MDJ | Around the Sphere

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The power of storytelling: The School of Media and Journalism, one of five schools in Kent State’s College of Communication and Information, helps students discover the power of storytelling – the news story, the feature story, the multimedia story, the client’s story and the short film. And in the process, we help students discover their own brand stories: who they are, what unique skills they offer and what they want to do with their professional lives. This is our podcast.

School of Media and Journalism at Kent State University


    • Mar 2, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 22m AVG DURATION
    • 19 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from MDJ | Around the Sphere

    Episode 16: Two MDJ Seniors on Graduation, Job Search & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2023 18:39


    In this episode of Around the Sphere, two MDJ students, Lauren Blue in the Advertising program and Kaitlyn Finchler in the journalism program, come together to discuss how they feel about graduation, how they are dealing with the job search and their time at Kent State. Also, in this episode, hear from the leader of Franklin Advertising, Rafael, about his recent trip to New York through Franklin Advertising and about an upcoming event with PRSSA, Comm Conn. Learn more about Kent State's Journalism program by https://catalog.kent.edu/colleges/ci/mdj/journalism-bs/ Learn more about Kent State's Advertising program by https://catalog.kent.edu/colleges/ci/mdj/advertising-bs/ PRSSA Schedule: https://www.prssakent.com/schedule.html Rafael's email: rguedesb@kent.edu Cynthia's email: Ckristof@kent.edu

    Episode 17: Breaking into Advertising

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2023 20:52


    In this episode of Around the Sphere, Kent State Professor Mike Jackson and members of Cross Country Mortgage provide insight into the world of advertising and how to network professional connections. Cross Country Mortgage is an incredibly successful nationwide full-service lender with thousands of employees and hundreds of branches Franklin Advertising, a student-run organization, organized a networking event with help from faculty advisor Professor Jackson to help students form lasting relationships with real-world professionals. Also, in this episode, hear from TV2's Shane Troyano, the general manager, as to what TV2 is, what they do and how to get involved.  For more information on TV2 feel free to contact Shane at stroyano@kent.edu

    advertising sphere tv2 professor jackson
    Episode 16: The McGruder Award & Why It's Important

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2022 23:47


    In this episode of Around the Sphere, Dr. Cheryl Lambert and Professor Thor Wasbotten sit down to discuss the McGruder Award, including what it is, how it began, why it's so important, and more. Both have worked closely together to plan the ceremony and honor the winners and Robert G. McGruder's legacy. Also, in this episode here from KentWired's Emma Andrus, the editor-in-chief as to what KentWired is, their accomplishments, and how to get involved.

    Episode 15: Banned Book Read-In

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2022 20:14


    Join us for a unique look into banned books, the Freedom of Speech and what went into planning Kent's second annual Banned Book Read-In. Kent State professor Stephanie Smith, the key organizer of the Read-In, joins Paul Haridakis, the director of the School of Communication Studies, Marianne Martens, a Kent State professor, and Alton Northup and Jamie Brian, Kent State students, to give their perspectives. Also in this episode, hear from Franklin Advertising about what they are, and what meetings are coming up!

    Episode 14: Internships! Two CCI Students Speak about Their Experiences

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2022 26:18


    Join us for an interesting look into internships on this week's episode of Around the Sphere! Senior public relations major Hannah Mayer interned with Live Nation and senior journalism major Reegan Saunders interned with the San Francisco Chronicle. Both had amazing stories and advice for students just starting to look for internships. Also in this episode, hear from PRSSA about what they are, and what meetings are coming up!

    Episode13: Kent State NMGZ and Thanking Our Student Podcast Managers

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2022 27:26


    The National Millennial / Gen Z Community was founded in 2016 to change the conversation about two constantly misrepresented, career-ready generations. Today NMGZ represents more than 44 colleges and universities in over 40 states, Washington, D.C., and Guam. The Kent State NMGZ chapter is a subcommittee of PRKent's PRSSA and represents all of Ohio when our students talk to executives across the country in person and online. Chapter Chair Mia Cadle recently visited Boston with the group and member William Dakin traveled to the San Francisco Bay Area to meet with Fortune 500 companies and students from across the country. Also in this episode, KentWired brings summer news and a special thank you to our student project and production managers for their hard work this past year.

