Communication Commons^™

Collective Karma: From The Yogasūtra To Taylor Swift, Zoë Slatoff

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

The Indian knowledge traditions speak at length about karma, which is divided into three categories—accumulated (saṃcita), ripe (prārabdha), and future (kriyamāṇa). While much is said about our individual karma and how it affects our repeated reincarnation in cyclic existence, how does this affect others and how do others affect us? In other words, as this paper explores, what is our reciprocal and collective karma?

Painting Liberation: A Visual Ontology Of The Interplay Of Mind And Consciousness In Book Four Of The Yoga Sūtras, Melissa Townsend

Monsoon: South Asian Studies Association Journal

This presentation explores how artistic practice can illuminate philosophical questions about the nature of mind, consciousness, and liberation as articulated in Book Four of the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali. Through a series of paintings that visually translate these sūtras, I propose that art offers a unique, experiential means of engaging with the complex relationship between citta (mind) and puruṣa (consciousness).

The paintings function as a form of “visual ontology,” inviting viewers to engage with abstract philosophical concepts in a sensory, tangible way. By depicting the interplay between the mutable processes of the mind and the unchanging awareness of consciousness, these …

From Guns To Mental Health And Accountability: Decoding Media Narratives And Audience Reactions In Public Mass Shootings, Maurice Emelu, Brent Brossmann

2025 Faculty Bibliography

Public mass shootings pose a critical safety challenge in the U.S. This study investigates how media framing relates to public online engagement, focusing on gun regulation, mental health, and individual and political accountability across five major TV networks: ABC, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and NBC. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research analyzes 678 news reports and 7605 audience comments. Findings reveal significant differences in audience engagement based on framing, and in key variables show audiences taking opposite positions to their news network’s narratives. ABC, CNN, and NBC’s thematic framing, highlighting systemic failures, elicits more balanced responses, whereas Fox News and …

Spatial Audio Studies, Kameron Neal, Movement Lab

Personal Work

Listen to Hi Song audio recording.

The Legend Of Taylor Heinicke: An Autoethnography Of Unexpected, Passionate Fandom, Brendan O'Hallarn

Communication & Theatre Arts Faculty Publications

Passionate fandom is not a novel phenomenon in the field of sport. The fervor of fans builds stadiums and has allowed the sport industry to grow exponentially in the past few decades. Scholars have examined the passionate fan through many theoretical lenses, but comparatively little scholarship has looked at sport fandom fervor from inside. An autoethnographic examination of my unexpected journey as a fan of journeyman National Football League (NFL) quarterback Taylor Heinicke demonstrates how fandom can stir passions and create rituals in sport followers. A multimedia diary of Heinicke's unexpected ascension to starting quarterback of the Washington Commanders provides …

Investigating Leadership Influence On Adoption Of Artificial Intelligence In Corporate Communication, Ernest Cornel Oduor

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

This study investigated the influence of leadership on adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) in corporate communication within two civil society organizations (CSOs)—the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and Transparency International-Kenya (TI-Kenya). The study used a qualitative method to identify AI tools in corporate communication, examine leadership approaches that influence AI adoption, scrutinize employee perceptions of leadership influence on AI use, and identify the motivators and barriers to adopting AI. Data collected through interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) revealed that 23 AI tools were employed across various corporate communication functions to enhance efficiency and productivity. The overall finding was that, among …

Examining The Status Of Ai Use Guidelines In Editorial Policies Of Kenyan Digital Media Houses And Challenges In Their Formulation And Implementation In Newsrooms, Nickson Mwirigi Mbaabu

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

Integrating AI in Kenyan digital media houses presents opportunities and challenges, underscoring the need for formal guidelines in newsrooms. This study examined the status of AI use guidelines in the editorial policies of Kenyan media houses, along with the challenges involved in formulating and implementing these guidelines. Semi-structured interviews served as the primary data collection method, conducted with editors and reporters from four purposively selected media houses: Nation Media Group (NMG), Kenyans.co.ke, Nairobileo.co.ke, and Sauce.co.ke, all based in Nairobi. A total of 14 journalists were interviewed. Additionally, editorial policies of the selected media houses were analysed to assess if AI …

Investigating Consumer Determinants Of News Subscriptions Among Media In Kenya: The Case Study Of Nation Media Group, Gerald Andae

