JCOM 304: The Media Business

The skills and knowledge you need to prosper in your first 3–5 years after graduation

School of Journalism and Communication, University of

Oregon, Fall 2025

Course Information

Course Name and Number: JCOM 304: The Media Business

Credits: 4
CRN: 16228
Meeting Times & Location: Monday and Wednesday 12:00 – 13.50, Room 123, Global Scholars Hall.

Instructor: Damian Radcliffe, Carolyn S. Chambers Professor in Journalism

Contact: [email protected]
Office & Office Hours: 201 Allen Hall. 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Tuesday, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM on
Wednesday, Other times by appointment.
Telephone: 541-346-7643 (voicemail). SMS/Text 541-972-5531 9am-9pm.
You can also email or DM me on X/Twitter @damianradcliffe

Teaching Assistants: Mudassir Md Hossain

[email protected]
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Tuesdays at Allen Hall 210.

Martha Tejeda
[email protected] / +1 (806) 686-7627.
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Mondays at Allen Hall 312.

Grade Mode: Letter grade

Modality: In-person with Canvas support
Prerequisites: Per SOJC curriculum, Prereq: JCOM 201 or J 201. Only open to SOJC Majors.

Course Materials

- No required textbook. All readings and learning materials will be provided via Canvas.
- Free accounts/tools: Padlet, LinkedIn.
- Free Training: LinkedIn Learning or Coursera, New York Times Doxxing/Digital Safety training.
- Smartphone: Device with camera/mic for video assignments. Possible note taking in class.
- Pen and Paper: Do take notes in this class. Laptops are permitted, but only for this purpose.

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Course Description

The media industry is in constant transformation. Traditional business models are under pressure, new
platforms and behaviors are rapidly emerging and evolving, and the boundaries between journalism, PR,
advertising, and entertainment are more blurred than ever.

Those who understand the implications of these developments, and what it means for the work they do,
the audiences they serve, and the companies they work for (which may include your own firm), will be best
placed to ride the continued waves of digital disruption.

JCOM 304 The Media Business introduces you to the structures and strategies that underpin the media
business and equips you with the professional skills and knowledge needed after you leave Allen Hall. It is
designed to help you navigate the media and creative industries in your first few years after you graduate.

You will develop these skills and knowledge by learning through case studies and applied projects, hearing
from guest speakers, and undertaking industry-standard training.

Through this class, you will learn not only how the media business works but also how to best position
yourself for success.

You’ll leave this class with:

1. A polished LinkedIn profile, career story and experience of professional on-camera

introduction videos.

2. Digital safety and professional development training.

3. Networking experience through structured interviews and guest speaker engagement.

4. A portfolio of assignments analyzing media companies, creators, and business models.

5. Access to a trends database, which we will all collaborate on and contribute to, which you can
use to inform job interviews and applications.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain how different media sectors generate revenue.

2. Critically analyze contemporary media trends and their business implications.
3. Demonstrate professional skills in online identity, networking, interviewing, and digital safety.
4. Apply business frameworks to companies, creators, and case studies.
5. Present your professional story effectively through written, visual, and video formats.

Throughout, you will be encouraged to think about how you will apply this learning to ensure success your
early career success; specifically, the first 3–5 years after graduation.

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Technical Requirements

Canvas will be the primary portal for all communication this term. Log into canvas.uoregon.edu using your
DuckID to access all details relating to our class. Here you will find announcements, discussion boards,
rubrics and deadlines for assignments and modules reminding you of the work which needs to be done
each week. I recommend you download the Canvas app to your phone, for in-class assignments

If you have questions about using Canvas, visit the Canvas support page. Canvas and Technology Support
also is available by phone (541-346-4357) or by live chat on the Live Help webpage.

If you face Internet access challenges, computer labs are open for students at the Eugene campus. Some
companies are offering free access during this challenging time. To learn more about options visit
Information Services’ web page on going remote.