    Episode12: Senior Scaries: Advertising Alumna Ellie Plessinger (2017) talks life post-grad

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2022 22:17


    Join us for another “Senior Scaries” episode in this week's episode of Around the Sphere. Senior advertising major Sydney Lepley sits down with MDJ alumnus, Ellie Plessinger (2017) to talk about how to survive in the “real world” post-grad. Learn skills to help build your portfolio, tips for finding a job and why it's okay to not have a job lined up right after graduation. Also in this episode, hear from TV2 and learn about our student-powered design agency, IdeaBase.

    Episode11: Alum Rachel Dissell on journalism activism in Cleveland

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2022 32:08


    On this episode of Around the Sphere, we connect with Media and Journalism alumna Rachel Dissell (‘01) to discuss her career in investigative journalism throughout Cleveland since graduating from Kent State. As a reporter for The Plain Dealer for over 20 years, Dissell led multiple investigative series looking into the criminal justice system and its effects in Cleveland and effects of trauma on those impacted by the justice system. Join us for a conversation about activism within journalism and making changes within your community. Learn more about some series Rachel has worked on: Johanna: Facing Forward, Case Closed, The Marshall Project, Reinvestigating Rape: Old Evidence, New Answers, Toxic Neglect: Curing Cleveland's legacy of lead poisoning

    Episode10: Oscars Special: Insider Insights from MDJ's Own Dana White & Christopher Knoblock

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2022 26:33


    It's Oscars season! The 94th Academy Awards are Sunday, March 27 and we spoke with two of MDJ's Digital Media Production professors – and filmmakers – about what this day looks like in Hollywood. Around the Sphere's own Nick Underwood spoke with professors Dana White and Christopher Knoblock about this year's nominated films, the difference between Academy Awards and film festivals and why you might not always recognize the films that are nominated for Oscars. Join us for a fun conversation before this year's awards! Also in this episode, learn about Black Squirrel Radio, broadcasted right here from Franklin Hall.

    Episode9: PRKent & University Outreach and Engagement

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2022 24:47


    On the latest episode of MDJ's Around the Sphere podcast

    Episode8: Super Bowl Ads; TeleProductions; Origins of Black History Month

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2022 23:17


    Some watch the Super Bowl for the game, some for the halftime show... but 20% of viewers watch the Super Bowl specifically for the commercials. Media and Journalism alumnus Mike Jackson, ‘78, joined MDJ as a professional-in-residence this spring to teach Advertising Strategy Development and Messaging and Communication – and some of his experience includes working on three advertisements for the Super Bowl. On this episode of Around the Sphere, Jackson sits down with advertising junior Christy Cecil before this year's big game to talk about working on those advertisements, why the Super Bowl serves as a monumental time to premiere advertisements and managing the media buzz that comes with creating a controversial commercial. Learn more about Mike Jackson at: https://www.kent.edu/mdj/news/alumnus-mike-jackson-helps-advertisers-navigate-americas-changing-demographics Also in today's episode, hear from two MDJ students who work for TeleProductions and how their experiences covering live sports for ESPN+ have prepared them for opportunities post grad. More about TeleProductions here: https://www.kent.edu/teleproductions Lastly, learn about how Black History Month originated here on Kent State's campus in 1970. To view this month's celebration calendar and learn more about #BHMBirthPlace, visit https://www.kent.edu/smc/black-history-month.

