A Mission-Based Argument for Private K-12 Student Press

Although the First Amendment does not guarantee student press within public schools, it does help affirm the value of such opportunities to student communities. Private schools do not enjoy such constitutional support, but may have a more powerful tool closer to home: their own school mission statements. This study coded nearly 500 private K-12 school mission statements to determine whether the priorities identified by these programs align with the documented benefits of student journalism and found a strong connection between both.

Evaluating Reliability of Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science: A Study of Faculty in U.S. Advertising and Public Relations Programs

Reliability of Google Scholar (GS), Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS) is examined using publications and citations of 186 scholars in 14 U.S. advertising and public relations (ADPR) programs. Career duration is controlled, and an integrated impact (II) index is proposed as a practical solution. Results suggest there are trade-offs between the uncertainty of GS’s search parameters for more inclusive coverage and the curated collections of Scopus and WoS that might undercount some influential authors or works. To further demonstrate the discipline’s value, we must pay more attention to rigor and accuracy of methods that will lead to improved outcomes.

“The Paper Is White”: Examining Diversity Issues With the Next Generation of Journalists

Although the lack of diversity in newsrooms and reporting remains a serious issue in the journalism industry, college journalism education and student media provide a critical opportunity for change. Yet prior research has found notable diversity gaps in both. This study analyzed the state of diversity at a Midwestern university student newspaper and found significant gaps in coverage of diverse populations. The findings suggest the need for more comprehensive diversity education within the college classroom and campus media advising. This is important not only for more representative student media, but also for the future of journalism.

The Long-Term Value of Networking and Diverse Professional Experience in Online Communication Master’s Cohorts: Strategic Benefits of a Closed-Cohort Structure

A survey of alumni from a 10-year-old cohort-based online master’s program in digital communication showed that respondents felt high levels of sense of community both during the program and after graduation. Respondents reported using Facebook and email to interact with members of their cohorts, and other cohorts, and highly valued the ability to network with industry professionals with a diversity of communication experience. However, respondents felt the need for more identity-based diversity among cohort members.

Disrupted Delivery: Demythifying Remote and Online Instruction in Times of Crisis and Emergency

This is the guest editors’ essay for the Special Issue: Disrupted Delivery: Remote and Online Instruction in Times of Crisis and Emergency, Guest Editors: Brigitta R. Brunner & Bruce Mutsvairo.

Coverage Competence via Collaboration: Overcoming Political Journalism Challenges in Local Television

Recent national media surveys point to relatively high levels of public trust in local political reporting. The problem, however, is that challenges with reporter training and experience mean that local television is not as equipped as it might be to provide quality political coverage. We assess how professional journalists and college students majoring in political science or journalism view their reporting competences. We find mixed results, including lower confidence across all groups in performing data and statistical analysis. These results drive our recommended collaboration strategies for local television newsrooms and university departments to improve training and experiential opportunities.