Aside from Canvas for this class you will also need:

1. Google Account. We will use collaborative tools for a number of graded assignments.
2. LinkedIn Account/Profile. You will need this for several graded assignments.
3. Smartphone/Webcam/Video Recording Equipment. Required for several graded assignments.

Grade Policy and Grading Scale

You’ll be given a detailed brief, on Canvas and in class, for each assignment. This will include clear
directions of what’s expected and by when, including an assignment specific rubric. If anything is unclear,
please ask. It’s likely that other students will have the same questions. Do speak up!

Assignments will require original research, analysis, reporting and writing. This may involve additional
reading, conversations/interviews, and information-gathering during different days and times. Some
assignments will run concurrently, requiring you to balance your time and prioritize.

Grading Scale

Grade Percentage Grade Percentage

A 93%+ C+ 77 – 79%
A- 90 - 92% C 73 – 76%
B+ 87 - 89% C- 70 – 72%
B 83 - 86% D 60 – 69%
B- 80 – 82% F 0 – 59%

Failure to submit an assignment = an automatic F and ZERO points for that specific assignment.

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Assignment Deadlines

Weekly assignments in Canvas are due on Sundays at 11:59pm.

Late Work & Make-up Policy

• Major assignments worth 5% or more (e.g. LinkedIn Profile, Video Introductions, Personal Story
Video, Case Study, Final Exam): These will be accepted through Canvas until 9am on Mondays.

After that time, late assignments will not be accepted, unless covered by official university
accommodations (e.g. accommodations through the AEC, religious observance, or university events).

• All other assignments: There is a 24-hour grade period (until Monday at 11:59pm) where you can
submit these late through Canvas without any grade penalty. There is no need to reach out to me or the
Teaching Team to use the grace period. You will not earn credit for work submitted after the grace
period; again unless this is covered by official university accommodations.

• Extraordinary circumstances: If you experience prolonged illness, emergencies, or situations

affecting multiple assignments, contact me as soon as possible to discuss how to support you in the
course. Options may include university-supported processes such as withdrawal, grade change, or an
Incomplete. You do not need to share the nature of your extraordinary circumstance with me or the
teaching team.

• Exams: Together, exams = 15% of your grade.

Midterm Exam

Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 (Week 5, in class)

• Weight: 7.5% of final grade
• Format: In-class, mix of short-answer and applied analysis.
• Coverage: Weeks 1–5 (course foundations, how media makes money, social media, digital
transformation, gatekeepers + AI).

Make-up Policy:
• Must be taken on the scheduled date.
• If missed, the weight (7.5%) shifts to the final exam (making it 15%).
• No retakes, except for university-recognized accommodations (AEC, religious observances, varsity
athletics) or extraordinary circumstances.

Final Exam

Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025 (Week 10, in class)

• Weight: 7.5% of final grade

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 • Format: In-class, open questions (reflective + applied).
• Coverage: Weeks 5–10 (audiences, creator economy, entrepreneurship, international comms,
DEI/climate/ethics, future of media), but will also touch on concepts across the whole term.

• It will feature multiple choices questions, and open-ended reflections such as:
“What have you learned this term, and what are you going to put into practice in your career?”

Make-up Policy:
• Final exam must be completed.
• Only exceptions: official accommodations (AEC, religious observances, varsity athletics) or
extraordinary, documented emergencies.

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Assignments & Grading (by Category)

Category Assignment Weight TOTAL

Participation & Attendance & 10% 25%

Reflection Participation

Reflections (5 total) 15%

(5 x 3%)

Identity & Padlet Board 5% 20%

Professional + Peer Review (3% + 2%)
Presence
LinkedIn Profile 5%

30-sec Video Intro + 5%

Peer Review (3% + 2%)

Personal Story Video + 5%

Peer Review (3% + 2%)

Professional Skills Digital Footprint 5% 15%

(NYT doxxing training)

Online Training 5%
Module + Reflection

Meet the Professor 5%

Business Models & Show Me the Money 5% 15%

Analysis
My Creators 5%
Assignment

Weekly Trends Slide 5%

Capstone & Exams Midterm Exam 7.5% 25%

Final Project: Case 10%

Study Presentations

Final Exam 7.5%

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Weekly Schedule (Fall 2025: MW, Sep 29 – Dec 3)
Note: This class schedule subject to change due to guest speakers, events, or student needs.

