A self-described “recovering” news director, Kevin Benz is well-known as an inspiring, engaging speaker. He coaches thousands of journalists and hundreds of newsrooms around the country with his own style of pragmatic, ethical craft. His 30 years in newsrooms and reporting on the streets provide a unique understanding of what journalists need.

Kevin launched two of the most innovative media organizations in the country — News 8 Austin, a 24-hour local news channel, and CultureMap Austin, the most read digital lifestyle magazine of the city.

Kevin is former Chairman of both the RTDNA (Radio, Television, Digital News Association) and the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters where he co-founded the Southwest Broadcast Journalism Conference.