P&G learned how to sell soap then created iconic brands

April 15, 2026 | USA Today In celebration of America’s 250th birthday this year, the USA Today network is taking a look at iconic companies that were founded and flourished in the nation. Jason P. Chambers, professor of advertising and associate dean for access and engagement, shared his insights on the branding impact of Proctor & […]

Professor Julie Turnock receives Guggenheim Fellowship

April 14, 2026 | Jodi Heckel, University of Illinois News Bureau Julie Turnock, professor of media and cinema studies, was one of two University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign professors to be awarded a 2026 Guggenheim Fellowship. English professor Christopher Kempf also received the prestigious award. They are among 223 individuals working across 55 disciplines chosen through a rigorous peer-review process […]

Skornia Symposium to explore current public media challenges

April 14, 2026 Rapid shifts in technology, AI, media consumption habits, and funding have challenged media organizations to adapt their approaches to understanding and serving audiences. Academic and industry experts will discuss how public media can best engage with audience research to identify and meet community needs, strengthen audience relationships, and innovate content in ways […]

Take 5 with Media Alumni: Kavitha Cardoza

April 13, 2026 About Kavitha Cardoza Her work has been seen, heard, and read by millions on outlets like NPR, BBC World News, The Washington Post, The Guardian, and The Atlantic. She was also the host of Breaking Ground with Kavitha Cardoza, a documentary series on education that aired on more than 150 public radio […]

ICR team co-edits book on media, meanings surrounding quinceañeras

March 16, 2026 Jillian M. Báez (PhD ’09, communications and media, ICR), Diana Leon-Boys (PhD ’20, communications and media, ICR), and Institute of Communications Research Professor Emerita Angharad N. Valdivia (PhD ’91, communications and media, ICR) edited a collection that draws on the expanding field of girlhood studies to examine the increasing visibility of the event and the figure of […]

Take 5 with Media Alumni: Emmanuel Camacho

March 10, 2026 1. What first drew you to filmmaking and production, and how did that evolve into your current role today? My first real appreciation for film and filmmaking began when I was 13. My older siblings, Paulina and Orlando, took me to the theater to see Kill Bill, directed by Quentin Tarantino. I remember […]

College of Media launches new bachelor’s degree in sports media

March 9, 2026 | Holly Rushakoff In response to a growing interest from students—and with a proven track record of successful alumni across the sports media industry—the College of Media is expanding its roster to offer a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Media. The program will prepare students for a variety of careers in sports […]

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