Typical format from Week 2:

Monday: Recap from previous week, look at What’s Trending, Intro to weekly theme
Wednesday: Guest Speaker + Weekly Inspiration + look at What’s Trending Pt 2 / Group work

Week (Dates) Theme Homework Assignments & Activities

(due Sunday evening)

Week 1 (Sep 29 & Oct 1) Course Expectations & Padlet Board; Weekly Trends start
Media History

Week 2 (Oct 6 & Oct 8) Making Media Pay Peer Review of Padlets; Reflection #1;
Show Me the Money; Weekly Trends

Week 3 (Oct 13 & Oct 15) Social Media LinkedIn Profile; Weekly Trends

Week 4 (Oct 20 & Oct 22) Digital Transformation 30-sec Video Intro; Start Online Training
(Gatekeepers + AI) Module; Reflection #2; Weekly Trends
Note: Damian away Wed Oct 22
→ Guest speaker/Online Training.

Week 5 (Oct 27 & Oct 29) Audiences Peer Review of Video Intros; Midterm
Exam; Weekly Trends

Week 6 (Nov 3 & Nov 5) Creator Economy My Creators assignment; Reflection #3;
Weekly Trends

Week 7 (Nov 10 & Nov 12) Entrepreneurship Digital Footprint (NYT doxing); Weekly
Trends

Week 8 (Nov 17 & Nov 19) International Meet the Professor; Reflection #4;
Communications Personal Story Video; Weekly Trends
Note: Damian away Nov 17–21 →
joins via Zoom.

Week 9 (Nov 24) Values and Integrity Peer Review of Personal Story Videos;
Weekly Trends; Final Project (start)
No class Wed Nov 26 (Thanksgiving break).

Week 10 (Dec 1 & Dec 3) The Future Final Project; Final Exam; Reflection #5;
Weekly Trends final contributions
Last class Wed Dec 3.

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Assignments and Due Dates – Handy Print Guide
Note: This assignment schedule subject to change due to guest speakers, events, or student needs.
Reminder: Detailed descriptions, including rubrics, for each assignment, will be published to Canvas.

Week Assignments Due Date

Week 1 (Sept 29 & Oct 1) 1. Padlet Board Sun Oct 5, 11:59pm

Week 2 (Oct 6 & Oct 8) 1. Peer Review of Padlets Sun Oct 12, 11:59pm
2. Reflection #1
3. Show Me the Money

Week 3 (Oct 13 & Oct 15) 1. LinkedIn Profile Sun Oct 19, 11:59pm

Week 4 (Oct 20 & Oct 22) 1. 30-sec Video Intro; Sun Oct 26, 11:59pm
2. Reflection #2

Online Training kick off (due Week 5) Sun Nov 2, 11:59pm

Week 5 (Oct 27 & Oct 29) 1. Peer Review of Video Intros Sun Nov 2, 11:59pm
2. Online Training Module

- Midterm Exam In class Wed Oct 29

Week 6 (Nov 3 & Nov 5) 1. My Creators Sun Nov 9, 11:59pm

2. Reflection #3

Week 7 (Nov 10 & Nov 12) 1. Digital Footprint (NYT doxing) Sun Nov 16, 11:59pm

Week 8 (Nov 17 & Nov 19) 1. Meet the Professor Sun Nov 23, 11:59pm
2. Personal Story Video
3. Reflection #4

Final Project kickoff (due Week 9) Sun Nov 30, 11:59pm

Week 9 (Nov 24) 1. Peer Review of Personal Story Videos Sun Nov 30, 11:59pm
2. Final Project Slides (group project)
Yes, this is Thanksgiving
Week. Plan ahead!
Week 10 (Dec 1 & Dec 3) - Final Exam In class Wed Dec 3

