Mars Society Announcement
June 11, 2011
CNN’s John Zarrella to Join “Space & the Media” Panel Discussion at Dallas Convention
John Zarrella, principal correspondent for CNN’s coverage of the U.S. space program, will participate in a panel discussion on “Space & the Media” during the Fourteenth Annual International Mars Society Convention in Dallas, Texas, August 4-7, 2011. The panel will focus on space journalism and the role it plays in shaping space policy, as well as public opinion.
Mr. Zarrella serves as CNN’s Miami correspondent, named to this position when the Miami bureau was established in December 1983. Responsible for CNN’s coverage of news in Florida and the Caribbean, Mr. Zarrella has covered events such as the space shuttle launches, the Mars Pathfinder mission and John Glenn’s 1998 return to space.
In addition, Mr. Zarrella has reported on every major hurricane to hit Florida and the Gulf region, most recently Katrina and Rita, the Pope’s visit to Cuba, the trial of ex-Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega and the Cuban and Haitian refugee crises.
Joining CNN in November 1981, Mr. Zarrella served as executive producer at CNN world headquarters in Atlanta where he was responsible for the overall look and content of all hard newscasts. Prior to that, Mr. Zarrella worked as executive producer at WJTV-TV in Miami and WBAL-TV in Baltimore. While working for WBAL-TV, the station was awarded an Edward R. Murrow Award for outstanding news operation.
Mr. Zarrella earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from St. Thomas University, formerly Biscayne College, where he helped establish the school’s journalism program.
Call for Papers & Registration
It is an anticipated that there will be dozens of speakers at the upcoming 2011 Mars Society Convention. If you would like to be one of them, please send an abstract of no more than 300 words to marsabstracts@aol.com. The deadline for abstracts is June 30, 2011. Talks on all matters (science, engineering, politics, economics, public policy, etc.) associated with the exploration and settlement of Mars will be considered.
Registration for the convention is now open at www.marssociety.org. The Embassy Suites are offering a discounted rate of $119/night for single or double occupancy for Mars Society conference attendees. To book your room on-line, please visit: http://www.marssociety.org/home/join_us/convention or call the hotel directly at 972-724-2600 and identify yourself as being with the Mars Society Convention. Rates are good for three days before and after the convention, based on availability.