Research News
How your words shape what you see online
Ongoing research at Mizzou explores the hidden influence of word choice on search results By Sara Diedrich Contact: Sara Diedrich, diedrichs@missouri.edu You may have more power than you realize when it comes to shaping the search results you see online. Ongoing research from the University of Missouri reveals that the search terms users choose can … Continued
Joy Jenkins co-authors U.S. page of 2025 Reuters Digital News Report
Joy Jenkins, an associate professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, has co-authored the U.S. page of the 2025 Reuters Digital News Report, the 14th edition of the influential report since its inception in 2012.
Merging algorithms and the human element, Missouri School of Journalism researchers are revolutionizing news desert research
By Austin Fitzgerald COLUMBIA, Mo. (July 8, 2025) — One of the foremost challenges facing the news industry today is the spread of news deserts, which are areas of the country not adequately served by local journalism. While large-scale studies have helped identify the most obvious deserts with access to little or no news coverage, … Continued
The State of the YAYA is strong
MOJO Ad students prepare to present in-depth research on one of the most sought-after demographics in marketing — their own Contact: Cary Littlejohn, carylittlejohn@missouri.eduPhoto by Frank Corridori At the University of Missouri School of Journalism, students in MOJO Ad — a premiere full-service, student-staffed advertising agency — aren’t just studying marketing trends. They’re leading the … Continued
The surprising truth about ‘pink slime’ journalism
Pink slime news is low quality — but not because of political bias, according to research from the Missouri School of Journalism COLUMBIA, Mo. (April 15, 2025) – You’ve probably seen one before: a news website filled with an overwhelming amount of aggregated content from all over the internet, with just enough local stories thrown … Continued
Missouri School of Journalism students spotlight undergraduate research during Show Me Research Week
By Austin Fitzgerald COLUMBIA, Mo. (April 7, 2025) — Missouri School of Journalism students will showcase the power of undergraduate research this month when they present their work as part of the university-wide Show Me Research Week, which will run from April 14-18. Journalism and strategic communication students — paired with faculty mentors within and … Continued
Missouri Method paves way for Mizzou senior Piper Molins, named AAF Top Multicultural Student
By Caleb McDairmant Missouri School of Journalism senior Piper Molins has been named one of the American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Top 50 Most Promising Multicultural Students. She will travel to New York City for a week-long professional development seminar featuring a student pitch competition, agency visits and networking with top advertisers, media companies and agencies. … Continued
Mizzou study finds ‘volunteer journalism’ filling local news gap
Research from the Missouri School of Journalism suggests volunteer journalists could bridge the gap created by declining news outlets By Sara Diedrich March 4, 2025Contact: Sara Diedrich, diedrichs@missouri.edu A new study from the University of Missouri School of Journalism introduces “volunteer journalism” as a promising solution to bridge the news and information gap in communities. … Continued
2024: The year in review
By Austin Fitzgerald COLUMBIA, Mo. (Dec. 18, 2024) — In 2024, the Missouri School of Journalism was a stronger force than ever in hands-on education, community journalism and impactful research. “This year, we gained even more momentum in moving the industry forward as a school rooted not only in the philosophy of learning by doing, … Continued
Missouri School of Journalism professor Shelly Rodgers named Curators’ Distinguished Professor
Rodgers is the first J-School professor in 21 years to receive this distinction By Austin Fitzgerald COUMBIA, Mo. (Nov. 7, 2024) — Shelly Rodgers, the Maxine Wilson Gregory chair in journalism research at the Missouri School of Journalism, has been named a Curators’ Distinguished Professor. The prestigious, system-wide honor is the highest academic rank bestowed … Continued