1. Reflection #5 Sun Dec 7, 11:59pm

Ongoing Weekly Trends Slide contribution Sunday before assigned

your Monday, 11:59pm

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Learning Outcomes Matrix

Learning Outcome Where It's Met

Explain how different media sectors Week 2: Show Me the Money; Week 5:
generate revenue. Midterm Exam; Week 10: Final Project

Critically analyze contemporary media Weeks 1–10: Weekly Trends; Reflections;

trends and their business implications. Week 9: DEI/Climate/Ethics; Week 10:
Final Exam

Demonstrate professional skills in Week 1: Padlet; Week 3: LinkedIn; Week 4:

online identity, networking, interviewing, Video Intro; Week 7: Digital Footprint;
and digital safety. Week 8: Meet the Professor; Personal Story
Video

Apply business frameworks to Week 2: Show Me the Money; Week 6: My

companies, creators, and case studies. Creators; Week 10: Final Project

Present your professional story Week 1: Padlet; Week 4: Video Intro; Week
effectively through written, visual, and 8: Personal Story Video; Reflections
video formats. (Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10)

Develop an action plan for your early Reflections; Week 8: Meet the Professor;
career success. Week 10: Final Exam

Estimated student workload

This a 300-level course. Because this is an upper-division course, you can expect a step change from the
workload and assignments seen in the 100- and 200-level classes you have taken.

Building on foundational knowledge you developed in those classes, we will explore more specialized
topics and advanced concepts, both in our twice weekly classes and in the assignments, you are set.

Undergraduate Courses
Under the UO quarter system, each undergraduate credit reflects c.30 hours of student engagement.
Therefore, this 4-credit course is akin to approximately 120 hours total of student time.

You will spend c.4 hours a week in class, and the rest of your credit hours (c.8 a week) will be spent on
different assignments for this class. These support the learning objectives outlined above.

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Course Policies

Communicating with us: How and Why

- Canvas

Canvas is the primary portal for everything related to this class: assignments, email and more!

Announcements and emails are archived there and automatically forwarded to your UO email, and can
even reach you by text. Check and adjust your settings under Account > Notifications.

Every Monday I will post the Page for the week. This outlines everything we are doing in that week. I will
walk you through this on the first class (Monday) of every week, so you know what we are doing.

I’ll also post Modules with deadlines for work that week, or assignments we’ve started which are due a
little later. On Monday morning, you will receive an Announcement that previews the week ahead and tells
you that the Page and Modules are live.

- Communicating with us

Your first port of call should be the two Teaching Assistants (TA) for this class: Martha and Mudassir.

In the first class of term, you will be assigned a TA to work with. Go to them if you have questions about
class and assignments, or if you will be absent due to sickness or another acceptable reason.

If your question is about a technical challenge with Canvas, Zoom, or another technology, please contact
the UO Service Portal.

If your question, concern, or excitement is about course content or activities, about something personal, is
time-sensitive, or is something else that doesn’t feel like it fits above, please do reach out to me, Martha or
Mudasir by email or by attending Office Hours.

If you contact me with a question, I will try to respond within two business days. I get a lot of emails and
messages, am teaching two classes this term and have three small children, as well as other research and
work commitments. TLDR I’m only human. So, things may slip my mind, or I might not not gotten around to
it yet. In that situation, if you need a response, send me a nudge. If it is urgent, text (541-972-5531) is best.

- Office Hours and Contact Info

Per the front page of this syllabus, these are:

Instructor: Damian Radcliffe, Carolyn S. Chambers Professor in Journalism

Contact: [email protected]

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Office & Office Hours: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Tuesday, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Wednesday,
Other times by appointment. Meet at 201 Allen Hall.

Telephone: 541-346-7643 (voicemail). SMS/Text 541-972-5531 9am-9pm.

