Journalism & Mass Communication

JMC’s programs and cross-campus profile are stronger than they’ve been in years

We could use your help! A lot of people remain confused about journalism’s status at CU. While it’s true that the School of Journalism and Mass Communication was discontinued last spring, JMC’s programs and cross-campus profile are stronger than they’ve been in years.

Far from ending journalism education, the new Journalism Plus program has enhanced it. Beginning next spring, new students will not only continue to receive the world-class training they did before; they’ll add — in the famous “Plus” — 30 to 36 credits in the form of a secondary focus in a substantive field of their choice. JMC’s students will in fact enter the professional world with just the depth and breadth of experience called for in the recent Carnegie-Knight Initiative on the Future of Journalism Education. CU-trained science writers will have a background in science, advertisers will have training in art or design and journalists will have a working knowledge of economics, history or politics. Their preparation for journalism, advertising or media theory will anchor them in their professional world.

That is why JMC faculty are playing a leading role in campus discussions about the new college CU plans to unveil in two-years’ time. We are already on the way to achieving what others still dream of. So spread the word! You’ve always had a lot to be proud of, and the new JMC will make you prouder still.

Christopher Braider

Director, Journalism & Mass Communication

Homecoming events

Elizabeth Newman

Please join us for two events during Homecoming weekend, Oct. 21-22!

Friday, Oct. 21, 1 to 3 p.m., Eaton Humanities room 150

“CU Alumnae Talk Sports”

Women are still a minority when it comes to covering and promoting sports. Get an inside look from five SJMC alumnae who will talk about their experiences.

• Kami Carmann (’01), sports anchor/reporter, Fox 31
• Lindsay Lew (MA ’98), director of strategic sales and communication for CU Athletics
• Alanna Rizzo (MA ’03), broadcaster, Root Sports, Colorado Rockies, Pac-12 football and basketball
• Natalie Meisler (’73), sports writer, The Denver Post
• Elizabeth Newman (’98), associate editor,Sports Illustrated

Saturday, Oct. 22, 10:30 a.m., Armory, 2nd floor

On Saturday it’s all about what’s happening now at the JMC program:

• “In the Footsteps of Muslims in the Mountains” Nabil Echchaibi, assistant professor and associate director of the Center of Media, Religion and Culture, will talk about his fascinatingresearch into the rich history of Muslims in the Rocky Mountains.
• “What’s Cooking in the Kitchen?” Learn about our newest research program, the Digital News Test Kitchen, whose goal is to enhance journalism through emerging technologies. Co-directors Paul Voakes and Steve Outing will present several of the Kitchen’s current projects.
• “Who are Those Fellows?” Len Ackland will update you on the Center for Environmental Journalismand the enviable lives of the five Ted Scripps Fellows in Environmental Journalism.
• Watch the Emmy-winning episode of CU Science Update. Check out the CU Independent newsroom and see video of NewsTeam broadcasts.

The program starts at 10:30 a.m. with food and refreshments in Armory 218. Park behind the Armory in Lot 265. The Armory is at 1511 University Ave.

Please RSVP to Beth Gaeddert by Oct. 17 for one or both of the events.

Media Mixer

A dozen SJMC alumni were among 30 media professionals who attended the Journalism Board’s annual Media Mixer Monday evening. About 200 students learned about internships and careers at broadcast outlets, newspapers, magazines, ad agencies and in public relations.

Ryan Van Duzer ('03) talks to students about his life as a freelance travel producer and host.

Steve Sander ('74), director of strategic marketing for the City and County of Denver, shares career success tips with students.

Mike Lewis ('95), editor of Transworld Business magazine, talks to prospective interns.

News & Events

Radio 1190 has new general manager

Mikey Goldenberg

Mikey Goldenberg, the executive producer of the Alice 105.9 morning show, has accepted the position of general manager of Radio 1190.

Programmed for safety

The JMC’s Daniel Schaefer, a CU doctoral student in communication, created a software application — or “app” — for mobile devices that turns everyday language into a Twitter syntax used during disasters through a special smart phone keypad. Schaefer entered the “Bucket Brigade Keyboard” app in the Federal Communications Commission’s Apps for Communities contest.

