AEJMC offers additional sessions that may require pre-registration and/or a fee in addition to the conference registration fee. You can view these sessions below. All of these sessions are optional.
Wednesday, August 7 (Pre-Conference Workshops)
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(w01) AI and Beyond- Synchronizing Timeless Principles in Today’s Realities in Advertising Education
Sponsored by Advertising Division
$50 Fee Faculty and $25 Fee Students (Participation limited to 50)
Upholding timeless principles in the age of artificial intelligence. The fundamentals of advertising remain relevant even as technology opens up more possibilities. How can we integrate new technology, such as generative AI and virtual simulation, with the enduring advertising principles? This full-day workshop will explore how to mesh fundamental principles of advertising we love with the undeniable influence of emerging technology in our field. Leading advertising scholars and practitioners reveal their insights. Pre-registration is required and is open to all AEJMC members. Register through AEJMC. Light refreshments are included. Please contact ADVD Teaching and Pedagogy Chair Shanshan Lou at lous@appstate.edu with questions. (ADVD)
8 a.m. to Noon
(w03) Remixing and Redesigning Curriculum: Introducing the AEJMC Teaching Academy
Sponsored by Commission on Graduate Education and Elected Standing Committee on Teaching
$10 Faculty; FREE Students (Participation limited to 50)
This pre-conference workshop provides faculty and graduate students with hands-on experience designing, redesigning, or remixing a course they teach (or are planning to teach). It will guide participants through a multi-step curriculum design process grounded in education theory and practice (e.g., objectives, Lexile scores, assessment, instructional strategies, backward design, Bloom’s taxonomy, zone of proximal development). Participants will leave with resources, skills, and a newly structured course to implement in the upcoming school year; we will also establish a network to continue conversations beyond the workshop. Participants do not need to know educational theory or curriculum and instruction practice. Rather, this experience is meant to provide an equitable experience in curriculum design regardless of experience level or title. We hope participants come with excitement to create a curriculum that has a lasting impact and learn instructional design strategies to elevate their home institution’s curriculum and pedagogy. More information about what to bring to the workshop will be provided closer to the conference. For information contact Patrick Johnson, Marquette, patrick.johnson@marquette.edu (CSGE, ESCT)
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(w04) Connecting Journalism Research and Practice
Sponsored by Mass Communication and Society Division, Participatory Journalism and Community Journalism Interest Groups
$25 Faculty; FREE for Graduate Students and Philadelphia-area practitioners and community members
(Participation limited to 40)
This full-day offsite preconference will bring together researchers, journalists, and journalism support stakeholders interested in research that supports more equitable, engaged, and sustainable journalism & civic media. The workshop will critically explore efforts to make the cycle of journalism research more collaborative and impactful: from collaboratively developing research questions, to building and nurturing relationships between researchers and journalism stakeholders, to communicating findings and holding dialogues on recommendations for change. The workshop will begin with a “home truths” discussion examining critical points in this research cycle, based on a white paper recently published by the American Press Institute. We will then move to practitioner-researcher “speed dating” to help participants get ideas for collaboration and research questions. This will be followed by a series of unconference breakouts where participants will co-design sessions exploring possible interventions to support or create infrastructure for collaborative research. This preconference is part of an annual series organized by the Engaged Journalism Exchange project which seeks to connect scholars and practitioners interested in research to make journalism stronger, more equitable, and more connected to communities and publics. This year we also partner with the Journalism Bridging Project, a collaborative devoted to hatching initiatives to close the journalist-researcher gap. For more information contact Andrea Wenzel, Temple, andrea.wenzel@temple.edu or Tamar Wilner, Texas, tamar.wilner@utexas.edu. In addition to registering via AEJMC, participants are required to fill out this google form: bit.ly/AEJMC-Journalism-preconf-2024
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
(w05) AI- Driven Research Topics, Analytics Tools, and Publishing Opportunities
Sponsored by Communication Technology Division
$10 Fee (Participation limited to 40)
Artificial Intelligence research is already underway, and many scholars are studying its impact on communication. This pre-conference workshop aims to allow attendees to meet with like-minded scholars at roundtables to discuss future research in AI. The workshop will include training on machine learning analytic tools, such as Google Colab, and provide pathways for AI researchers to publish and promote their work. Join us for an in-depth exploration of the frontiers of communication technology research. For information, contact Devin Knighton at devin.knighton@byu.edu (CTEC).
