Research (Vol. 53) — Convergence, Higher Education

A Survey of Convergence in Missouri Higher Ed Journalism Programs

StLouisArch_CreativeCommonsPatHawks

Mark Smith, Ph.D.
Truman State University

Don Krause, M.A.
Truman State University


Abstract: With changes in how audiences receive information, much attention has been placed on the implementation of multi-media storytelling tools and convergence of media outlets to enhance the news consumption experience. Through a survey administered to both print and broadcast association members advising student media in Missouri, as well as a focus group comprised of broadcast journalism advisers, this study closely examined the status of convergence at institutions of higher education in Missouri and the challenges of converging. A significant finding reveals that advisers introduce convergent storytelling techniques in coursework and have engaged colleagues in discussions of convergence, yet in practice convergence in student media in Missouri higher education remains a challenge for faculty advisers and students. Some of the reasons for the lack of convergence include the different ownership structures of student media within the same university, lack of time among advisers to oversee implementation of convergence as well as learning software to aid in the effort, and difficulties in working through university IT departments to implement combined websites. Continue reading “Research (Vol. 53) — Convergence, Higher Education”

Research (Vol. 53) — Corrections and the College Web

Exploring the use of corrections on college newspapers’ websites

Kirstie E. Hettinga
California Lutheran University
Rosemary Clark
The Annenberg School for Communication at University of Pennsylvania
Alyssa Appelman
Northern Kentucky University

Ahhhhh. Photo by Kenny Louie via Creative Commons
Errors: “Ahhhhh.” Photo by Kenny Louie via Creative Commons

Abstract: A previous study found that college newspapers have perceived levels of credibility on par with their professional counterparts, but suggested that quality could be assessed in other ways. Previous research has documented the potential for error corrections to increase perceptions of quality. In a content analysis of College Media Association members’ websites (N = 419), the researchers found that some college publications are publicizing corrections, but some are not. Additionally, these practices seem to depend on publication and university differences. Similarities between college and professional publications are noted, and recommendations for improvement are discussed. Continue reading “Research (Vol. 53) — Corrections and the College Web”

CMR Extra — Quick Links

Media watchers analyze print, broadcast coverage of Trump and Clinton

From the CMR editor’s desk…


Who knows the number of total news stories and columns written—and those that will come–about Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton since the 2016 presidential campaign began?

CMR_arrow26_RotateBut here are a few links to print and broadcast commentary and coverage CMR thought you might find interesting.

The links are not  “new” as in today,  but the articles offer viewpoints from multiple voices from recent months.

More such links will be shared once the Republican and Democratic conventions unfold this summer, and as the country heads into the 2016 presidential election.

Trump hits CNN as ‘the Clinton network’ | TheHill

http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/presidential-races/278346-trump-calls-cnn-the-clinton-network

May 2, 2016 … “They do call it ‘the Clinton network,’” he told Chris Cuomo on the network’s …. from a media wh*re who can’t get enough free media coverage.

Forget Trump and Clinton, Cable News Networks Are…

http://www.usnews.com/news/the-report/articles/2016-03-18/forget-trump-and-clinton-cable-news-networks-are-winning-the-2016-election

Mar 18, 2016 … A strategist for one Republican presidential campaign, who asked not to be named, tells U.S. News that cable networks are covering this … Continue reading “CMR Extra — Quick Links”

Making the most of campaign opportunities

RoyalPurple_TrumpCoverage
From the Royal Purple. Photo by Amber Levenhagen.

Royal Purple staffers cover campaign visits to Wisconsin by presidential hopefuls

CMR Staff Reports

Ideas for news stories can often come from personal experiences.

That goes for political coverage, too, as illustrated by coverage of a Donald Trump rally by staff of the student newspaper, The Royal Purple at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

“Students in a class after mine were talking about how the security and press were taking over their neighborhood because they live near the Holiday Inn in Janesville which hosted the Trump Rally.

“Many in the community said they opposed this choice, not only because of its close location to residential areas, but because it sends a political affiliation,” recalls Carol Terracina Hartman, adviser to The Royal Purple student newspaper.

Continue reading “Making the most of campaign opportunities”