About this Event
420 E Packer Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18015
https://www2.lehigh.edu/compelling-perspectivesV Spehar of @underthedesknews will be the third speaker in the 2024-2025 Compelling Perspectives program, presenting a viewpoint from the perspective of social and new media on Feb. 6 at 6:00 p.m. in Zoellner Arts Center. Spehar is a Rochester-based citizen journalist, award-winning podcaster and online personality who has built a following of more than three million subscribers on the video-sharing platform TikTok.
The Role of Media in Contemporary Society
This year’s theme is the role of media in contemporary society. Spehar will represent the perspective of nontraditional media—including digital platforms, social media, influencers, podcasts, streaming services and other non-mainstream channels—exploring its benefits and challenges in a conversation with President Joseph J. Helble ’82.
In its second year, Compelling Perspectives is a forum at Lehigh for discussing differing perspectives on issues of societal importance. The impetus for the program is to model respectful public discourse and dialogue on complex issues.
This is the third and final event in the 2024-2025 program, which has showcased viewpoints from both traditional and new media experts on how to reliably navigate today’s media landscape.
About V Spehar
Spehar specializes in short-form content, offering brief recaps of notable headlines. They launched “Under the Desk News” on TikTok in April 2020 with the goal of making news media less intimidating and easier to understand. Spehar began delivering one-minute news segments while under a desk. The videos attracted a bipartisan audience.
In 2022, Spehar launched “V Interesting,” a long-form podcast with original reporting that tackles various current topics. The podcast has been recognized by GLADD, a nonprofit organization focused on LGBTQ+ advocacy and cultural change. “V Interesting” debuted in the top 10 news podcasts of June 2022 and has held a steady place in the top 25 news podcasts since. In 2023, V received a Webby Special Achievement Award for their concise and compassionate reporting.
Events and Registration
Students, faculty and staff are invited to attend. Space is limited and advance registration is required for this event. Register by January 28.
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