A Kent State committee has narrowed the search for a new student media director to four candidates.

The candidates are: Judith Riedl, adviser and general manager of the student newspaper and its related website at Auburn University; Kevin Dilley, student media outlet adviser at the University of Texas at Tyler; Robert Benz, Scripps Howard visiting professional at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University; and Raymond Catalino, general manager of the student newspaper at Oklahoma State University.

The new director, once chosen, will manage business operations and work with student leaders and advisers for all student media including KentWired.com, The Kent Stater, TV2, Black Squirrel Radio and multiple student magazine publications.

“Our goal is to have a stronger student media operation with more opportunities for students to have an impact and learn cutting-edge skills,” said JMC professor Mark Goodman.

He said these four candidates were chosen from approximately 50 applicants.

“We believed these four represented the strongest match with what we’re looking for in terms of skill set, experience and interest in what we do here at Kent State relating to student media,” Goodman said.

Previously, a media manager oversaw student media and was responsible for its business and budgeting.

Goodman said the student media director would have a more involved role and offer advice to students. He said he hopes the new position will help student media with the transition to a more digital platform and make student media more accessible.

“I hope it’s going to bring some positive changes,” Goodman said. “One of the things we’re looking for is an individual who has real skills in dealing with making media competitive in a digital world.”

The search committee hopes to recommend a specific candidate by the end of the semester to Thor Wasbotten, the director of School of Journalism and Mass Communication, who will make the final decision.

Contact Julia Kerchenski at [email protected].