ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Winthrop University Associate Professor of Mass Communication Nate Frederick has been selected for the Scripps Howard Foundation’s Visiting Professors in Social Media program.
Sponsored by the Association for Education in Journalism in Mass Communication (AEJMC) and the Scripps Howard Foundation, the highly competitive program pairs educators with media organizations to see how technology is changing the way news is delivered.
Beginning July 15, Frederick will spend two weeks shadowing journalists at WCPO-TV and wcpo.com in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he will observe the newsgathering process as it relates to broadcast and online content. He selected Ohio based on the needs of Winthrop’s Department of Mass Communication, specifically the high number of graduates who land roles at television stations.
“I’m most looking forward to being in the newsroom on a regular basis,” he said. “I’m hoping that I’ll have the opportunity to observe newsgathering in the field. For me, it has always been fascinating to see how news content is created and disseminated. I’m also looking forward to the networking opportunities which could benefit our students.”
The media industry is changing rapidly, so it’s important for media professors to keep up with what media practitioners are actually doing in the industry, Frederick explained.
“This experience will give me a new frame of reference to create class assignments that emphasize experiential learning,” he added.
Another component of the program will involve inviting a journalist from WCPO-TV to Winthrop for various activities.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to network with someone outside of our region,” Frederick said. “I would like this person to speak to various mass communication classes, review portfolios, or perhaps participate in a brief multimedia workshop.”
Frederick holds a master’s and Ph.D. from Penn State University. At Winthrop, he teaches courses in media law, media literacy, media history and media representation of minorities. He also directs Winthrop’s African American studies program.
For more information, contact Nicole Chisari, communications coordinator, at 803/323-2236 or chisarin@winthrop.edu.