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

The changing media landscape in a digital era has compelled media organisations in Kenya to transition to subscription-based business model in efforts to stay afloat amid dwindling advertising revenues. While an upward trajectory of online readership has driven this shift, consumers have shown slow adoption to subscription models posing a challenge to financial viability of traditional media organisations. This study investigates the determinants influencing digital news subscriptions in Kenya, focusing on Nation Media Group's (NMG) platform, Nation.Africa. The research uses a mixed-methods approach to analyse perceived value, psychographic factors, and socioeconomic influences shaping consumer subscription behaviour. The findings reveal that …

The Impact Of Layoffs On Journalists Who Remain Employed By Media Organisations In Kenya, Gloria Lihavi Aradi

Master of Arts in Digital Journalism

The digital revolution in Kenya has caused a mass migration of audiences from traditional to digital media platforms, leading to record drops in legacy media revenues and profits. To cope with the continued shrinking of revenues, legacy media entities in Kenya frequently implement workforce reductions. In mid-2024, Kenya’s two largest media companies, NMG and SG, announced hundreds of job cuts, marking one of the biggest downsizings in the history of the country’s media industry. The move of one of the country’s biggest newspapers, People Daily, to a fully online publication in November 2024 could also signal more job cuts. However, …

Does Ethical Ideology Really Matter In Consumer Responses To Corporate Wrongdoing? The Effects On Trust And Word-Of-Mouth Recommendations, Grzegorz Zasuwa, Alicja Węgierak

Journal of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour in Emerging Markets

The purpose of this study is to better understand how the ethical ideologies of consumers influence their responses to perceived corporate social irresponsibility (CSI), focusing on trust and word-of-mouth (WOM) recommendations. Data were collected through a survey involving 627 car owners in Poland, using a real-life case of CSI concerning a major car manufacturer fined for misleading consumers about diesel emissions. The analysis employed partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that moral idealism amplifies the negative effects of CSI on WOM, while moral relativism produces neutrality towards CSI. Specifically, it appears that highly idealistic individuals are …

The Effects Of Family Communication Patterns On Young Adults’ Healthcare Encounters, Victoria Esquivel

Communication Theses - Archive

Family communication through childhood is shown to affect young adults’ health decision-making over time. This study examined young adults’ (18-28 years) perceptions of family communication patterns and their effects on avoidance of healthcare encounters, communication self-efficacy, ratings of healthcare quality and trust with healthcare providers, through the lens of Family Communication Patterns Theory. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at a large southern university (n=127). Results showed that young adults from families high in conversation orientation rating their healthcare encounters more positively. Implications are discussed with healthcare providers, educators, and family members in mind. Future research should examine these relationships qualitatively.

Examining The Socioemotional Outcomes Of Social Justice Efforts On Social Media Users: Evidence From The Nfl's Inspire Change Initiatives, Yoseph Z. Mamo, Justin Haegele, Christos Anagnostopoulos, Kwame Agyemang

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Despite the growing interest in social justice activities, there is a lack of empirical evidence regarding their impact on various stakeholders, particularly social media users. We gathered longitudinal data from the NFL's @inspirechange X (former Twitter) account, a designated social justice communication handle, between August 2019 and March 2023. During this timeframe, the account garnered 20,967 comments (including original tweets and retweets) from 11,481 distinct users, but our analysis focused on 5851 comments deemed usable from 3632 unique users. Drawing on the social exchange theory, sentiment analysis, and thematic analysis, this study examines social media users' sentiments toward the NFL's …

Critical Environmental Communication Framework, Shumaila J. Bhatti, Srivi Ramasubramanian, Andrea Feldpausch-Parker, Bruno Takahashi, Silje Kristiansen

Media Studies - All Scholarship

This study develops a Critical Environmental Communication (CEC) framework to assess the landscape of Environmental Communication research and to what extent and in which ways critical and justice-oriented perspectives are included. The CEC framework consists of four interconnected themes: (a) Marginalized Ecocultural Identities, (b) Context and Scale, (c) Power and Agency, and (d) Justice, Equity, Diversity, Access, and Inclusion (JEDAI). Using this framework in a bibliometric analysis examining 1,297 Environmental Communication publications, we assess the occurrence of these themes in the scholarship. Our analysis found that Marginalized Ecocultural Identities, and Context and Scale were most frequently occurring, while Power and …

Re-Centering Relation In Media Literacy Practice, Paul Mihalidis, Bobbie Foster, Shannon Burth, Srivi Ramasubramanian, Melissa Tully, Patrick R. Johnson

Media Studies - All Scholarship

As calls for media literacy in formal and informal learning spaces continue to grow, educators’ understanding of media literacies and their purposes remains complex. In 2021, the authors of this paper led a multi-methods research project on media literacy education in the United States, focusing on impact and equity. Findings showed that educators share a commitment to equity and justice but are unclear on how to incorporate them into their work. In response, our research team developed a field guide that maps out equitable media literacy practices for classrooms and communities. In this study, we detail the findings from 11 …