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
(w06) Using the Tools of Digital Humanities in Journalism History and Media Research
Sponsored by History Division
$10 Fee (Participation limited to 25)
The digitization of historical and current media content such as the Library of Congress’s Chronicling America, the Internet Archive/TV Archive, and other repositories has provided dynamic new research opportunities for journalism historians and others engaged in media research. Over the past decade, tools associated with what has come to be called digital humanities have enabled researchers to digest and analyze large groups of documents, images, videos, and other media at a scale not previously possible. These research methods range from large-scale textual analysis, sentiment analysis and topic modeling, to data visualization and geospatial analysis and more. We propose conducting a half day workshop to introduce journalism historians and other media researchers to these research tools and approaches. The workshop would be geared both to attendees new to digital humanities as well as those who wish to expand their digital humanities toolkit. It will also explore how to incorporate digital humanities approaches in the classroom. Finally, while some of these tools and techniques do not require advanced technical skills other may require a degree of sophistication in using digital technology that goes beyond the skills of many of those in our community, we will discuss how to identify and partner with collaborators. Pre-registration is required. This workshop is sponsored by Lehigh University. For information contact Eliot King, Loyola University, eking@loyola.edu; Rob Wells, University of Maryland, robwells@umd.edu. (HIST).
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
(w21) Conducting Comparative and Collaborative Journalism Research
Sponsored by International Communication Division
FREE (Participation limited to 40)
Political instability, growing economic inequalities, the emergence of AI and other new technologies, and increased polarization are complicating the journalism landscape worldwide. This pre-conference explores comparative research on journalism by looking at the methodologies behind, and preliminary empirical results from, the Worlds of Journalism Study (2021-2023). During this half-day session, we bring together WJS research from eight countries: Brazil, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, India, the UK, and the US. In the first panel, speakers will discuss the unique methodological and ethical challenges of journalism survey research, especially in countries without traditions of Western research, or where journalists routinely face threats and harassment. The second panel will offer preliminary findings from the WJS survey, providing a glimpse of the state of journalism and press freedom in various countries around the world. After the individual presentations, each panel will be followed by a roundtable discussion aimed at creating a space for important cross-country dialogue and collaboration around the future of comparative journalism research. For information, contact Summer Harlow at summer.harlow@austin.utexas.edu (INTC).
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(w07) Academic Job Market Readiness Workshop
Sponsored by Newspaper and Online News Division
$5 Fee (Participation limited to 50)
What does a “job ready” CV look like? What about a research statement? Or a teaching statement? What questions might come at you in the interview process? How do you position your work for the job market? The academic job market is confusing and intimidating for even the most seasoned scholars. This pre-conference workshop will give doctoral students one-on-one facetime with senior scholars to answer questions, provide feedback on CVs, sample cover letters, research and teaching statements, and other common documents. In the opening panel, early- and mid-career scholars will share their experiences on the job market, but the remainder of the time will be dedicated to workshop-style sessions where doctoral students are assigned to meet with and get feedback from multiple tenured or advanced tenure-track faculty from both research and teaching institutions. Pre-registration is required. For information contact Gina Masullo, NOND Vice Chair, University of Texas at Austin, gina.masullo@austin.utexas.edu (NOND)
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(w08) Public Relations in the Public Forum: Leadership and Best Practices
Sponsored by Public Relations Division
$10 Fee (Participation limited to 50)
As companies and CEOs become more engaged in public debates on social and political issues, organizations are challenged to navigate the reputational and relational, as well as financial, risks of businesses and business leaders taking public stands on matters that bring heightened visibility and scrutiny to companies and their leaders. Although corporate activism and CEO activism are not new, today’s polarized communication environment creates new challenges for CEOs and their communication advisors in deciding whether, when, why and how to engage on matters of public debate. In many situations, there is a fine line between informing conversations in constructive ways that position a company or CEO as a thought leader on a particular issue and becoming embroiled in a public controversy that puts a CEO and their company in a negative light among important stakeholders. There is also a risk that business and/or CEO involvement in social and political debates could have negative effects on societal advancement. Notably, the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer found that businesses are expected to lead on societal issues and to be “an ethical force for good in the world.”
