“I think the seed of my interest in longing for work as a visual foreign correspondent, a photojournalist, I think that happened during the Vietnam War,” shares Professor Bill Gentile in the latest episode of Media in the Mix.
Growing up outside Pittsburgh, he found inspiration in Life magazine’s powerful coverage of the war, sparking his passion for storytelling through imagery.
As a professor at #AUSOC, Gentile draws from a remarkable career spanning four decades and five continents to inspire students and help them uncover their passions, build connections, and define their purpose in the dynamic field of communication.
🎧 Stream this episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Anchor, and Amazon Music, or watch it on YouTube!
#MediaInTheMix #AUSOC #Storytelling #DocumentaryFilm #Journalism #AmericanUniversity
Let’s Talk with #AUSOC Communication Studies Professor Chelsea Butkowski! 🗣️
“Almost feels like social media is going through a midlife crisis.” Platforms are rapidly changing, and with that comes a vital question: How do we critically engage with the content we encounter online?
Professor Butkowski dives into the evolving landscape of social media, the tension between platforms and users, and why it’s essential to be your own algorithm.
Whether it’s about identity, expression, or the push-and-pull of algorithms, her insights are a must-hear for anyone navigating the digital world.
✨ What role do you think your online identity plays on social platforms? Let us know in the comments!
#LetsTalk #AUSOC #CommunicationStudies #SocialMedia #DigitalIdentity #researchreimagined
SOC alumna Chelsea Greene, director of “We Are Guardians,” embodies the impact of American University’s MFA in Film and Media Arts program. From her first project at AU to documenting urgent issues in the Amazon, Chelsea’s journey highlights the powerful storytelling skills our graduates develop.
Through hands-on training in documentary, fiction, and interactive media, AU prepares students to create meaningful stories that inspire action. 🎬 #WeAreSOC #AUSOC #DocumentaryFilm #AlumniSpotlight #graddegreesatsoc
🎥✨ Explore the intersection of film and social media with Erin McGoff (@advicewitherin ), SOC alum and documentary filmmaker turned digital influencer!
In our latest #MediaInTheMix episode, Erin discusses transitioning from directing award-winning documentaries to guiding millions on TikTok and Instagram. Learn how she leverages her platform to demystify the film industry and provide essential career advice. Don’t miss out on this inspiring episode full of insights and strategies for navigating creative careers! 🌟🎬
#Linkinbio to listen to the full episode!
#AU_SOC #Filmmaking #CareerAdvice #ErinMcGoff #DocumentaryFilm #SocialMediaInfluence
In this election cycle, what role does social media play in shaping public opinion and political polarization? 🗳️
We asked Prof. Chelsea Butkowski to share insights on how today’s social media landscape, with changes in platform ownership and new channels like Threads and Blue Sky, compares to the 2020 election.
In her Digital Media & Culture class, Prof. Butkowski challenges students to consider: Has social media done more good than harm for American democracy?
Watch as she dives into the impact of social media feeds, misinformation, and algorithmic echo chambers on our democratic process—and the regulatory steps that could hold platforms accountable.
#Election2024 #AUSOC #DigitalDemocracy #SocialMediaImpact #ResearchReimagined #ausocletstalk
Is social media election content helpful or harmful? 🗳️
✨ We asked Prof. Chelsea Butkowski about her article on managing election stress amid floods of online content.
Here’s her take: Where do video edits of politicians (like VP Harris clips set to ‘Brat’ by Charli XCX) fall between ill-intentioned AI content and fact-based media? Do they add to election stress or ease it? 🎥
Prof. Butkowski highlights how creative expression in politics can both engage and distract, but ultimately, it offers unique ways for candidates to connect—so long as it’s not spreading misinformation.
