The 24-hour news cycle, coupled with a high-stakes political climate, has made for
a ripe environment for “fake news.” In response, the West Virginia University Reed College
of Media is partnering with PolitiFact, a Pulitzer Prize-winning news organization,
to help train student journalists how to properly fact-check politicians.
Bob Britten, a teaching associate professor in the College of Media, is leading a
class that has been working with Lou Jacobson, senior correspondent at PolitiFact,
to cover events like
Donald Trump’s rally in Charleston, West Virginia, on August 21. The students
researched and investigated Trump’s claims and, depending on their findings, recommended
a “Truth-O-Meter” ruling of “True”, “Mostly True,” “Half True,” “Mostly False,”
"False” or “Pants on Fire,” in line with PolitiFact’s standards.
Three West Virginia University Reed College of Media online graduate students have
been awarded scholarships from the College’s General IMC/DMC Scholarship Fund.
The competitive scholarship was established in 2017 by College of Media alumni and
employees
Catherine and
Chad Mezera. It is awarded to students enrolled in the College’s
Integrated Marketing Communications
(IMC) or
Data Marketing Communications(DMC) graduate programs each fall and is the first
and only scholarship dedicated to online graduate students in the College of Media.
An Academy-Award nominated filmmaker, an award-winning veteran
journalist, a former corporate communications executive, and a nonprofit
marketing communications professional were all recently honored by the West
Virginia University Reed College of Media at its annual Alumni and Donor
Recognition Ceremony. Originated by the College’s local alumni chapter, the
outstanding alumni awards acknowledge exceptional professional achievements as
well as commitment and service to the College of Media.
Dean Maryanne Reed welcomed alumni, donors and guests to the
ceremony and reception, which was held at the Media Innovation Center on
September 21.
National sports journalists, commentators and athletes will discuss the intersection
of sports, race and media during a time of intense political division and
partisanship. A variety of timely issues will be addressed, including the
recent decision by the NFL to ban players from kneeling during the national
anthem. Sports is not just a national pastime, it's also a reflection of
our cultural values, norms and society. How should the media respond to current
issues that go beyond game coverage and bring to light deep divisions and
unresolved tensions within our larger society?