Regina Luttrell, senior associate dean and associate professor of public relations, and Carrie Welch, a media studies research assistant, co-authored the paper “Everything Barbie All At Once: ‘A Marketing Campaign for the Ages.'” The paper was published in Case Studies in Strategic Communication Journal.
The Barbie brand has long been a paradoxical symbol of imagination, comfort, sexism, objectification, feminism, and conflicted cultural influence, challenging and entrancing both children and adults for generations. In the years since 2015, the iconic doll has undergone a transformation, redefining her place in contemporary society. The marketing and public relations efforts associated with the Barbie brand over time have been widely documented. However, no campaign -Barbie or otherwise, according to industry experts -has come close to the size, magnitude, complexity, and intentionality of the campaign to promote the 2023 Barbie movie. This case study examines the scope and impact of this integrated marketing and public relations campaign through its strategy and tactics, while also retracing the history of the promotional history of the Barbie brand and contextually situating its relationship to feminism. Barbie’s intricate connection with feminism holds significant influence over her place in American society; a still-developing theme as the film and campaign further cement her enigmatic position within the cultural discourse.
The “Barbie” movie turned into a blockbuster this year, aided in part by one of the most expansive efforts ever to market a film, stretching far beyond movie trailers and interviews with the stars. Warner Bros. and the Mattel toy company created more ways to reach generations of consumers who have a connection to the doll and the “Barbie” image.
On a recent episode of the Newhouse Impact podcast, Regina Luttrell, senior associate dean and associate professor of public relations at Newhouse, and Carrie Welch, a media studies research assistant, shared their research on the marketing effort behind “Barbie” and what it might mean for the future.
Below are excerpts of the conversation between Luttrell, Welch with WAER’s Chris Bolt. Newhouse Impact is a collaboration of the school and WAER 88.3.
Listen to the whole discussion by visiting the podcast episode page.
Welch
That’s actually how Mattel and Warner Bros. described it. It was interesting to see a few articles come out towards the latter part of the summer where they described what they did in the campaign. They knew they had a potential hit on their hands, but they had to lead people to it because everyone came in with preconceived notions of what “Barbie” was going to be or not going to be. And they wanted to make sure that people were able to discover it on their own.
They launched their first preview during the theatrical run of the second “Avatar”. This was almost like putting a stake in the sand, a way of saying that they were just as big as “Avatar.” And the trailer was a parody of the opening sequence of the movie, “2001: A Space Odyssey.” So, they were kind of swinging for the fences from the very beginning. Warner Bros. and Mattel explicitly said that was what they were doing, and that it was driven by confidence in the movie’s director, Greta Gerwig. (The movie has earned more than $1.3 billion, the first billion-dollar movie made by a woman director and the highest-grossing film ever for Warner Bros.)
Luttrell
You know, I think Mattel really took a chance here. From the very onset, they had to give-up control. Greta Gerwig did not give them the script, did not let them in. None of that. She had complete, creative control on her end. And I think that’s really hard and brave for a brand to do. I mean, they asked to see the script and she sent them back a poem.
Luttrell
Of course, the movie itself was not just a cartoon of Barbie. I have two daughters and we watched a lot of “Barbie” cartoons when they were growing up, but this was a very different depiction. It was much more. At the beginning, Barbieland seems to have solved all the issues of feminism and sexism, right? But then Barbie (played by actress Margot Robbie) crosses over into the real world and she’s objectified for the first time, she’s catcalled for the first time and so on. In other words, the kind of negative things that a lot of women experience on a daily basis. And the speech that America Ferrera’s character gives about all this is so important and critical to the movie. Because, as women, I think we all feel these things intrinsically.
Welch
I think that the marketing was very astute in their approach as they didn’t overtly call this a feminist movie. Because they knew it would have alienated some people. I’m a card-carrying feminist myself, so I would show up and be first in line. But I also know that a lot of individuals don’t really know what feminism means and are even afraid of it. So, the marketing team was very careful to say that this was a movie for everyone. And the fact that it is now the highest-grossing movie ever for Warner Bros., proves they succeeded.
I mean, I talked to a bunch of dads who brought their daughters to “Barbie.” And I asked them if they had seen any of the marketing before they went and how old their daughters were and how it all went. Many mentioned how their daughters now know what feminism and patriarchy are. At that, part of me thought that “well, they already did,” even if they were only nine or even younger.
