A presention on the business side of journalism is to follow his speech. #JRNL310W26

And this isn’t just Mr. Henderson’s opinion. The Detroit native is leading the way, having founded a nonprofit news room based in Detroit, Michigan. Shaping the evolution of news media, he says the potential for connection doesn’t require an institution. #JRNL310W26

A member of the audience posits, “What is your vision for journalism in the future?” Moving the industry away from for-profit journalism is the proposal he suggests. Philanthropy is beneficial to both the mission of the editorial product, and the business model, according to Henderson. #JRNL310W26

What does our long term journalism journey look like? Henderson provides an example on how to get involved at the college level, pointing to a student, Mike Tariko, who covers college hockey games on radio. He explains that his outreach is wider than ever with the digital age. #JRNL310W26

Henderson urges audience to take heed that change isn’t bad, and a journalist should be adaptable. He continues, acknowledging the political climate; he says it is important for journalists conducting their job in a time when speech is scrutinized. He says, “keep doing the work.” #JRNL310W26

Ultimately, his journey led him back to Detroit, where he found his career path began to change. Working in his local community, he says, “the nature of my work never changed, but where and I did it, and how I did it, did. Radio shows became his new knack. #JRNL310W26

Early career reporting for Henderson stationed him in Kentucky, covering coal mines and other rural stories. When the digital age began, he shifted his focused to innovation of journalism in transitioning a digital age. #JRNL310W26

From right to left: Stephen Henderson and Joyce Jenereaux stand at the front of an auditorium wearing suit jackets.

Stay tuned for live coverage of The Eastern Echo's Student Press Freedom Day event. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Stephen Henderson and Joyce Jenereaux, a former publisher for the Detroit Free Press, will be giving a panel presentation. #JRNL310W26 #StudentPressFreedomDay

Joyce announced Stephen Henderson, a graduate of UofM and a Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist, begins the talk with a story of his journey to becoming a journalist. Opportunities first arose working for the UofM News Station and as a Detroit Free Press intern. #JRNL310W26

Christine Uthoff introduces the speakers for The Eastern Echo’s Press Freedom Day Talk. Joyce Jenereaux, an Eastern Michigan alumni, who specializes in the business side of the journalism industry. #JRNL310W26

Here’s a video from yesterday showing the last-second prediction by Michigan’s own Woody the Woodchuck. #JRNL310W26 #GroundhogDay

Woody the Woodchuck sticks her head out the door of her house on a snowy day. A Howell Nature Center worker lifts a shushing finger to her mouth to remind the audience not to startle the animal.

After peeking out of her stump house for nearly a full thirty seconds, Woody disappeared back inside at the last second, predicting an additional six weeks of spring by the standards of the local tradition. #JRNL310W26 #GroundhogDay

After several additional children’s games, the main event is about to begin. The Howell Nature center employee running the event said that Woody has been hiding somewhere warm inside until her moment arrives. #JRNL310W26 #GroundhogDay

A toddler dressed as Woody the Woodchuck and another dressed as Peely, a banana character from the game Fortnite. The child in the banana costume is holding a sign that reads, “Bribe for an early spring.”

The event begins with a seasonal costume contest. A child wearing a Fortnite banana costume and holding a sign bribing Woody to bring on an early spring has won. #JRNL310W26 #GroundhogDay

Snow-covered grounds at the Howell Nature Center. A Groundhod Day stage has been put together with winter decorations on the left and spring decorations on the right.

Stay tuned for live coverage from Howell, Michigan. It’s a frigid, overcast morning, and dozens of people have gathered to see if Woody the Woodchuck will predict an early spring. #JRNL310W26 #GroundhogDay

Dan McKinley announced the final result. Phil saw his shadow meaning my prediction was incorrect and there will be six more week of winter! Let me know if you think Phil will be right!
#JRNL310W26 #GroundhogDay

Phil had officially made an appearance! There was a poll in my ABC7 News livestream. I voted for an early spring. #JRNL310W26 #GroumdhogDay

The ritual of luring Phil out requires the crowd to engage in a GroundHog chant. The crowd was loud and boisterous. Before Phil comes out, the organizers of Groundhog Day are recognized for their contribution to the grand event. #JRNL310W26 #GroundhogDay

I’ve just logged onto Pennsylvania’s own Ground Hog Day where Punxsutawney Phil will predict whether the spring season will arrive early or winter will last an extra 6 weeks. Log onto any live stream to watch h the celebration. #JRNL310W26 #GroundHogDay