OSU Journalism and Broadcasting School is keeping up with new media

For the past two years, I’ve had the privileged of studying at Oklahoma State University in the School of Journalism and Broadcasting. At the age of 59, this experience has been academically challenging, but it has also enriched my life with knowledge and experience that will definitely help me succeed in my chosen profession. I’ve not only learned writing and marketing skills, but I've developed skills in strategic thinking and planning as well, and from some of the finest professors in the field of journalism. One of those professors is Dr. Lori Melton McKinnon.

McKinnon is an Associate Professor at Oklahoma State University. She has a PhD in Communication from the University of Oklahoma, a MS in Journalism and Mass Communication at Oklahoma State University, and a BA in Broadcast Journalism at Arizona State University. She is the author of numerous academic journal articles on the topics of national and international political advertising, political public relations, and presidential debate coverage, as well as the co-author of a book on the 1996 Romanian Presidential election.

Before coming to OSU, McKinnon taught at the University of Alabama. Today, she teaches at both the undergraduate and graduate levels for Oklahoma State University. Her course offerings for the 2009-2010 year include Public Relations Communications Methods, Integrated Marketing Communications, Public Relations Research and Campaigns, Public Relations Crisis Communications, and Social Responsibility in Mass Communication at Oklahoma State University.

Yesterday, I talked with McKinnon about the future of public relations, how students should prepare for that future, and how OSU is responding to meet the needs of future students.

Although social media is changing the way in which we communicate, McKinnon believes that traditional public relations will always play an important part in the process. To be successful in the field, McKinnon recommends that students learn to write well, know how to do research and develop good presentation skills. Students should also understand the strategic thinking process and know where you are going with your communication efforts.

The School of Journalism and Broadcasting at Oklahoma State University is continuously working to improve its programs to meet the challenges of new media. It’s one of a few colleges that offer a degree in Sports Media or classes like Social Media. A new degree program currently in the works will combine advertising and public relations into one program called Strategic Communications. This is a reflection of convergence of media in the field, McKinnon said.

The School of Journalism and Broadcasting maintains its high standards by accreditation through ACEJMC (The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication). It's one of the few colleges that has maintained this accreditation since 1928. ACEJMC accreditation provides students with assurance that the curriculum is relevant and that the faculty have significant professional experience upon which to base their instruction.

If you're looking for a school to help you prepare for a career in journalism or broadcasting, I recommend Oklahoma State University; and, if you get the opportunity, be sure to take some classes offered by Dr. McKinnon. You won’t be disappointed.