So, I think it’s been an interesting journey for people in terms of feminism. What’s tough about feminism is that it means lots of different things to lots of different people. Much like inclusion and diversity, people view it in different, intersected ways. But I think this movie offered a lot for a lot of people.
The 2023 annual Newhouse Awards are now open for applications. There are multiple awards at both the graduate and undergraduate level, and many come with monetary awards.
A full list of all awards is below. Please note:
Students may apply for the awards until 11:59 p.m. March 22. The awards ceremony will take place May 1 at 5 p.m. in the Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium (140 Newhouse 3).
Good luck!
For a junior or senior Newhouse student majoring in advertising who has demonstrated academic excellence in their coursework.
Additional requirement: Minimum 3.2 GPA and successful completion of an advertising internship required.
Awarded to a Newhouse junior for academic excellence in advertising major. More than one student may be awarded annually.
Awarded to a Newhouse advertising sophomore or junior whose work, both inside and outside of the classroom, has demonstrated exceptional promise for a career in advertising.
For an advertising senior who has achieved an exceptional academic record.
For an advertising student who has demonstrated academic excellence, outstanding service and extracurricular activity.
For a Bandier senior (by credit) who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the classroom, and within the Bandier, Syracuse and music industry communities.
Additional requirements: minimum 3.2 grade point average.
Additional submission materials w/ application: a 500-word personal statement that articulates your commitment to leadership and explains how that has been expressed through classwork, the Bandier or larger Syracuse/Syracuse University community, internships and/or other industry work.
For a Bandier student whose capstone project and/or entrepreneurial work demonstrates vision, creativity, effectiveness, demonstrable progress and marketplace viability.
Additional submission materials w/ application: a brief (one or two pages) statement that explains the problem or opportunity your work is addressing, details what you’ve built and the results you’ve created and offers insight into your future plans with the project, if continuing.
For a senior broadcast and digital journalism student who demonstrates superior writing, reporting and performance, and/or producing skills.
For a student in any academic year who has shown the greatest aptitude for writing and producing newscasts.
Awarded to a senior for work in the field of editing.
Awarded to the senior student(s) deemed most proficient in journalism. May be awarded to more than one student annually.
For a graduating senior who shows the best potential to make a significant contribution in the area of newspaper editing and shows ability to be a newsroom leader.
Awarded to an outstanding student in any academic year who has exemplified strong, sensitive writing and the potential for being a professional magazine journalist.
Additional submission materials w/ application: two to three samples of writing that demonstrates the above criteria.
For an outstanding undergraduate sports reporter in print journalism in any academic year.
Additional submission materials w/ application: two to three samples of sports writing no more than one year old.
For either a junior or senior student who demonstrates excellence and achievement in news writing and editing.
Awarded to an outstanding sophomore, junior or senior student of photography.
Additional submission materials w/ application: portfolio of work. Must be submitted as a link in a separate PDF along with application.
For an outstanding achievement by a senior photography student.
Additional submission materials w/ application: portfolio of work. Must be submitted as a link in a separate PDF along with application.
For an outstanding photography major (recognizes advanced abilities in a specific photographic niche).
Additional submission materials w/ application: portfolio of work. Must be submitted as a link in a separate PDF along with application.
For an outstanding undergraduate student studying photography.
Additional submission materials w/ application: portfolio of work. Must be submitted as a link in a separate PDF along with application.
For an outstanding student in news design in any academic year.
For outstanding achievement by a senior graphic arts major.
Additional submission materials w/ application: portfolio of work. Must be submitted as a link in a separate PDF along with application.
Awarded to a student in any academic year for outstanding achievement in augmented, virtual, or mixed reality by a photography or graphic design major.
Additional submission materials w/ application: at least two samples of work. Must be submitted as a link in a separate PDF along with application.
Awarded to a graphic design student in any academic year for outstanding achievement.
Additional submission materials w/ application: at least 2 samples of work. Must be submitted as a link in a separate PDF along with application.
Awarded to a photography student in any academic year for outstanding achievement.
Additional submission materials w/ application: at least 2 samples of work. Must be submitted as a link in a separate PDF along with application.
For a student who demonstrates high achievement and leadership in public relations and who shows a commitment to and support of diversity.
Awarded to a senior student with high achievements in academics and who has shown exemplary leadership contributions to the department.
Additional submission materials w/ application: cover letter.
Awarded to a senior student who has made significant contributions to the common good through personal participation in important service activities both on campus and in the community.
Additional submission materials w/ application: cover letter.
