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Wednesday, August 13th, 10:00am-12:00pm MDT
Isleta Resort & Casino, Albuquerque, NM | Rio Grande Room
There is no application approval process for NBCU Academy’s activation at the 2025 IJA Conference. All are welcome to attend the sessions detailed below.
How to Sell Your News Pitch to Traditional Media
Wednesday, August 13th, 10:00-11:00am MDT
Isleta Resort & Casino, Albuquerque, NM | Rio Grande Room
Great stories about Indigenous communities deserve more airtime and attention but too often, they’re overlooked. So how do you break through? Hear from NBCU News Group editors and producers who are greenlighting this coverage. They’ll share what makes a pitch stand out, how to match it to the right show or platform and how to tell the story with authenticity, sensitivity and care.
Speakers:
- Alyssa London, MSNBC & NBC News Contributor
- Richard Lui, MSNBC Anchor
- Melissa Mack, NBC News Supervising Producer
- Jessica Machado, NBCU Senior Editor
Behind the Scenes with Tazbah Chavez on Crafting Modern Stories
Wednesday, August 13th, 11:30am-12:00pm MDT
Isleta Resort & Casino, Albuquerque, NM | Rio Grande Room
Presented by NBCUniversal, this fireside chat with acclaimed writer and director Tazbah Chavez explores how stories go from script to screen with style, purpose, and intention. From Rutherford Falls to Reservation Dogs to the upcoming The Paper, Chavez shares the creative instincts, visual storytelling choices, and behind-the-scenes decisions that bring her characters – and entire worlds – to life. Featuring curated clips and candid conversation, this session offers a masterclass in modern directing from one of TV’s boldest and most versatile storytellers.
Speakers:
- Richard Lui, MSNBC Anchor
- Tazbah Chavez, Director & Producer
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