing Bham Now into a trusted source for local news, events, and community stories.
In addition to his work in media, Byington spent 35 years dedicated to environmental protection and conservation efforts throughout Alabama. His unique background gives him a distinct perspective on connecting communities, highlighting local impact, and building audience trust through meaningful storytelling.
Our PUBLISHED by PERITUS takeaway is this:
Media Matters is designed to help nonprofit leaders, communicators, business professionals, and community advocates better understand today's media landscape. Attendees will gain practical insights on pitching stories, preparing for interviews, building relationships with journalists, and communicating with confidence.
With this exceptional lineup of media professionals, the conversation promises to be informative, candid, and full of actionable advice you can put to work immediately.
We look forward to welcoming you to Media Matters and learning from some of the most respected voices in Alabama media.