So, what is a public relations leader to do when charged with providing advice and counsel to company executives contemplating the benefits and impacts of corporate activism and CEO activism? That is the question taken up by three panels of distinguished communication experts. Our first session will bring together some of the top scholars in the discipline examining different facets of leadership and effective practice to consider the discipline’s role in relationship to our current global climate. The second session will consider the industry perspective, blending the viewpoint of scholars and industry leaders on the impacts of activism on CEOs and the companies they lead, on the role of public relations in practice, and on reputation, relationships and the bottom line. Our third session will bring together members of the Commission on Public Relations Education’s research team to talk about public relations and its role as a driver of social change and its impact on the public relations classroom. Finally, the session will close with a keynote speaker discussing the role of listening in ethical leadership and public relations practice. Pre-registration is required. For information contact Chris McCollough, Jacksonville State, cmccollough@jsu.edu (PRDV).
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
(w09) Creativity and Responsibility in the Age of AI
Sponsored by Visual Communication and Magazine Media Divisions
FREE (Participation limited to 40)
This pre-conference workshop will present some ideas and technologies for using AI to generate content followed by discussion about the potential roles of AI in journalism and ethical concerns for its responsible use. For information contact Keith Greenwood, greenwoodk@missouri.edu or Ivy Ashe, ivyashe@fau.edu (VISC, MMAG)
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
(w10) The Great Disengagement: Strategies for Reaching Students
Sponsored by Small Programs and Internships and Careers Interest Groups
FREE (Participation limited to 40)
The COVID-19 pandemic had far-reaching impacts on higher education, including what some experts are calling ‘The Great Disengagement,’ the loss of student learning and interest in pursuing a degree in JMC and many other disciplines. The switch to online learning, collapse of student activities, and the growing sense that a college degree costs more than it’s worth all contributed to this condition. In this preconference session, SPIG & ICIG will explore the nature of the problem and how teaching and advising in JMC programs can reconnect students to their educations. For information contact Masudul Biswas at masudul.biswas@gmail.com (SPIG, ICIG)
1:00 p.m. to 5 p.m.
(w11) “…and One Third Service”: Identifying Appropriate Levels of Academic and Professional Service for Your Job
Sponsored by the Standing Committee on Career Development
FREE (Participation limited to ??)
This preconference comprises three sessions, each focusing on different academic levels: Tenure-track Assistant Professors, Nontenure track teaching programs and Industry Professionals, Tenured Professors (Associate and Full). Each session covers appropriate and typical levels of service and related expectations. You will hear from experts on what is needed and there will also be ample time for questions. Participants can attend all or just some of the sessions. A detailed program will be provided for registered attendees. For additional information contact Sabine Baumann, sabine.baumann@hwr-berlin.de (Committee on Career Development).
Noon p.m. to 5 p.m.
(w20) Powering Local News: Universities Making a Difference
Sponsored by the Center for Community News, University of Vermont and The Knight Foundation
$10 Fee (Participation limited to 50)
Center for Community News – Panels and discussions for university led reporting programs. Topics include statehouse reporting, election reporting, public media collaborations, environmental reporting and funding. Lunch is included. This workshop is sponsored by The Knight Foundation. More information at https://www.uvm.edu/ccn. Register through AEJMC or at the Center for Community News. For additional information contact Richard Watts, Richard.Watts@uvm.edu (CCN)
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Women Faculty Moving Forward: Securing the Future
Sponsored by Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver Center for the Advancement of Women in Communication at Florida International University, the Commission on the Status of Women and the Council of Affiliates
Must Pre-register with contact below (Participation limited to 40)
This annual workshop with accomplished academics will help junior women faculty move forward in their careers through mentoring, networking and preparing for tenure and promotion and administration and leadership positions. By prior application only. Contact for workshop is Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver at kopenhav@fiu.edu (Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver Center for the Advancement of Women in Communication at Florida International University, the Commission on the Status of Women and the Council of Affiliates)
5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Kopenhaver Center Fellows Reception
Sponsored by Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver Center for the Advancement of Women in Communication at Florida International University, the Commission on the Status of Women and the Scripps Howard Foundation
By Invitation Only
All past and present Kopenhaver Center Fellows are welcome to join us for this reception and informal networking time. Thank you to the Scripps Howard Foundation for their sponsorship. Contact is Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver at kopenhav@fiu.edu (Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver Center for the Advancement of Women in Communication at Florida International University, the Commission on the Status of Women and the Scripps Howard Foundation)
7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
(w12) History Division Awards Gala
$10 Fee
Sponsored by History Division
The History Division Awards Gala will recognize our top award winners of the year and celebrate the importance of journalism history. Pre-registration is required. For information contact, Rachel Grant, rgrant@jou.ufl.edu or Brian Creech, brc623@lehigh.edu.(HIST)
Conference Breakfasts/Luncheons/Fun Run
Thursday, August 8, 2024
6:30 a.m.
(w13) AEJMC Fun Run — Daily Opportunities
$10 Fee
Sponsored by AEJMC Council of Divisions
The 2024 Fun Run will leave from the conference hotel lobby at the designated times throughout the week of the conference. Participants receive a finisher medal featuring the 2024 conference logo, and funds raised benefit graduate student travel scholarships. If you have any questions, feel free to join the “AEJMC Running + Walking Club” on Facebook. (AEJMC)
12:30 to 2 p.m.
(w14) Commission on Graduate Education Luncheon
$5 Fee (Participation limited to 50)
Sponsored by Commission on Graduate Education
The Commission on Graduate Education invites graduate and undergraduate students to participate in the first Commission luncheon. The luncheon will include presentation of our top-paper awards, activities, and quality conversation to help AEJMC student participants to find a community. The luncheon kicks off the week of AEJMC activities, so it is a perfect opportunity to meet new friends, co-authors, and conference colleagues. Pre-registration is required. For information, contact Patrick Johnson at patrick.johnson@marquette.edu. (CSGE)
Friday, August 9, 2024
10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
(w015) How is Technology Impacting Journalists? Meet and Greet with the Philadelphia Inquirer
FREE (Participation limited to 15)
Sponsored by Media Ethics Division
How are digital journalists using the latest technology to produce and disseminate news today? How are news workers using graphic design, video production, social media analytics, AI tools, and other techniques to construct journalism? This session is an opportunity for AEJMC members to visit the Philadelphia Inquirer newsroom and meet with digital journalists and members of the Inquirer's Product and Engineering team and ask crucial questions about how digital technology is positively (and negatively) impacting journalists' work. This is also an opportunity to learn how university faculty can best guide and train student journalists before they graduate and enter the profession. This meet-and-greet session will be in-person (note: some of the newsroom workers will join the session remotely). The Philadelphia Inquirer's Ross Maghielse (Deputy Managing Editor, Innovation & Development) is graciously hosting us. We will meet at the AEJMC conference at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown (in the hotel lobby at 10:25 a.m.) before walking to the Inquirer newsroom (0.8-mile distance). Alternatively, you can meet us there. Additional details will be provided following pre-registration. Pre-registration is required due to the limited number. For information, contact Lana Medina at lcm5510@psu.edu (ETHC)
12:30 to 2 p.m.
(w16) Visual Communication Division Annual (Offsite) Luncheon — The Capital Grille
$70 Fee (this covers meal, non-alcoholic beverages, taxes, gratuity) (Participation limited to 50)
Sponsored by Visual Communication Division
Join us for the Visual Communication division’s annual luncheon at The Capital Grille 8013 - Philadelphia 1338 Chestnut St., Philadelphia PA, 19107. Expect to enjoy some of the restaurants signature dishes, our guest speaker TBD, and lots of time to meet and mingle with other members. Any AEJMC member is welcome to attend. Pre-registration is required. For additional information contact Shane Christopher Epping, sepping@uwyo.edu (VISC)
Saturday, August 10, 2024
8:30 to 10 a.m.
(w17) Kappa Tau Alpha Advisors’ Breakfast
$15 Fee
Sponsored by Kappa Tau Alpha
All advisors from KTA chapters are welcome to attend. KTA remains committed to its guiding principles of Knowledge, Truth and Accuracy. Pre-registration is required. For information, contact Beverly Horvit at horvitb@missouri.edu. (KTA)
12:30 to 2 p.m.
(w18) Kappa Tau Alpha/AEJMC Award Luncheon
$65 Fee
Sponsored by Kappa Tau Alpha and AEJMC
This luncheon recognizes both associations’ award winners and divisions’ top student paper winners. Anyone is welcome to attend. KTA remains committed to its guiding principles of Knowledge, Truth and Accuracy. Pre-registration is required. For information, contact Beverly Horvit at horvitb@missouri.edu (KTA, AEJMC)
8:30 to 10 p.m.
(w19) Public Relations Division Annual Social
Early Bird Registration — $15 Faculty / $12 Grad Students
General Registration — $18 Faculty / $15 Grad Students
At the Door — $20 Everyone
The Public Relations Division Annual Social is an evening for members and others to network, catch up, and meet new colleagues. Book raffles and door prizes add to the fun, along with local food and drinks. Any AEJMC member is welcome to attend. Pre-registration is required. For additional information, contact Christopher Wilson, chriswilson@byu.edu (PRDV)