News

A new book co-edited by a VCU professor explores a variety of journalistic genres that cover the news in ways other than the traditional problem-based narrative. (Getty Images)

How journalism can empower and engage audiences without making them feel depressed

May 18, 2021

A new book co-edited by VCU journalism professor Karen McIntyre Hopkinson explores eight socially-responsible news reporting practices.

Clarence Thomas taught college for 42 years; 30 at VCU. He will retire at the end of the spring semester. (Tom Kojcsich, University Marketing)

Trailblazing Robertson School professor Clarence Thomas to retire at end of semester

April 30, 2021

Thomas, who taught mass communications at VCU for 30 years, was the first Black faculty member to receive tenure at the university in his field.

A podcast by VCU students, “When Time Slows Down,” is one of 10 finalists in the NPR Student Podcast Challenge: College Edition. Winners will be featured in segments on “Morning Edition” or “All Things Considered.” (Max Schlickenmeyer, University Marketing)

Podcast by VCU students on graffiti-covered Confederate monuments named a finalist in NPR national contest

April 2, 2021

The podcast, “When Time Slows Down,” is one of 10 finalists in the NPR Student Podcast Challenge: College Edition. Winners will be featured in segments on “Morning Edition” or “All Things Considered.”

A new study by VCU researchers investigates a key question: Will the U.S. population support donating part of its COVID-19 vaccine stockpile to less prosperous countries? (Getty Images)

Will the U.S. public support donating COVID-19 vaccines to low- and middle-income countries?

March 31, 2021

A new study led by VCU researchers surveyed 788 people. Among its findings: Older people were less likely to support donating vaccines, as were Republicans.

A vial of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. (Kevin Morley, University Relations)

How to fight misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccines

March 3, 2021

A VCU expert in media and health explains how to talk with friends and family members who are hesitant about getting vaccinated.

Clockwise from upper left: Aloni Hill, Ph.D., assistant professor of journalism at VCU; Regina Boone, photojournalist with the Richmond Free Press; Anthony Antoine, anchor at NBC12; and Michael Paul Williams, columnist with the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Black Lives Matter has ‘dramatically shifted the paradigm’ of how mainstream media covers the news

Feb. 26, 2021

In the nine months since George Floyd’s killing by a Minneapolis police officer sparked nationwide protests, Black Lives Matter has led to reforms and conversations in mainstream media newsrooms that were once unimaginable, according to a panel of Black Richmond journalists who spoke Thursday at a Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture virtual event.

“More representative teams just perform better … ,” Elizabeth Paul, chief strategy officer at the Martin Agency, said at a VCU virtual event on how women are changing the advertising industry. “I want our workforce to reflect our audience because I know we’ll tell better, more representative stories.” (Getty Images)

Women are changing the advertising industry, and it’s leading to better, more authentic ads

Feb. 5, 2021

As another Super Bowl comes and goes, a VCU Robertson School panel says improving gender diversity in advertising is leading to better storytelling and more opportunities for underrepresented voices.