News

Racial, political cues on social media shape TV audiences’ choices

Professor Stewart Coles posing in front of a word cloud
 Social media users are more likely to watch TV programs that are endorsed by members of their political party, a recent study suggests. However, individuals’ racial identity and their perceptions of racial and political ingroup norms and the demographics of a program’s intended audience also...

HCOM program celebrates 15 years

Professor John Lammers poses with a group of graduates in regalia
Fifteen years ago, online education was not only uncommon but often lacked credibility. Those looking for leadership roles in the health care industry often pursued master’s degrees in public health or business.But in 2009, then-department head Dale Brashers saw an opportunity to provide those...

Digital divides harmed the nonprofit sector during the COVID-19 pandemic

Minkyung Kim
 Many humanitarian organizations in the U.S. experienced multiple digital divides that disrupted routine operations and compromised their services to vulnerable refugee populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges not only elevated refugees’ health risks, they also jeopardized...

Charee Thompson named University Scholar

Portrait of Charee Thompson
Communication professor Charee Thompson was one of five professors at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to be named University Scholars in recognition of their achievements in teaching, scholarship, and service.The program honors faculty excellence and provides $15,000 to each scholar for...

Connection offline: real-world conversation in a digital age

students talking and grinning during a class activity
It’s not always easy to strike up a conversation with strangers, especially after years of remote classes and increasingly digital communication.That’s why communication professor Lisa Guntzviller gives students the chance to practice their conversation skills in a real-world setting in her...