Awarded to an outstanding graduating senior member of Public Relations Student Society of America.
Additional submission materials w/ application: cover letter.
For a junior or senior student who has the potential to be an emerging thought-leader in his/her discipline.
Additional information: Preference will be given to documentary production/writing, non-fiction programming and/or audience research.
Additional submission materials w/ application: links to scripts and/or produced projects or a written explanation of activities which explain qualifications for receiving this award. Work done in or out of class may be considered including work completed in extracurricular activities or internships settings.
For a student in any academic year who has made the most significant creative contribution in the field of radio.
Awarded to a junior or senior student who has demonstrated excellence in documentary film.
Additional submission materials w/ application: links to scripts and/or produced projects or a written explanation of activities which explain qualifications for receiving this award. Work done in or out of class may be considered including work completed in extracurricular activities or internships settings.
Awarded to a student in any academic year who has shown outstanding work in television. More than one student may be awarded annually.
Additional submission materials w/ application: : links to scripts and/or produced projects or a written explanation of activities which explain qualifications for receiving this award. Work done in or out of class may be considered including work completed in extracurricular activities or internships settings.
Awarded to a student in any academic year who has demonstrated capability in creative writing. More than one student may be awarded annually.
Additional submission materials w/ application: one or two scripts meeting the following criteria: Typed copy of a properly formatted script no longer than 10-15 pages. (The script can be a section of a larger project with a brief introduction for context.) Your name should appear only on the title page. Scripts with single authors are preferred.
Awarded to a TRF student in any academic year, it is designed to support and encourage creation and authorship of all forms of creative storytelling built upon issues and experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of color. This special award will honor and uplift stories that celebrate narratives of inclusivity, diversity, and social justice issues.
Additional submission materials w/ application: link to project.
Additional project guidelines: Applicants’ stories must celebrate narratives of inclusivity, diversity, social justice issues, and uplift and honor subjects of underrepresented populations. It must be a production project or script that was created in a Newhouse classroom, whether it be a produced fiction or nonfiction project of any length or a script of any length or genre.
For a junior or senior student who demonstrates high achievement and excellence in audio production. More than one student may be awarded annually.
Additional submission materials w/ application: links to scripts and/or produced projects or a written explanation of activities which explain qualifications for receiving this award. Work done in or out of class may be considered including work completed in extracurricular activities or internships settings.
Awarded to a student who is actively writing, performing, and recording music of any genre, and who demonstrates collaboration, inclusiveness, and encouragement of fellow students.
Additional submission materials w/ application: links to scripts and/or produced projects or a written explanation of activities which explain qualifications for receiving this award. Work done in or out of class may be considered including work completed in extracurricular activities or internships settings.
For a senior who has contributed considerable time and energy to benefit the Newhouse School. More than one student will be awarded annually.
For a high-achieving student in Newhouse (undergrad or grad) pursuing a career in sports media.
Additional submission materials w/ application: personal statement about your career plans and how you are preparing for your chosen career in sports media through coursework, student organization activities and/or internships or other relevant activities.
For a Newhouse student in any academic year who demonstrates excellence in website development, specifically coding.
Additional requirements: two or more links and/or screenshots of websites or pages that represent your development skills and abilities.
For an outstanding senior in communications.
Awarded to a student in any academic year who has demonstrated understanding, support and defense of the First Amendment.
Additional information: Work done in or out of class may be considered including work completed in extracurricular activities or internships settings.
Additional submission materials w/ application: writing pieces, such as clips or academic papers, or media projects, or a written explanation of activities which explain qualifications for receiving this award.
Awarded to an outstanding Newhouse first-year student.
For a senior student who has demonstrated competence, commitment and passion for entrepreneurship in the classroom and by starting their own venture.
For a student in any academic year who has made the most significant creative contribution in the field of radio.
For a Newhouse student in any academic year who demonstrates excellence in website development, specifically coding.
Additional submission materials w/ application: two or more links and/or screenshots of websites or pages that represent your development skills and abilities.
For a high-achieving student in Newhouse (undergrad or grad) pursuing a career in sports media.
Additional submission materials w/ application: personal statement about your career plans and how you are preparing for your chosen career in sports media through coursework, student organization activities and/or internships or other relevant activities.
For a student in any academic year who has made the most significant creative contribution in the field of radio.
For a student who demonstrates high achievement and leadership in public relations and who shows a commitment to and support of diversity.
For a graduate assistant in the television, radio and film department who is an outstanding student and also has those qualities which Dr. Bluem exemplified in his lifetime.