Download the Bucket Brigade Keyboard.

Colorado editors visit the JMC

Kate Gannon, new media editor, the Fort Collins Coloradoan, talks to the CU Independent staff.

Larry Ryckman, city editor of the Greeley Tribune, told students he’s looking for solid reporters with news writing and media law training. He wants reporters with curiosity, a desire to learn and a good attitude. He told the Reporting 3 class of senior News-Editorial students they can learn to shoot video and capture audio on the job. Ryckman, a former AP foreign correspondent and editor, was one of seven Colorado editors representing the Colorado Press Association who spent the day at CU on Oct 4 talking to students, faculty and administrators.

Constitution Day

First Amendment essay writing contest winners.

The JMC and theColorado High School Press Association(CHSPA) helped high school journalists celebrate the First Amendment at the first Constitution Day held at the Armory on Saturday, Sept. 17. Three students won awards (and little Ralphies) in a timed (55-minute) editorial-writing contest on high schoolers’ First Amendment rights. The winners were Lori Schafer, Overland High School, and Riley McCloskey and Joanie Lyons, Mountain Vista High School. The students also discussed legal issues with Denver lawyer Steve Zansberg and the editors of the Overland High School newspaper, who last spring successfully challenged their principal’s attempt to censor the paper.

Voices

A public forum about the next steps in the creation of a new school or college that will focus on information, communication, journalism, media and technology (ICJMT) was held Sept. 22. Representatives from each of eight faculty discussion groups talked about the process with about 40 students, faculty and others in the audience.

Jeff Cox

Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Jeff Cox:

“There’s no doubt about the university’s commitment to journalism… We’re trying to avoid isolation of journalism… curriculum is a little bit down the road… we’re not going to teach in a siloed program on the edge of the campus.”

“We’re delivering the program” we promised.

“It’s a process that begins with the people who run this campus — the faculty. At the end of the day… the university is a collective, self-governing institution.”

There is “no predetermined goal…no master plan.”

Tom Yulsman, chair of the group on journalism, science, the environment:

“Traditionally journalism has been separate. We’ve been talking about journalism, [it] has a lot to contribute to the university and the university has a lot to contribute to journalism.”

Brett Robbs

Brett Robbs, JMC ad professor and chair of the discussion group on advertising and design:

“We’re looking at a way advertising and design is problem-solving, and problem-solving can be applied to social problems. How to use ethnography to solve problems.

“Let’s give students creative skills… an understanding of technology… and then create a place where experimentation can take place. We call it design thinking.”

Alumni Updates

Gilman is at it again

Lucas Gilman (’00) appeared on Good Morning America on Oct. 3 along with extreme kayaker Jesse Coombs whom he photographed as Coombs plunged over a 96-foot Abiqua Falls in Oregon. Gilman used multiple cameras and a zip line to capture the action.

Briefly editor takes position with business journal

Felicia Russell Struve (MA ’07), editor of this e-newsletter, has taken a position as managing editor of theCoast River Business Journal in Astoria, Ore. She plans to continue her work on Bylines Briefly.

Get Linked

The JMC LinkedIn group has nearly 1,200 members and is growing every day. Sign up to find old friends and make new contacts.

Faculty News

Peck’s book published
Associate Professor Janice Peck’s new book “Moment of Danger: Critical Studies in the History of US Communication Since World War II” has been published by Marquette University Press. Peck edited the book with Inger L. Stole.

Pay it Forward

• · Join the Career Network. You’ll become acontact for JMC graduates looking for jobs in your area of the country or field of work. Our Career Network has hundreds of alumni contacts. Adding your name is an easy way to give back to the program by sharing your expertise with other journalism alums.
• · Give Now. CU and the JMC program need your help to continue providing students with a top education and exceptional opportunities. The CU Foundation offers several safe and easy ways to support your alma mater.
• · Tell us what’s new!

It’s officially fall again, which means that the busy holiday season is just around the corner. Please take a moment to email us with any news or changes in your life.
Best Regards,

Beth Gaeddert
Director of Career Services and External Affairs
&
Felicia Russell
Newsletter Editor