Keynote Speaker Announcement
David Covucci
David Covucci, editor-in-chief of the muckraking college football newsletter FOIAball, has signed on to be a keynote speaker at CMA’s upcoming Spring National College Media Convention March 4-7 in New York City! FOIAball uses public records reporting to reveal the sport’s weirdest, wildest and biggest secrets.
Tired of interviewing for positions at mainstream publications and never landing the jobs, David launched FOIAball in September 2025. In just a few short months, he’s turned the college football world on its head, breaking stories about federal government surveillance at SEC games, NIL tax fraud at major institutions, bowl games trying to move to Saudi Arabia and the obscene dollar figures schools are spending on balloons, plus a lot of other great stories.
David previously worked at a small digital publication covering tech and politics. For eight years there, he ran the industry’s only fully FOIA-focused internship, where he taught college students to use public records to produce investigative journalism. His interns reported on misleading stories police have told about fentanyl overdoses, the violent past of cops in Florida and surveillance tech creeping into local neighborhoods.
David firmly believes that anyone can use public records to shine a light on the inner workings of government. He is thrilled to get the chance to speak with aspiring journalists and help them craft their own visions of the industry going forward.
Apple Awards
You may now submit entries for the 2026 David L. Adams Apple Awards, the “Best of Show” competition associated with CMA’s Spring National College Media Convention in New York City. The Apple Awards are named for the event’s host city—The Big Apple— and recognize excellence in student media, including newspapers, magazines, broadcasts, websites and more. The awards are judged by media professionals and provide excellent opportunities for student outlets to be recognized for the quality of their work during the academic year. Winners will be announced during the closing ceremony of the spring convention.
Student work completed between March 1, 2025, and Feb. 5, 2026, is eligible for the competition. Additional details can be found here, and complete entry instructions can be found here. Apple Awards entries are submitted via the Better BNC website. The cost is $20 per entry. The entry deadline is 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 12.
Submit Entries Here
Convention Registration
We hope you're planning to join college media advisers and student journalists from across the country at the convention for hands-on training, fresh ideas and meaningful connection. Early Bird Registration is $165 for students and advisers who are members of CMA and $285 for non-members. The Early Bird Deadline is Jan. 30.
Register Here
Hotel Information
CMA’s Spring Convention will be hosted at the New York Marriott Marquis, located in the heart of Times Square. The hotel is steps away from major news networks, Broadway theatres, iconic NYC landmarks and some of the best food, bookstores and coffee spots in the city that never sleeps. Attendees can reserve discounted rooms at $309 per night for up to triple occupancy. The total nightly rate, including taxes and fees, is $358. The deadline for room reservations is Feb. 9.
Book a Room Here
For questions about this event, email [email protected].
If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at [email protected].