Awarded in support of promising documentary work.
Additional submission w/standard application: submit a 200-250 word description of your project and how the funds will be used.
For any master’s or Ph.D. student in mass communications for best scholarly paper contributing knowledge in mass communication.
Additional requirements w/ standard application: research paper that was authored within the last year.
For a journalism graduate student committed to community journalism.
Additional submission materials w/ application: 2-3 clips and a personal statement (<500 words) about how your journalism reflects the legacy of alumna Charnice Milton.
Awarded to a student who has demonstrated understanding, support and defense of the First Amendment. Work done in or out of class may be considered including work completed in extracurricular activities or internships settings.
Additional submission materials w/ application: writing pieces, such as clips or academic papers, or media projects, or a written explanation of activities which explain qualifications for receiving this award.
For an outstanding student in television. May have more than one winner annually.
For a student who demonstrates high achievement and leadership in public relations and who shows a commitment to and support of diversity.
For a student who has demonstrated competence, commitment and passion for entrepreneurship in the classroom and by starting their own venture.
For a student who shows outstanding academic performance and exceptional promise in the field of public relations.
For a magazine, news and digital journalism graduate student who has shown academic excellence and achievement in journalism.
For a graduate student who has shown outstanding academic performance and exceptional promise in the field of public relations.
Regina Luttrell, associate professor of public relations and associate dean of research and creative activities, and Phoebe Smith, a graduate student in the Newhouse School’s media studies program, co-authored a review of the book “Betsy Ann Plank: The Making of a Public Relations Icon.” The review was published in Journalism & Mass Communication Educator.
Betsy Plank was one of the most impactful and well-known public relations practitioners of her time. In their review of the book, “Betsy Ann Plank: The Making of a Public Relations Icon” by Karla K. Gower, media studies graduate student Phoebe Smith and associate dean Regina Luttrell chronicle her formidable life as a PR pioneer who shaped the field of public relations as we know it today. Smith and Luttrell systematically outline the four principles found within the book:
1. Public relations is rooted in democracy
2. Religious faith and public relations are connected
3. Public relations is a profession
4. Public relations is gender neutral
The 2022 annual Newhouse Awards are now open for applications. There are multiple awards at both the graduate and undergraduate level, and many come with monetary awards.
A full list of all awards is below. Please note:
Students may apply for the awards until 11:59 p.m. March 24. The awards ceremony will take place May 4th at 5 p.m. in the Joyce Hergenhan Auditorium (140 Newhouse 3).
Good luck!
For a junior or senior Newhouse student majoring in advertising who has demonstrated academic excellence in their coursework.
Additional requirement: Minimum 3.2 GPA and successful completion of an advertising internship required.
Awarded to a Newhouse junior advertising major for academic excellence. More than one student may be awarded annually.
Awarded to a Newhouse advertising sophomore or junior whose work, both inside and outside of the classroom, has demonstrated exceptional promise for a career in advertising.
For an advertising senior who has achieved an exceptional academic record.
For an advertising student who has demonstrated academic excellence, outstanding service and extracurricular activity.
For a Bandier senior (by credit) who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the classroom, and within the Bandier, Syracuse, and music industry communities.
Additional requirements: minimum 3.2 grade point average.
Additional submission materials w/ application: a 500-word personal statement that articulates your commitment to leadership and explains how that has been expressed through classwork, the Bandier or larger Syracuse/Syracuse University community, internships and/or other industry work.
For a Bandier student whose capstone project and/or entrepreneurial work demonstrates vision, creativity, effectiveness, demonstrable progress and marketplace viability.
Additional submission materials w/ application: a brief (one or two pages) statement that explains the problem or opportunity your work is addressing, details what you’ve built and the results you’ve created, and offers insight into your future plans with the project, if continuing.
For a senior broadcast and digital journalism student who demonstrates superior writing, reporting and performance, and/or producing skills.
For an undergraduate broadcast and digital journalism major who has shown the greatest aptitude for writing and producing newscasts.
Awarded to a junior woman who has demonstrated outstanding potential in journalism. More than one student may be awarded annually.
Awarded to a senior for work in the field of editing.
Awarded to the senior student(s) deemed most proficient in journalism. May be awarded to more than one student annually.
For a undergraduate woman majoring in journalism.
For a graduating senior who shows the most potential to make a significant contribution in newspaper editing and ability to be a newsroom leader as well as demonstrated administrative duties at a campus publication.
