DANBURY, CONN. — Western Connecticut State University will celebrate the signing of the U.S. Constitution with a discussion of politics and the media featuring local and national journalists.

Ebong Udoma, senior political reporter for WSHU radio in Fairfield, will highlight the discussion at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016, on the Midtown campus in Ives Concert Hall, White Hall, 181 White St. in Danbury. The event is free and open to the public.

At WSHU Udoma covers the Connecticut capitol and statewide politics. He has also worked at the NPR National News Desk and as part of NPR’s diversity initiative. Udoma recently returned from his native Nigeria, where he spent a year helping to establish the international media network Gotel Africa. During his time there, he trained and managed local reporters and covered major stories, such as the presidential election in Nigeria and the government’s offensive against Boko Haram.

Also on the panel will be Kevin Hogan, New London bureau chief for WFSB; Jacqueline Smith, editorial page editor at The News-Times; Jillian Mauro, afternoon news anchor at WLAD; and James Masters, a radio and television host with CUTV News and Fox Broadcasting Co.

Moderators will be Dr. D.L. Stephenson, associate professor of Communication and Media Arts, and John Roche, assistant professor of Writing, Linguistics and Creative Process.

Dr. JC Barone, associate professor of Communication and Media Arts, who is organizing the Constitution Day event, said the discussion will highlight the vibrancy of U.S. democracy and the Constitution, which was signed on Sept. 17, 1787.

“What a year to talk about media and politics and the Constitution,” Barone said. “A presidential election highlights all the tensions in our system and the strengths of America. That’s what we’ll be discussing.”

A voter registration drive, in partnership with the League of Women Voters, will also be conducted on campus as part of the recognition of Constitution Day.

WCSU students who are working toward a degree in Media Arts will videotape the panel discussion and make it available as part of the university’s “Election Connection” efforts, which will be highlighted by a broadcast of live coverage and analysis on the night of the presidential election.

For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.