The public should demand more media coverage of the Middle East, Philip Reeker, deputy spokesman for the U.S. Department of State, told the audience at a panel discussion Monday night.
The discussion was coordinated by Ball State University and the Global Access Project. GAP is a partnership between the U.S. Department of State and selected members of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.
"The key thing I want those in attendance to take away from this discussion is a better understanding of the complexity of trying to communicate about foreign policy, both within and among different societies," Reeker said.
Panelists Robert Pritchard, an assistant professor of journalism; Steven Bell, a professor of telecommunications; and Phil Bremen, an instructor of telecommunications, joined Reeker in the discussion, titled "Media and Formulation of Public Opinion in the Middle East."
All of the panelists have had past experience either as military personnel or as foreign correspondents for media outlets.
"To pass this situation up would be like seeing the goose that laid the golden egg and walking away without taking one," junior Andrew Chandler said.
Chandler said he was intrigued by the panelists and believed the discussion was a great opportunity that he couldn't pass up.
"I enjoyed watching the reactions of those who have been in the Washington scene and comparing them to my expectations," Chandler said.
T+â-+l+â-óy G+â-+nes, a graduate student, said she came to learn more about how the American government thinks.
"American politics are very complex," G+â-+nes said. "You need a lot of knowledge before you can criticize what they are saying."
Derya Cebeci, a graduate student, said she did not take any new information away from the discussion. She said, however, she attended because she likes knowing how other people think about politics.
Reeker will speak on U.S. Foreign Policy today at noon at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Muncie. He will also participate in a national town meeting at 4 p.m. in Emens Auditorium.
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