Awarded to an outstanding student in any academic year who has exemplified strong, sensitive writing and the potential for being a professional magazine journalist. May be awarded to more than one student annually.
Additional requirement: One to three samples of writing that demonstrate the above criteria.
For an outstanding undergraduate sports reporter in print journalism in any academic year.
Additional requirement: Five samples of sports writing no more than one year old.
For either a junior or senior student who demonstrates excellence and achievement in news writing and editing.
Awarded to an outstanding sophomore, junior or senior student of photography.
Additional submission materials w/ application: portfolio of work. Must be submitted as a link in a separate PDF along with application.
For an outstanding achievement by a senior photography student.
Additional submission materials w/ application: portfolio of work. Must be submitted as a link in a separate PDF along with application.
For an outstanding photography major (recognizes advanced abilities in a specific photographic niche).
Additional requirement: Link to portfolio.
For an outstanding student in news design in any academic year.
For outstanding achievement by a senior graphic design major.
Additional requirement: Link to portfolio.
Awarded to a student in any academic year for outstanding achievement in augmented, virtual, or mixed reality by a photography or graphic design major.
Additional requirement: Link to portfolio. At least two samples of work.
Awarded to a graphic design student in any academic year for outstanding achievement.
Additional requirement: Link to portfolio. At least two samples of work.
Awarded to a photography student in any academic year for outstanding achievement.
Additional requirement: Link to portfolio. At least two samples of work.
For a student who demonstrates high achievement and leadership in public relations and who shows a commitment to and support of diversity.
Awarded to a senior student with high achievements in academics and who has shown exemplary leadership contributions to the department.
Additional requirement: Cover letter.
Awarded to a senior student who has made significant contributions to the common good through personal participation in important service activities both on campus and in the community.
Additional requirement: Cover letter.
Awarded to an outstanding graduating senior member of Public Relations Student Society of America.
Additional requirement: Cover letter.
For a junior or senior television, radio and film student who has the potential to be an emerging thought-leader in his/her discipline.
Additional information: Preference will be given to documentary production/writing, non-fiction programming and/or audience research.
Additional submission materials w/ application: links to scripts and/or produced projects or a written explanation of activities which explain qualifications for receiving this award. Work done in or out of class may be considered including work completed in extracurricular activities or internships settings.
Awarded to a junior or senior student who has demonstrated excellence in documentary film.
Additional submission materials w/ application: links to scripts and/or produced projects or a written explanation of activities which explain qualifications for receiving this award. Work done in or out of class may be considered including work completed in extracurricular activities or internships settings.
Awarded to a student in any academic year who has shown outstanding work in television. More than one student may be awarded annually.
Additional submission materials w/ application: links to scripts and/or produced projects or a written explanation of activities which explain qualifications for receiving this award. Work done in or out of class may be considered including work completed in extracurricular activities or internships settings.
Awarded to a student in any academic year who has demonstrated capability in creative writing. More than one student may be awarded annually.
Additional submission materials w/ application: one or two scripts meeting the following criteria: Typed copy of a properly formatted script no longer than 10-15 pages. (The script can be a section of a larger project with a brief introduction for context.) Your name should appear only on the title page. Scripts with single authors are preferred.
For a junior or senior student who demonstrates high achievement and excellence in audio production. More than one student may be awarded annually.
Additional submission materials w/ application: links to scripts and/or produced projects or a written explanation of activities which explain qualifications for receiving this award. Work done in or out of class may be considered including work completed in extracurricular activities or internships settings.
Awarded to a student who is actively writing, performing, and recording music of any genre, and who demonstrates collaboration, inclusiveness, and encouragement of fellow students.
Additional submission materials w/ application: links to scripts and/or produced projects or a written explanation of activities which explain qualifications for receiving this award. Work done in or out of class may be considered including work completed in extracurricular activities or internships settings.
For a high-achieving woman (undergraduate or graduate) majoring in broadcast and digital journalism.
Additional requirement: Personal statement about your career plans and how you are preparing for your chosen career in sports media through coursework, student organization activities and/or internships or other relevant activities.
For a senior who has contributed considerable time and energy to benefit the Newhouse School. More than one student will be awarded annually.
For a Newhouse student in any academic year who demonstrates excellence in website development, specifically coding.
Additional submission materials w/ application: two or more links and/or screenshots of websites or pages that represent your development skills and abilities.
For an outstanding undergraduate woman in communications.
