Stories by Brian Smith

The Department of Journalism celebrates its 100th anniversary

Monday December 22, 2025

This year, the Department of Journalism, the oldest department within the College of Journalism and Communications, celebrated its 100th anniversary. For the past century, the department has grown from a single class in the basement of Anderson Hall into a robust network of 22 faculty and more than 550 students, all working together to mold the next generation of journalists and communicators.

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Launching this spring, a new graduate certificate will allow UF students to explore their passion for sports media

Wednesday December 10, 2025

Last year, Jada Ross, a UF journalism major on the sports and media track, found herself on a coverage team for the 124th U.S Open. There, despite being the youngest reporter in attendance and the only woman in the group, she was given the opportunity to ask the first postgame interview question to Ludvig Åberg, a Swedish professional golfer.

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A new study offers insight into how brands manage their image during times of crisis

Tuesday December 2, 2025

In March 2020, people around the world retreated to their homes for the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we adapted to our new conditions, staying inside for several weeks, advertisers also had to adapt to the unique situation. Between March 2020 and July 2021, hundreds of pandemic-themed ads were created, using messaging like “we’re all in this together” or “these are unprecedented times.” Now, more than five years after the initial lockdown, ads like these give researchers the opportunity to examine impression management strategies during times of crisis, and a new study out of UF does just that.

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New Worlds of Journalism Study sheds light on the state of journalism around the world

Thursday November 13, 2025

The field of journalism is in a constant state of change, always adapting to new technologies and shifts in culture and public opinions. Since 2007, the Worlds of Journalism Study (WJS) has dedicated itself to tracking these changes by creating a comprehensive report on the state of journalism around the world, with the aim of keeping journalists informed on trends within the field. In October 2025, wave three of the Worlds of Journalism Study was published, with researchers from over 120 countries showcasing their findings.

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Celebrating our veterans: Matthew Cretul

Thursday November 6, 2025

In 2005, several years before he joined the CJC as an adjunct professor in the Department of Media Production, Management, and Technology, Matthew Cretul enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving on active …

Celebrating our veterans: Keri and Kelsi Matwick

Thursday November 6, 2025

In 2005, twin sisters Keri and Kelsi Matwick began a decade of service in the U.S. Air Force, including three years of active duty at Alaska’s Elmendorf Air Force Base, now Joint Base …

Generative AI may help turn consumers into active collaborators and creators, study finds

Tuesday October 28, 2025

In the advertising world, generative AI is transforming the way brands connect with consumers, turning audiences from passive viewers into active creators who can shape and personalize campaign content.

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