Karen Freberg, an internationally recognized social media expert, will discuss the role of public relations in emerging media during a May 23 presentation at the UO’s School of Journalism and Communication.

Freberg’s presentation, “Public Relations’ Place and Future in the Evolving Battlefield of Emerging Media,” will be at 5 p.m. in Room 141, Allen Hall. It is part of the school’s PR Game Changers speaker series and is open to the public.

“I am looking forward to discussing what is the current state of social media today in public relations,” Freberg said. “While social media is filled with significant opportunities, there are serious roadblocks and obstacles that may challenge young professionals entering the field. I believe it's important to discuss these challenges and how to overcome them.”

Freberg is an associate professor of strategic communications at University of Louisville and a published author. She is also a research consultant in social media and crisis communication and has worked with organizations and agencies such as Adidas, Cinnabon, the Kentucky Derby Festival and more.

She has spoken at several U.S. and international research conferences, professional and trade conferences and has been invited to do industry workshops and talks on social media trends and strategies.

The PR Game Changers Speaker Series, hosted in association with the Public Relations Student Society of America, connects students and faculty with notable scholars in the industry.