Awarded to a student in any academic year who has demonstrated understanding, support and defense of the First Amendment.
Additional requirements: Writing pieces, such as clips or academic papers, or media projects, or a written explanation of activities which explain qualifications for receiving this award. Work done in or out of class may be considered including work completed in extracurricular activities or internships settings.
Awarded to an outstanding Newhouse first-year student.
For a senior student who has demonstrated competence, commitment and passion for entrepreneurship in the classroom and by starting their own venture.
For a student in any academic year who has made the most significant creative contribution in the field of radio.
For a high-achieving woman (undergraduate or graduate) majoring in broadcast and digital journalism.
Additional requirement: Personal statement about your career plans and how you are preparing for your chosen career in sports media through coursework, student organization activities and/or internships or other relevant activities.
For a Newhouse student in any academic year who demonstrates excellence in website development, specifically coding.
Additional submission materials w/ application: two or more links and/or screenshots of websites or pages that represent your development skills and abilities.
For a student who demonstrates high achievement and leadership in public relations and who shows a commitment to and support of diversity.
For a graduate assistant in the television, radio and film department who is an outstanding student and also has those qualities which Dr. Bluem exemplified in his lifetime.
Awarded in support of promising documentary work.
Additional requirement: Submit a 200-250 word description of your project and how the funds will be used.
For any master’s or Ph.D. student in mass communications for best scholarly paper contributing knowledge in mass communication.
Additional requirement: Research paper that was authored within the last year.
For a journalism graduate student committed to community journalism.
Additional submission materials w/ application: three clips and a personal statement (<500 words) about how your journalism reflects the legacy of alumna Charnice Milton.
Awarded to a student in any academic year who has demonstrated understanding, support and defense of the First Amendment.
Additional requirements: Writing pieces, such as clips or academic papers, or media projects, or a written explanation of activities which explain qualifications for receiving this award. Work done in or out of class may be considered including work completed in extracurricular activities or internships settings.
For a student in any academic year who has made the most significant creative contribution in the field of radio.
For an outstanding student in television. May have more than one winner annually.
Additional submission materials w/ application: links to scripts and/or produced projects or a written explanation of activities which explain qualifications for receiving this award. Work done in or out of class may be considered including work completed in extracurricular activities or internships settings.
For a student who has demonstrated competence, commitment and passion for entrepreneurship in the classroom and by starting their own venture.
For a student who shows outstanding academic performance and exceptional promise in the field of public relations.
For a magazine, news and digital journalism graduate student who has shown academic excellence and achievement in journalism.
For a graduate student who has shown outstanding academic performance and exceptional promise in the field of public relations.
The 2021 annual Newhouse Awards are now open for applications. There are multiple awards at both the graduate and undergraduate level, and many come with monetary awards.
A full list of all awards is below. Please note:
Students may apply for the awards until 11:59 p.m. April 4, and the winners will be announced in late May.
Good luck!
For a junior or senior Newhouse student majoring in advertising who has demonstrated academic excellence in their coursework.
Additional requirement: Minimum 3.2 GPA and successful completion of an advertising internship required.
Awarded to a Newhouse junior advertising major for academic excellence. More than one student may be awarded annually.
Awarded to a Newhouse advertising sophomore or junior whose work, both inside and outside of the classroom, has demonstrated exceptional promise for a career in advertising.
For an advertising senior who has achieved an exceptional academic record.
For an advertising student who has demonstrated academic excellence, outstanding service and extracurricular activity.
For a senior broadcast and digital journalism student who demonstrates superior writing, reporting and performance, and/or producing skills.
For a high-achieving sophomore or junior woman majoring in broadcast and digital journalism.
Additional requirement: Personal statement about your career plans and how you are preparing for your chosen career through coursework, student organization activities and/or internships or other relevant activities.
For an undergraduate broadcast and digital journalism major who has shown the greatest aptitude for writing and producing newscasts.
Awarded to a junior woman who has demonstrated outstanding potential in journalism. More than one student may be awarded annually.
Awarded to a senior for work in the field of editing.
Awarded to the senior student(s) deemed most proficient in journalism. May be awarded to more than one student annually.
For a undergraduate woman majoring in journalism.
For an undergraduate student who shows the most potential to make a significant contribution in newspaper editing and ability to be a newsroom leader as well as demonstrated administrative duties at a campus publication.
Awarded to an outstanding student in any academic year who has exemplified strong, sensitive writing and the potential for being a professional magazine journalist. May be awarded to more than one student annually.