    Episode7: Senior Scaries: The Job Search, Graduating Without an Offer & More

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2022 20:43


    In the Spring 2022 premiere of Around the Sphere, senior journalism major Maddy Haberberger sits down with MDJ alum, Anna Huntsman, Class of 2019 who reports for Ideastream Public Media, to discuss post-graduation life and what to expect while on the job hunt. Anna shares the ins-and-outs of searching for a job that is right for you – and why it's okay if that dream job doesn't happen right away. Also in this episode, learn more about how Kent State has just been awarded the highest recognition for research universities, the prestigious R1 Carnegie Classification.

    Episode6: Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging at Work with PRSSA Kent; Focal Point; Ideabase

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2021 15:41


    On this semester's last episode of Around the Sphere, we're looking inside the November 1st PRSSA meeting focused on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace. Learn tips to help make sure that everyone feels a sense of belonging while sitting at your table, and how to find a career that authentically values diversity and inclusion. Hear from experts AJ Leu, CCI's Director of Diversity Initiatives; Daria Gaither, Communications Manager at FedEx Custom Critical; Phylicia McCorkle, Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Major League Baseball; Amanda Hayes, Director of Corporate Communications, Diversity and Inclusion at JoAnn Stores; and Joy Smith, Inclusion and Talent Manager at Marcus Thomas LLC. Also on today's episode, learn more about student photography organization Focal Point, and the history of student-powered design agency Ideabase.

    Episode5: Franklin Advertising talks NYC Advertising Week 2021, Opportunities for all with TV2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2021 20:36


    On today's episode of Around the Sphere, we're catching up with MDJ student organization Franklin Advertising to hear about their recent trip to New York City for the annual Advertising Week conference. Learn about the team's key insights, what they did, who they met, and how the school of Media and Journalism prepared them for the experience. Also on today's episode, learn about the opportunities available for all students at MDJ's award-winning television station, TV2; and learn the history behind the namesakes of Franklin and Taylor Hall.

    Episode4: MDJ Examines the Tragedy on the Set of ‘Rust' Through Production, Media and Crisis Comm

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2021 40:37


    On this special episode of Around the Sphere, we are taking a close look at the recent tragedy on the set of the feature film “Rust” after a prop gun fired by Alec Baldwin killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza. We hear from Digital Media Production Lecturer Christopher Knoblock about set safety and how the incident should have been prevented; Public Relations Associate Professor Stephanie Smith about public relations implications of the event and managing crisis communications; and Journalism Assistant Professor Dr. Gretchen Hoak about ethical journalistic approaches and how the story is framed in the news media, as well as how the trauma from the event can impact the story. Hear from three Media and Journalism professors about the interdisciplinary lessons we can learn from this tragic event.

    Episode3: DMP Asst. Prof. Scott Hallgren on Career in Music, Sound, and Teaching at Kent State

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2021 16:44


    In this episode of Around the Sphere, Digital Media Production Professor Scott Hallgren sits down with senior DMP student Addy Birkes to talk about Professor Hallgren's journey as a musician, sound editor and composer for award-winning films before becoming a professor. As his IMDb page states, his scores have “served a diverse and successful group of independent films and television programs and have, received critical acclaim.” Also in this episode, hear from PRSSA Vice President of Professional Relations Kayla Polansky about this semester's upcoming events and how to get involved. Learn more about Kent State's Digital Media Production program by kent.edu/mdj/digital-media-production.

    Episode2: 2021 PRSSA National Bateman Competition PRKent's Honorable Mention for Civility Campaign

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2021 19:57


    On this episode of Around the Sphere, the Honorable Mention-winning 2021 Bateman Blue team sits down with Bateman advisor and Professor of Public Relations, Stefanie Moore, to discuss their campaign on Civility in PRSSA's National Bateman Competition. Hear about the team's successes, challenges, and how it felt to get that exciting “Congrats!” email. Plus, hear from Student Media Sales Manager Jenna Gobrecht for updates from the Advertising office and learn more about MDJ's history. Apply for Student Media Leadership: https://kentstatestudentmedia.com/involvement or reach out to Kevin Dilley kdilley@kent.edu with any questions. Email us with comments, audio, feedback at MDJPodcast@kent.edu