Journalists Perception Of The Effectiveness Of Wellness Programs At Vision Group, Edna Ruth Mubiru

Executive Masters in Media Leadership and Innovation

Employee wellness is increasingly recognized as critical to organizational success. This study investigates employee perceptions of wellness programs at Vision Group, Uganda’s largest media house. With over 200 editorial staff, Vision Group operates in a high-pressure environment characterized by tight deadlines and financial constraints. Midst growing evidence linking wellness to productivity, this research evaluates the types, effectiveness and potential improvements for wellness initiatives at Vision Group. The study utilizes a cross-sectional design with mixed qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data collection includes a survey of editorial staff, an interview with the Human Resources personnel and analysis of secondary data such as …

Strategy For Establishment Of A Swahili Creative Economy And Innovation Ecosystem: Kiwandeo Kreative District, Lamu, Kenya, Omar Swaleh Abubakar

Executive Masters in Media Leadership and Innovation

This capstone explores the strategic establishment of the Kiwandeo Kreative District, a focal point of Swahili creative economy and innovation ecosystem in Lamu, Kenya. It examines how Lamu’s rich Swahili cultural heritage, coupled with global trends in creative economies, can drive economic transformation through the establishment of a creative district. A comprehensive literature review explores concepts such as creative districts, media leadership, partnerships, infrastructure and capacity development, highlighting best practices and identifying gaps addressed by this study. This study highlights key challenges, including lack of networking opportunities, weak policy frameworks, limited capacity development and infrastructure deficits while uncovering opportunities in …

An Analysis Of Kenya Sign Language In Children’S Programming On Kenyan Tv: Towards Effective Strategies For Incorporating Ksl On Akili Tv Programs, Anne Junny Sato

Executive Masters in Media Leadership and Innovation

In Kenya, the inclusion of Kenya Sign Language (KSL) in children's programs on television holds significant potential for fostering inclusivity and accessibility for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) community. However, the effective integration of KSL into children's programming requires careful planning, consideration of linguistic and cultural nuances, and utilization of appropriate strategies. This capstone project aims to analyse the utilisation of KSL in children’s TV programming and propose effective strategies for incorporating KSL in children's programs on Akili TV, a prominent television channel in Kenya. Drawing from linguistic theories, such as Chomsky's Language Acquisition Device (LAD), and global …

Ai Adoption In Content Management At Nation Media Group, Grace Kerongo

Executive Masters in Media Leadership and Innovation

This qualitative study focuses on the unique challenges faced by Kenyan newsrooms, particularly within the Nation Media Group (NMG), as they navigate the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. Through in-depth interviews with personnel directly involved in digital content management under Nation. Africa, Business Daily and Taifa Leo the research investigates the influence of AI on various aspects of content management, including veracity, tagging, categorization, content generation and production. The findings reveal that while NMG is making strides in AI adoption, it grapples with significant barriers such as financial constraints, technical skill gaps among staff, and professional reservations regarding the …

An Assessment Of Participation And Contribution Of Women Journalists In News Processes: A Case Of Vision Group, Uganda, Caroline Arinaitwe

Executive Masters in Media Leadership and Innovation

This research assesses the participation and contribution of women in news processes at Vision Group, Uganda. Through a descriptive survey design, the study employs In-depth interviews and newsroom observations to achieve its objectives. These objectives include assessing women journalists' participation and contribution to news processes, Identifying if any gaps in the news production process would hinder the nurturing and promotion of gender-sensitive content and the viability and effectiveness of establishing a Gender desk to promote and nurture gender-sensitive content to stem the flagging audiences. The findings reveal that women's limited contribution and participation at the content-gathering level for news, politics, …

Islamic Themes In Us Hip-Hop Culture, Anders Ackfeldt

Music & Performance in Muslim Contexts

Explores how Islam is produced in American hip-hop culture by both Muslims and non-Muslims

Islam has been a part of hip-hop culture since it sprang from New York’s street culture in the 1970s. Today hip-hop has evolved into a global artform with a diversity of Muslim Islamic discourses expressed. Using tools from the field of social semiotics, this book examines how Islamic themes feature in US hip-hop culture, maintaining a particular awareness that both Muslims as well as non-Muslims participate in their production.

Anders Ackfeldt analyses a collection of lyrics, sounds and images to show how Islamic themes are featured …

An Analysis Of The User-Needs For Premium Content Subscribers: The Case Monitor Publications Limited, Emmanuel Mutaizibwa

Executive Masters in Media Leadership and Innovation

This capstone study investigated the user needs model at Monitor Publications Limited, the leading independent media house in Uganda under the Nation Media Group (NMG) stable. The study evaluated the role user needs’ in addressing audience preferences in the evolving media landscape. Using qualitative methods including document analysis, which interpreted thematic patterns in the textual data and interviews (KII) of editors and the digital analytics team, the study examined the importance of user needs as a framework that can identify peculiar preferences of audiences and the most relevant user needs dimensions that fit specific audience personas. The study probed the …

Email Synthesis Assignment: Using Ai To Assist Us In Creating Effective Business Communication, Gino Perrotte

Open Educational Resources

This assignment teaches students how to distill complex financial data into a clear, professional business email by analyzing real 10-K reports. A key strength of the assignment is that it models effective AI prompting strategies—students are guided in how to interact with AI tools like ChatGPT to clarify data, summarize trends, and craft a concise email.

The focus is not just on using AI, but on developing critical thinking and communication skills. Students learn to assess what information is important, how to frame it for a workplace audience, and how to co-create with AI while ensuring the final …

Comparing Funders' Altruism Versus Self-Interest: Leveraging The Context Of Crisis, Dan Liu, Guangzhi Shang, Cynthia Fan Yang

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

While reward-based crowdfunding has widespread popularity, the motivations driving funders, balancing self-interest and altruism, have remained puzzling. Prior research has been constrained by examination methods and produced mixed findings regarding the weight of altruism versus self-interest among funders. Our study takes a fresh perspective, delving into funder behavior amid a major crisis—the tumultuous backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings reveal that funders not only display an increased willingness to contribute but also significantly amplify their contributions, particularly to projects in crisis-affected regions, irrespective of external incentives like rewards. This underscores the prevalence of altruistic motives among funders in challenging …

Understanding The Determinants Of Blockchain Adoption: An Empirical Study, Amarpreet Kohli, Nihar Kumthekar, Piyush Shah, Rebecca Jauch

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Blockchain technology (BT) has the potential to enhance security and robustness of transactions through a distributed ledger bookkeeping process. This study employs technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework and threat-rigidity theory (TRT) to examine whether perceived disruption caused by COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the adoption of BT, and inclination to adopt BT in the US. The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique backdrop, as it affected businesses across all industries, sizes, and geographies. Results show a non-significant effect of perceived pandemic disruption on the current stage of BT adoption and intention to adopt BT. However, disruption readiness positively influences the current stage of BT …

Comparing Vr And Tv In Nigeria And The U.S.: Impacts On Empathy, Engagement, And Enjoyment, Jinhee Yoo, Eugene A. Ohu, Radosław Mącik

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

This study (N = 170), involving participants from Nigeria and the U.S., investigated how different technologies (TV and VR) affect users' empathy (α = .93), engagement (α = .93), enjoyment (α = .93), preferences, and likelihood of technology use. Participants watched an animated documentary titled “Is Anna OK?” at two different time points, utilizing VR (Oculus Rift S) and TV, following which they completed measuring empathy, engagement, enjoyment, device preference, and usage likelihood. Analysis via one-way ANOVA and chi-square tests revealed that VR users reported significantly higher empathy and enjoyment compared to TV viewers, particularly on second viewing. Combining both …

Instructions For Authors, Discovery Editors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Child Labor Advocacy Through The Years, Emma Naggar

Comm-entary

No abstract provided.

The Existence Of Empathy In Photographs

Comm-entary

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On College Sport Communications, Will Barnhart

Masters Theses

As Artificial Intelligence technology (AI) becomes increasingly accessible, the importance of understanding its impact on peoples’ work lives is also increasing. One field that has received very little attention in relation to this subject is college sport communications. Prior research has focused on AI within the closely related fields of journalism and public relations, but no previous studies have been conducted on AI and college sport communicators specifically. To address that knowledge gap, this study surveyed members of the College Sport Communicators (CSC) on their attitudes toward AI and their usage of such technology. The data analysis showed that while …

Small Town Voices And Stories: Rural Older Populations And Health Narratives, Wyatt K. Zumbahlen

Masters Theses

Stories play a vital role in our humanity; they help us understand the world around us. As we age, our experiences, along with those of the people around us, shape our perceptions of health and influence our healthcare choices. For older adults, narratives become an essential resource in making healthcare decisions. In rural communities like Coles County, Illinois, these stories are especially important for older adults who are navigating the limited care and services available in the area. This reliance on narratives impacts their willingness to seek care, highlighting the need to recognize the power of stories in empowering older …