Additional requirement: One to three samples of writing that demonstrate the above criteria.
For an outstanding undergraduate sports reporter in print journalism in any academic year.
Additional requirement: Five samples of sports writing no more than one year old.
For either a junior or senior student who demonstrates excellence and achievement in news writing and editing.
Awarded to an outstanding sophomore, junior or senior student of photography.
For an outstanding Photography major (recognizes advanced abilities in a specific photographic niche).
Additional requirement: Link to portfolio.
For an outstanding undergraduate student studying photography.
Additional requirement: Link to portfolio.
For an outstanding student in news design in any academic year.
For outstanding achievement by a senior graphic design major.
Additional requirement: Link to portfolio.
Awarded to a student in any academic year for outstanding achievement in augmented, virtual, or mixed reality by a photography or graphic design major.
Additional requirement: Link to portfolio.
Awarded to a graphic design student in any academic year for outstanding achievement.
Additional requirement: Link to portfolio.
Awarded to a photography student in any academic year for outstanding achievement.
Additional requirement: Link to portfolio.
For a student who demonstrates high achievement and leadership in public relations and who shows a commitment to and support of diversity.
Awarded to a senior student with high achievements in academics and who has shown exemplary leadership contributions to the department.
Additional requirement: Cover letter.
Awarded to a senior student who has made significant contributions to the common good through personal participation in important service activities both on campus and in the community.
Additional requirement: Cover letter.
Awarded to an outstanding graduating senior member of Public Relations Student Society of America.
Additional requirement: Cover letter.
For a junior or senior television, radio and film student who has the potential to be an emerging thought-leader in his/her discipline. Additional information: Preference will be given to documentary production/writing, non-fiction programming and/or audience research.
Awarded to a junior or senior student who has demonstrated excellence in documentary film.
Awarded to a student in any academic year who has shown outstanding work in television. More than one student may be awarded annually.
Awarded to a student in any academic year who has demonstrated capability in creative writing. More than one student may be awarded annually.
Additional requirements: One or two scripts, properly formatted, no longer than 10-15 pages. The script may be an excerpt of a larger project with a brief introduction for context. Writer’s name should appear only on the title page. Scripts with single authors are preferred.
For a junior or senior student who demonstrates high achievement and excellence in audio production. More than one student may be awarded annually.
Awarded to a student who is actively writing, performing, and recording music of any genre, and who demonstrates collaboration, inclusiveness, and encouragement of fellow students.
For a senior who has contributed considerable time and energy to benefit the Newhouse School. More than one student will be awarded annually.
For an outstanding senior woman in communications.
Awarded to a student in any academic yearwho has demonstrated understanding, support and defense of the First Amendment.
Additional requirements: Writing pieces, such as clips or academic papers, or media projects, or a written explanation of activities which explain qualifications for receiving this award. Work done in or out of class may be considered including work completed in extracurricular activities or internships settings.
Awarded to an outstanding Newhouse first-year student.
For a senior student who has demonstrated competence, commitment and passion for entrepreneurship in the classroom and by starting their own venture.
For a student in any academic year who has made the most significant creative contribution in the field of radio.
For a graduate assistant in the television, radio and film department who is an outstanding student and also has those qualities which Dr. Bluem exemplified in his lifetime.
Awarded in support of promising documentary work.
Additional requirement: Submit a 200-250 word description of your project and how the funds will be used.
For any master’s or Ph.D. student in mass communications for best scholarly paper contributing knowledge in mass communication.
Additional requirement: Research paper that was authored within the last year.
Awarded to a student in any academic yearwho has demonstrated understanding, support and defense of the First Amendment.
Additional requirements: Writing pieces, such as clips or academic papers, or media projects, or a written explanation of activities which explain qualifications for receiving this award. Work done in or out of class may be considered including work completed in extracurricular activities or internships settings.
For a student in any academic year who has made the most significant creative contribution in the field of radio.
For an outstanding student in television. May have more than one winner annually.
For a student who has demonstrated competence, commitment and passion for entrepreneurship in the classroom and by starting their own venture.
For a student who has demonstrated competence, comFor a student who shows outstanding academic performance and exceptional promise in the field of Public Relations.
For a graduate student who has shown commitment and excellence in community journalism.
For a magazine, news and digital journalism graduate student who has shown academic excellence and achievement in journalism.
For a graduate student who has shown outstanding academic performance and exceptional promise in the field of public relations.