🎧 Watch to hear more insights & check out Prof. Butkowski’s latest article at the #linkinbio! #Election2024 #SocialMedia #AUSOC #PoliticalContent #DigitalExpression #CommunicationStudies #ResearchReimagined
Making a positive impact, one post at a time. 🌍✨
SOC alumna Erin McGoff (@advicewitherin) shares why she’s shifted focus from traditional documentary to social media, using her platform to empower and unite through storytelling. 📽️💡
From truth-telling documentaries to impactful digital content, Erin’s mission remains the same: to make the world a better place. 🌟
🎧 Hear more about Erin’s journey and her vision for change in this episode of #MediaInTheMix. #AUSOC #EmpowerThroughStory #AdviceWithErin #DocumentaryToDigital
🎥 Event Recap: In an unforgettable conversation and Q&A session presented by the Photo Collective, #AUSOC alumna Anna Moneymaker shared her raw emotions while documenting the attempted assassination of former President Trump.
“I don’t really know how I kept going,” she recalled. Even though she was speechless, her instincts kicked in—“just keep taking pictures.”
Anna also reflected on the art of photography, saying that a picture is like a joke—if you have to explain it, it’s a bad one.
An inspiring look into capturing history in real time! 📸 #AUSOC #Photojournalism #EventRecap #Photography #experiencesocundergrad
Stepping out of college and into your future? 🎓✨ SOC alumna Erin McGoff (@advicewitherin) shares empowering advice on the unique value you bring right after graduation.
From your energy to your eagerness to learn, you’re exactly what employers are looking for! In this episode of #MediaInTheMix, Erin encourages new grads to embrace their strengths and confidently present themselves as the specialists they are. 🌟
🎧 Tune in to hear more of Erin’s motivational words by clicking the #linkinbio.
#Graduation #CareerAdvice #YouthPower #SellYourself #SOCAlum #AUSOC
🎙️🌟 “Now, instead of learning the ropes, I’m the one running the show.” Video Production Manager Grace Ibrahim (SOC/BA ‘15, MA ‘19), takes you through two years of #MediaInTheMix.
From learning in AU classrooms to interviewing professors & leading #AUSOC’s official podcast, Grace’s entire journey from student to producer at SOC showcases the transformative power of education and passion.
Tune into #MediaInTheMix for engaging conversations on social justice, tech, innovation, and pop culture. 🌐🎤
🔊 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Anchor, and Amazon Music. 📺 Watch the magic unfold on Spotify and YouTube.
#AUSOC #PodcastLife #EducationToCreation #SocialJustice #TechTalk #Innovation #PopCulture #TwoYearsInReview
#AUSOC & @environmentalfilm had a blast at the Civic Life Community Festival that marked the launch of @americanuniversity’s Civic Life Initiative! 🎉🥳
Make sure to stay connected with #AUSOC & it’s centers for more events, stories, and moments that promote civil discourse and foster connection through engagement & communication! 🦅
#AmericanUniversity
#CivicEngagement
#CivilDiscourse
#CommunityImpact
#DialogueAndDeliberation
#EmpowerAU
#AUCivicLife
#LeadershipAndChange
#CampusLife
#UniversityEvents
👏 “It’s one of those events that makes me glad I went to @americanuniversity.”
We had an incredible American Forum with Tara Palmeri, Senior Political Correspondent at Puck and host of Somebody’s Gotta Win, moderated by Professor Jane Hall.
Tara shared fascinating insights into the world of political journalism, leaving students inspired and engaged. 💬✨Students called the event “fantastic,” and Tara herself was blown away by the energy and engagement of the crowd, saying AU students are some of the most politically engaged people she’s met!
It was a powerful reminder of the passion and commitment to making the world better that defines our AU community! 🌍🙌
✨ At the School of Communication, we provide opportunities like this to connect with industry leaders, preparing our students for impactful careers in media and beyond. ✨
📽️ Reel by: Maddie Gerber (SOC/BA’25)
#AUSOC #TaraPalmeri #PoliticalJournalism #AmericanUniversity #StudentLife #Engagement #AUEvents #PoliticalEngagement #AmericanForum