    Episode1: Humphrey Fellow visit, all about student media, more about The Sphere

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2021 18:56


    In our inaugural episode of Around the Sphere, we hear voices from all around Franklin Hall – and the world. Media and Journalism Director Emily Metzgar introduces MDJ and its majors and opportunities, as well as our goals with Around the Sphere. We hear from Kevin Dilley, Director of Student Media, about the fundamentals and opportunities for everyone within student media. This episode's feature focuses on Humphrey Fellow Ruslanas Irzikevicious and his recent visit to MDJ to discuss Disinformation and help share knowledge about stopping the spread of misinformation. Ruslanas publishes two news sites in English – LithuaniaTribune.com and the English section of 15min.lt. Learn about his history as a Lithuanian journalist on the frontlines fighting disinformation and propaganda to defend his home country. To wrap up, Podcast Project Manager Kimmy Daniels and Advisor Luke Armour tell you more about the Sphere we're going around. SECTION ONE: Emily Metzgar introduction 0:39 – 1:54 In our inaugural episode of Around the Sphere, Director of Media and Journalism Emily Metzgar takes a moment to introduce MDJ and its majors and opportunities. She also discusses the goals of Around the Sphere – to connect with friends, alumni, supporters and those who might be “outside the sphere” to tell the stories of what happens within MDJ. SECTION TWO: KEVIN DILLEY INTRODUCES KENT STATE STUDENT MEDIA 1:58 – 6:24 Director of Kent State Student Media Kevin Dilley introduces student media and its mission statement, as well as the opportunities within student media. Student media encourages excellence, leadership and accountability to help students become “innovative, ethical and skilled media producers in a diverse and global society.” Listen to learn how you can get involved in student media as early as your first year, with over 400 students this year across 10 media partners on over 30 platforms. Student media utilizes digital, social, broadcast and print media to help students find their place within Kent, within MDJ, and within student media. SECTION THREE: HUMPHREY FELLOW RUSLANAS IRZIKEVICIUS VISITS MDJ TO DISCUSS DISINFORMATION AND COMBATING MISINFORMATION 6:27 – 16:03 Humphrey Fellow Ruslanas Irzikevicious visited the school of Media and Journalism the week of September 20, 2021 to meet with students and faculty to discuss the topic of Disinformation. A journalist from Lithuainia, Ruslanas has been a first-hand witness to the fall of the Soviet Union and experienced Lithuania transform from a dictatorship into a liberal democracy. In this time, he has worked to make news more accessible to English-speaking people to combat the disinformation and propaganda about Lithuania coming from non-Lithuanian sources. He publishes two news sites in English – LithuaniaTribune.com and the English section of 15min.lt. In his time at Kent State, Ruslanas met with student organizations like TV2 and spoke with faculty about free speech, the first amendment, countering disinformation and political polarization. For more information about Ruslanas and his visit, read the upcoming article in MDJ's alumni-focused magazine, Jargon. SECTION FOUR: FRANKLIN HALL FUN FACT: WHY AROUND THE SPHERE? 16:07 – 17:54 Wondering what sphere we're going around? Podcast Project Manager, Kimmy Daniels, and Luke Armour, Podcast Advisor, discuss the meaning behind the art that this podcast was named after. The art that we're named after is titled StarSphere 2010 by Susan Ewing http://studiosusanewing.com/public-work/starsphere/, which sits on the sidewalk of Esplanade Circle in front of Franklin Hall. The piece is a physical embodiment of the first amendment and reflective of the importance of the media. SECTION FIVE: SEND US FEEDBACK! 17:55 – 18:16 Please send us comments, suggestions, feedback or just say hello to MDJPodcast@kent.edu.

    Around The Sphere Ep0

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2021 0:35


    Welcome to Around the Sphere, the podcast of the School of Media and Journalism at Kent State University. Produced and recorded by MDJ's students, faculty and staff just for you.

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