Temple Northup graduated from Newhouse in 2008 with a master’s in media studies. He currently works as the director of the School of Journalism & Media Studies at San Diego State University.
“From theory to research, the courses at Newhouse set me on the right path to become an effective researcher, which is what led me to getting tenure at my first university.”
Temple Northup, G’08
How did you obtain your current position?
I just started this position in July 2020 after being at the University of Houston the previous nine years. At the University of Houston, I was director of the Valenti School of Communication, a position I held for the last five years I was there. Before that, I was at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, which is where I got my Ph.D. after graduating from Syracuse with my M.A.
What’s an average day like for you on the job?
These days, average days are a bit different as I spend so much time on Zoom. But, ignoring that component of it, I would say it’s hard to describe an “average” day as they are almost never identical. As the administrative head of the school, my first and most important task is to make sure everything is running as planned—all our classes are happening, faculty are supported in their needs and our students are getting the help they need to graduate on time. Beyond those tasks, which take up a lot of time, I also work hard reaching out to alumni of the school in order to build stronger relationships with them, and to find new sources of revenue for our program. I also like to spend time thinking strategically about what we as a media school need to be doing to position ourselves as a leader in the field and what changes we need to make in order to keep our students prepared for the workforce.
How do you feel Newhouse prepared you for your current job?
Newhouse absolutely prepared me for my role—and frankly continues to help me in this position. It did this in a few ways.
First, being a graduate of the Newhouse M.A. in media studies, I got really well trained in some of the most important and core aspects of the communication discipline—from theory to research, the courses at Newhouse set me on the right path to become an effective researcher, which is what led me to getting tenure at my first university.
Second, getting to be a student at Newhouse meant I got to see some of the best faculty in action. As a future faculty member, and then administrator, I know what great teaching looks like, and I know what it looks like to be a great mentor to students. Those lessons I have carried with me in all aspects of my career.
Finally, being part of Newhouse meant I got to see some of the most innovative programs in the country—and that is something I continue to do. As the leader of a different school, I keep an eye on what Newhouse is doing because I know it will always be leading the field. I have such respect for all aspects of the Newhouse School, if I can lead our program to be anywhere near as strong, then I am doing great things!
Did Newhouse open your eyes to new professions or aspect of your field you may have not considered when applying?
When I applied to Newhouse, I honestly did not anticipate what it would truly be like or where my career would go. In that sense, it absolutely opened my eyes to becoming not just a teacher, which is what I had thought about doing after I graduated, but also an engaged researcher. The enthusiasm of the faculty and their research agendas was contagious, and although I entered the program thinking about teaching one day, I left wanting to do much more—I wanted to conduct research.
What unique features of your graduate program drew you to it in the first place?
The main thing that drew to Newhouse was its reputation. There are only a handful of programs in the US that everyone knows from its name, and Newhouse was one of those. That is unique—and the benefits pay off after you leave as I am constantly meeting people who went to Newhouse, and the network it provided me has been very beneficial during my career.
What moments in your career have been most exciting or defining thus far?
Some of my research has gotten a lot of attention within the media—with one of them getting so much coverage, I actually ended up flying to New York City to appear on Fox & Friends (a place, for many reasons, I never thought I would be). That was quite an experience and certainly one of the more exciting things that have happened! I’ve also gotten to interview many high-profile media personalities including Anderson Cooper, which was really fun.
What advice do you have for current or incoming students?
I think it’s super important to connect with faculty early and get to know them. They are your best resources whatever your career goals, and so the better they know you, the more they will help you after graduation.
As a Newhouse media studies student, you can rely on various options for funding your education.
You may work as an instructional associate, helping faculty in the classroom. We also hire students as research assistants, giving you the opportunity to aid faculty with their research and creative projects. These types of positions can help you gain and apply the skills you need in the classroom and in conducting your own research.
In addition, we help you find scholarships and fellowships. Here is a list of funding opportunities:
At Newhouse, we encourage our academic master’s students to present at national and international conferences. To that end, we offer you generous financial support to travel and present at conferences.
As a media studies student, you’ll be eligible for funding as you research and write your thesis.
Our professors have diverse professional experience and unique research interests.
Alumni of the media studies program often continue their academic careers by moving into Ph.D. programs at top universities throughout the country.
Many of our media studies graduates are teaching at colleges and universities around the world. Others have careers with non-governmental organizations or are doing corporate communications research.
Potential career paths include:
Recent media studies master’s graduates: