Penn State College of Communications comMedia

Penn State students light candles spelling out "rights" in front of the administration building during Lights for Rights on April 9, 2009. The ceremony was held by the Office of Global Programs to bring attention to international women's rights and to express opposition to gender-based violence.
—Doug Bauman
Senior
Journalism

What happens to children born and raised in the U.S. when a parent is arrested for an immigration violation and they have to move to another country? What are the environmental and social impacts of the water consumed and the garbage produced by a city of 20 million? Are Barbie dolls culturally significant in Latin America? These are just some of the topics tackled by students who traveled to Mexico City for the inaugural College of Communications international reporting class: Reporting from Mexico City.

Harnessing the Web -- Three graduating seniors pursuing independent study built Flash-based portfolios. Each reflects their unique take on the world. Doug Bauman concentrated on showcasing the outstanding still photography he was producing under the guidance of senior lecturer John Beale. Sarah Nathan's skill as a multimedia story teller is evident in her portfolio, which also features strong still photography. Jessica Turnbull personalized her take on Mexico's trash culture, a story she reported for Comm 498B, as well as showing her range in reporting with text, photos and video.

Character studies -- Multimedia students capped their semester by profiling some of Centre County's most interesting people. Michael Barasch followed an immensely determined student's quest to become a Navy SEAL. Alexa Keeley profiled the man beneath the Nittany Lion mascot costume. Cristina Cosma helped us meet Mike the Mailman. Tamara Conrad profiled a student mom. Amanda Yeager focused on a conservationist who is serious about having fun at work and life. Dean Myers examined the impact of high tech communications on athletic recruitment. View an index to these stories and more.

Regular reports -- View a farewell for the semester from the students who produce Centre County Report, which is archived here every week. There's also an archive of daily radio reports by Comm 360 students.

 

Broadcast Television

Broadcast television students get hands-on experience at Penn State, learning the skills needed to tell stories from the field and in the studio. Top students produce programming for the Centre County Report and the Big Ten Network.

Broadcast Radio

Broadcast radio students gain practical experience recording in the field and in the studio. More than 200 students staff Internet-based ComRadio, the official radio station of the College of Communications.

Photojournalism

Penn State photojournalism courses are designed to promote critical thinking and develop visual story telling skills in the context of a rapidly changing technological environment.