You can also email or DM me on X/Twitter @damianradcliffe

Teaching Assistants: Mudassir Md Hossain / + 1 458-245-6086.

[email protected]
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Tuesdays at Allen Hall 210.

Martha Tejeda
[email protected] / +1 (806) 686-7627.
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Wednesdays at Allen Hall 312.

If I have to change my Office Hours due to childcare, work travel, or illness, I will let you know ASAP and
schedule alternative times, or methods to connect with me (e.g. phone or Zoom). You can also use those
methods to contact me during my standard Office Hours – just let me know in advance as we’ll need to
schedule a part of my Office Hours for that conversation.

Office Hours are a chance to chat about life, the university, and everything. It does not just have to be
about class. But you can – of course – also come and talk about specific assignments, how you’re doing in
the course, questions you have about your career and post-graduation plans, or anything else you want to
discuss with me. That includes just popping by to say “Hi!”. There’s no need to make an appointment.

Outside of these hours, feel free to email, text, or DM, and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

A reminder that for class-related questions, your first port of call should be your assigned TA.

In-Class Engagement / Classroom Behaviors

Classes will include input from me, your TA’s, and a wide range of creative and media professionals.

We are a large class of over 200 students, so you must be respectful of your peers, the teaching team, our
guest speakers. We have invested a lot of time into making this class a valuable learning experience.

Yes, this class is large, but that makes it even more important to create a welcoming environment where
everyone feels comfortable contributing. We bring with us different backgrounds, experiences and
identities that shape our perspective. In class, I want everyone to feel valued and everyone’s perspective to
be respected.

All members of the class (both students and instructor) can expect to:

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 1. Participate and Contribute: All students are expected to participate by sharing ideas and
contributing to the learning environment. This entails preparing, following instructions,
and engaging respectfully and thoughtfully with others. Participation is not just talking, and
assignments such as reflections, are all designed to support active learning.

2. Expect and Respect Diversity: All classes at the University of Oregon welcome
and respect diverse experiences, perspectives, and approaches. This class is no exception.
Behavior or contributions that undermine, demean, or marginalize others based on race, ethnicity,
gender, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, ability, or socioeconomic status, are unwelcome and
will be addressed. We will value differences and communicate disagreements with respect.

3. Help Everyone Learn: Part of how we learn together is by learning from one another. To do this
effectively, we need to be patient with each other, identify ways we can assist others, and be open-
minded to receiving help and feedback from others. Don’t hesitate to contact me to ask for
assistance or offer suggestions that might help us learn better.

Your active participation in this class is vital. This is reflected in the grade structure for the term.

Attendance and Absences

This is an interactive course built around lectures, discussion, guest speakers, and in-class activities.
These experiences cannot be fully replicated outside of class, so consistent attendance is the easiest way
to succeed. If challenges come up for you around attendance, please contact me as soon as you can.
Together we can identify what resources or strategies might be available to support you and your learning.

Access and Accommodations

Please visit the university policies page to understand UO-wide approaches to academic accommodations
in areas such as accessibility, religious observances, deployment, or pregnancy.

More widely, as it pertains to this class, you should note the following:

Absence Policy:
• You may miss up to two class sessions without penalty. No explanation is needed, and I will not
distinguish between “excused” and “unexcused” absences.

• If you miss more than two sessions, you cannot make up attendance credit without prior
agreement with your TA. (Any potential make-up would require a short reflection (written,
audio/video) within one week. This should demonstrate how you engaged with class materials
independently.

• If you are unwell, please do not come to class — use the make-up option instead.

Athletes & accommodations:

• Student-athletes should provide their official letter of travel/competition absences at the start of
the term.

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 • Students with disability-related or religious accommodations will have adjustments as
documented through the Accessible Education Center.

Extraordinary circumstances:
If you experience prolonged or extraordinary absences (e.g., medical emergencies, family crises), please
contact me as early as possible. In such cases, options may include:

• Withdrawal or grade change (see UO Academic Advising).

• An Incomplete, if you have completed most of the work but are unable to finish due to an
unexpected situation.

Students who attend at least 90% of sessions (16 of 18 classes, there is no second class in Thanksgiving
and in Week 4) will have their final course grade rounded up to the next whole number (i.e. 100%).

Generative AI Policy
Generative AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, QuillBot, Perplexity, etc.) are part of today’s media and
communications industries. Reflecting this industry reality, in this class, you may use AI tools to support
your learning. BUT it should never to replace your own critical thinking, writing, and analysis.

✅ Acceptable Uses
• Brainstorming & outlining: ideas, headlines, structures.
• Editing & proofreading: grammar, vocabulary (e.g. thesaurus-like functions), clarity.
• Design & visuals: slides, infographics, layouts.

❌ Unacceptable Uses
• Submitting work written/produced mainly or fully by AI.
• Relying on AI for research/facts without double and triple checking via credible sources.
• Failing to disclose when/where you used AI.

🔎 Documentation (required in Canvas)

For every assignment, if you use AI, note:

• Tool: which platform.

• When/where: point in your process.
• How: short explanation (e.g., “Used ChatGPT for outline I then revised”).

Keep drafts/logs; we may ask for them. Missing documentation may reduce your grade. To be clear, you
won’t be penalized for disclosing how you have legitimately used AI. (For example, I used ChatGPT 5 to
distill a previous 3-page AI policy into a shorter one for this class. I have also used it to test rubrics.)

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Passing off AI work as your own — or failing to disclose AI use — may be viewed as misconduct under
UO policy. Cases may be reported to the Office of Student Conduct and can result in grade reduction,
assignment failure, or further disciplinary action.

💡 AI Best Practices
• Fact-check everything: AI makes mistakes and fabricates quotes/facts.
• Keep your voice: AI should enhance your originality, not erase it.
o Engage critically: ask yourself
– Is AI helping me learn or just making shortcuts?
– Does this work reflect my thoughts, effort, and professionalism?

👥 Final Note
AI is an inevitable part of your professional future. Use it responsibly, and be ready to explain your
approach, be that in class, during interviews, and in your job. If you’re ever unsure, check with me first.

University course policies

Please read and make sure you are familiar with the important policies that apply to all UO courses, which
can be found at University Course Policies: a Guide for Students.

UO Support Resources

Counseling Center: Free confidential services for students.

Duck Nest: Wellness center focused on stress management and healthy living.
Bias Response Team: Report incidents of bias.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Teaching Team if you have any questions.

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Instructor bio http://journalism.uoregon.edu/member/radcliffe-damian/

Damian Radcliffe is a journalist, researcher, and professor based at the University of Oregon, where he is
the Carolyn S. Chambers Professor in Journalism, a Professor of Practice, an affiliate faculty member of
the Department for Middle East and North Africa Studies (MENA) and the Agora Journalism Center, and a
Research Associate of the Center for Science Communication Research (SCR).

Damian is also a three-time Knight News Innovation Fellow at the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at
Columbia University, an Honorary Research Fellow at Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media and
Culture Studies (JOMEC), and a Life Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts,
Manufactures and Commerce (RSA).

In Spring and Summer 2023 he was a Visiting Fellow at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at
the University of Oxford, his alma matter.

With 30 years of experience in the media industry, Damian has worked in editorial, strategic, research,
policy and teaching roles in the USA, Middle East and UK. This includes roles in all media sectors
(commercial, public, government, regulatory, academic, and nonprofit/civil society) and all platforms
(print, digital, TV and radio).

He continues to be an active journalist, writing regular features for Digital Content Next, the International
Journalists' Network (IJNet), journalism.co.uk and other outlets. His work focuses on digital trends, social
media, technology, the business of media, and the evolution - and practice - of journalism.

As an analyst, researcher and trainer, he has worked with a wide range of additional industry and academic
organizations including the BBC World Service, Facebook, FIPP, INMA, Thomson Reuters Foundation, The
Washington Center for Equitable Growth, World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) and the
United Nations.

He has been quoted on issues relating to digital media and

journalism by major outlets such as Agence France-Presse
(AFP), BBC News, BBC World Service, Business Insider, ESPN,
Forbes, Marketplace, Monocle magazine, NPR, The New York
Times, Snapchat, Wired and Voice of America.

He has been interviewed, and had his work featured, in leading

trade publications such as the American Press Institute, CNN's
Reliable Sources, Columbia Journalism Review (CJR), Editor &
Publisher, Harvard's Nieman Lab, Poynter, PBS MediaShift and
the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism.

As a freelance journalist, his work has also been published by

leading publications and trade outlets such as the BBC College
of Journalism and BBC Academy, Columbia Journalism Review (CJR), The Conversation, Donald W.
Reynolds Journalism Institute (RJI) at the University of Missouri, Global Investigative Journalism
Network (GIJN), Harvard's Nieman Lab, HuffPost, PBS MediaShift, Poynter, TheMediaBriefing, Your Middle
East and ZDNet.

Damian is the founder and curator of the Demystifying Media speaker series, which brings leading
academics and industry professionals to the SOJC. To date, more than 50 experts have participated in the
program. You can catch some of their contributions via the series' podcast.

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Alongside this, Damian also publishes a podcast - Next Generation Leaders - featuring class conversations
with young alumni of the SOJC.

Outside of this series, Damian has chaired sessions, provided training, and spoken at events, around the
world including: North America (New York, Portland, Philadelphia, Colorado Springs, Albany; New York,
Nashville, Topeka, Toronto, Chicago and Washington D.C.), UK (London, Edinburgh, Oxford, Cardiff,
Belfast, Bristol), Europe (Paris, Brussels, Strasbourg, Vienna, Barcelona, Istanbul, Ankara, Amsterdam,
Perugia, various cities in Germany) and the Middle East (Doha and Dubai), and virtually for events in Asia,
South and Latin America.

Find out more about him on his website.

TA bios

Md Mudassir Hossain

Mudassir is a visual researcher and storyteller from Bangladesh, currently

pursuing a PhD in Communication and Media Studies at the University of
Oregon. His research focuses on climate storytelling that combines
contemporary photography, data, GIS, and UX to create
interdisciplinary approaches for representing environmental and social issues.

He completed an MA in Photography and Urban Cultures at Goldsmiths,

University of London, and studied Photojournalism at the Danish School of
Media and Journalism. He also earned a Bachelor of Business Administration
and completed certifications in advanced data analytics
and UX design from Google.

His training includes visual storytelling programs such as the VII Academy’s Documentary and Narrative
Practice workshop.

Mudassir has worked with international media productions as a local producer on social and
corporate stories, and has collaborated with NGOs on visual projects addressing
environmental and social issues. His photographic work has been recognized on global
platforms, such as Earth.org, Magnum Photos, and Getty Images.

He sees visual media as a powerful tool for connecting academic research with public
understanding, particularly around climate justice. Through his work, he aims to advance both
scholarly inquiry and creative practice in media and communication.

Martha Tejeda

I'm Martha, an incoming third-year PhD student at the School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC).
I'm an international student from Ciudad Juárez. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications
from the HBCU Wiley College and my master’s in Communication and Media Studies from Texas Tech
University.

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My research focuses on fan and fandom studies. I've conducted research
on K-pop and Disney, and I also explored topics related to popular culture
and identity, Latine studies, and the borderlands. While I've loved
researching subjects I'm passionate about, my current work centers on
narcoculture in Mexico—specifically exploring the relationship between
Mexican youth and narcoculture.

Fun fact: I’ve been an international student since I was 12 years old! Aside
from a short break after finishing my master’s working at a middle school (a
job I loved and changed my life!) I’ve basically been a student for the last 15
years. So, if you ever have questions about college, life, or navigating
adulthood, I’m always happy to chat! 😊

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