CCOM News – College of Communication and Media

��Ʒ��˸�� University Named New Operator of New Jersey’s Public Television Stations

maciakk — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 19:48:00 +0000

New Jersey State Treasurer Aaron Binder and ��Ʒ��˸�� University today announced that Montclair has been selected as the new programming and management operator of New Jersey’s four FCC-licensed public television stations. Montclair was selected from a pool of four bidders following a competitive request-for-proposals process, returning New Jersey public television to a New Jersey based operator. WNET has stewarded NJ PBS since 2011.

The contract between the New Jersey Public Broadcasting and the University will be submitted to the Legislature for their review. The Legislature, which has stressed its desire and strong support for public television to continue in New Jersey, has 15 days to review the contract.

The agreement is for five years with two five-year extensions. Montclair is responsible for programming the stations and has committed to providing at least six hours of New Jersey-centric programming a week, including a weekday nightly news cast and other public affairs programming, live broadcasts of the Governor’s State of the State address, the Governor’s Budget Message, and live coverage of New Jersey elections.

The new contract follows months of uncertainty over the future of NJ PBS and effectively ensures that public television will thrive in New Jersey for the long-term. Cuts to federal funding had put the future in doubt, however Governor Mikie Sherrill’s commitment to transparency makes public broadcasting an integral part of the state’s media landscape.

“Public broadcasting is a vital public service that ensures New Jersey families have access to trusted news, educational programming, and information about their communities. At a time when local journalism faces growing challenges, today’s action keeps this essential service alive in New Jersey,”��said Governor Sherrill. “I’m excited that ��Ʒ��˸�� University has been selected to lead the next chapter of public broadcasting in New Jersey. With its expertise in journalism and public media, strong community partnerships, and commitment to innovation, Montclair is uniquely positioned to expand local storytelling and help build a strong, sustainable future for public media across our state.”

“Public broadcasting is a critical pillar of New Jersey media, ensuring all residents – particularly those in underserved areas – have access to quality educational and community-focused content,”��said State Treasurer Aaron Binder. “Given the ever-evolving nature of modern media, and recent devasting funding cuts at the federal level, protecting and supporting public broadcasting has never been more important. Treasury was pleased to play a role in ushering in the next chapter of public media in New Jersey, and we look forward to seeing this vital institution grow for many years to come.”

“New Jersey has one of the most extraordinary media landscapes in the country, and we will fully leverage and highlight the breadth of voices and storytellers across the state,”��said Dr. Keith Strudler, Dean of Montclair’s College of Communication and Media. “This includes universities across New Jersey, countless news organizations, cultural and arts centers, and sports leagues and organizations. We look forward to building a media ecosystem that resembles and is accountable to the people of New Jersey, one that provides unique educational and workforce development opportunities to our state’s future leaders and media creators. We are grateful for the opportunity to ensure New Jersey’s public media is truly the public’s media.”

“New Jersey’s public television stations exist to serve every resident of this state, and this selection reflects our commitment to ensuring that mission continues on a sustainable, long-term foundation,”��said Rick Williams, Executive Director of the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority. “��Ʒ��˸�� University brings broadcast-ready infrastructure, deep community ties, and a demonstrated commitment to New Jersey journalism. We look forward to working with the University and the Legislature as this transition moves forward.”

In this role, Montclair plans to reimagine public media and expand the value public broadcasting can provide to New Jersey residents. Central to that mission is building a network that fully represents New Jersey, drawing on the state’s 300-plus news organizations, its colleges and universities, and its diverse communities to create and inform programming made stronger through collaboration and shared expertise. In addition to a robust broadcast presence with daily newscast and discussion programming, NJ PBS will focus significant efforts on digital and social media content as well as in-person events and public engagement, meeting New Jersey residents where and how they consume information.

Montclair’s proposal leverages existing university assets to create an operational budget that recognizes the current fiscal environment for public media. This includes $1.2 million annually of in-kind contributions from the University, including studio access, engineering expertise, IT infrastructure, human resources, finance, legal, and facilities management. It also includes teaching and internship opportunities for students, helping to train future media professionals while also infusing a dynamic perspective into station programming.

The station will be housed in Montclair’s College of Communication and Media, one of the nation’s leading academic hubs for media education and innovation. The College has a world-class production facility, complete with professional broadcast studios and film stages, multiple control rooms, a multimedia newsroom, and engineering infrastructure built for network-level production. Faculty and staff bring extensive professional experience in the New Jersey and national media landscapes, and the College has been nationally recognized for its work while preparing the next generation of New Jersey media professionals.

The Center for Cooperative Media, housed within Montclair’s College of Communication and Media, will help build the backbone of NJ PBS’s statewide journalism model. The Center’s longstanding relationships with hundreds of New Jersey news organizations provide NJ PBS with an existing statewide journalism ecosystem capable of supporting collaborative reporting and community-informed storytelling across all regions of the state. Montclair’s operation of NJ PBS will include robust content partnerships across the state, including collaborative agreements with a range of other New Jersey colleges and universities as well as civic, arts, and news organizations, ensuring network content reflects the diversity and talents of New Jersey’s residents and communities.

Montclair plans to produce a daily newscast and discussion program, a weekly public affairs roundtable, and sports coverage, including a formal partnership with the New Jersey Athletic Conference. The University has also committed to a code of journalism ethics, an independent ethics committee with external appointments, and a Community Advisory Board, with additional public accountability in being subject to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act as a public university.

More than 20 full-time employees will initially operate NJ PBS, including three reporters and a production team of 11. Students will also participate through internships and supervised experiential learning opportunities. Employment opportunities with NJ PBS will be posted��.

For more information/media contact:

��Ʒ��˸�� University:��Keith Green, Director of Communications and Strategic Operations, College of Communication and Media. greenk@montclair.edu, 973-655-3701.

New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority:��Danielle Currie, Deputy Director of Communications Danielle.Currie@treas.nj.gov

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About the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority:��The New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority (NJPBA) is a State authority holding four FCC noncommercial educational television licenses, collectively branded as NJ PBS. The Authority’s stations, WNJS, WNJN, WNJT, and WNJB, serve all regions of New Jersey with public media programming. The NJPBA operates in, but not of, the New Jersey Department of the Treasury under the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority Act of 1968, as amended by the 2010 New Jersey Public Broadcasting System Transfer Act. For more information, visit https://www.nj.gov/treasury/njpba/.

About ��Ʒ��˸�� University:��Building on a distinguished history dating back to 1908, ��Ʒ��˸�� University has evolved from an institution that was a recognized leader in teacher education to an R2 research institution ranked as one of the 100 best public doctoral universities in the nation. The University serves 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 300 doctoral, master’s and baccalaureate programs provided by 13 colleges and schools. Situated on a beautiful 252-acre campus just 12 miles from New York City, Montclair delivers the instructional and research resources of a large public university while retaining the supportive and personalized academic environment that provides a feeling of community more typical of smaller institutions.

About Montclair’s College of Communication and Media:��The College of Communication and Media (CCOM) offers a range of dynamic programs to a talented and diverse student population of approximately 2,000. Offering degrees in advertising, animation and visual effects, communication and media studies, film and television, journalism and digital media, social media and public relations, sports communication and an online, asynchronous MA devoted to strategic communication and media, the College prepares the next generation of communication and media practitioners and leaders. Founded in 2012 and housed in world-class, state-of-the-art facilities just 12 miles from New York City, the College is the only program in the country that offers the following opportunities for students: a radio station (WMSC), newspaper (The Montclarion), strategic communications agency (Hawk Communications), sports network (Red Hawk Sports Network) streaming platform (Hawk+), digital newsroom (News Lab) and studio, and a social media listening center (Joetta DiBella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication). The College also has a Student Success team, including dedicated Career Services and Advising professionals who prepare students for the internship and job search process. Student projects and programs have recently received national recognition from PRSSA’s Bateman Competition, an Edward R. Murrow Award, several Marconi Award nominations, and College Television Awards (“Student Emmy” awards) from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The College is also home to the Center for Cooperative Media, which serves the public by working to grow and strengthen local journalism and media. Through nearly $10M in grants awarded over the last decade, the Center focuses on collaboration in journalism, media equity, media coaching and training, civic science and research. The Center is also home to the NJ Civic Information Consortium, the largest funder of media and journalism in New Jersey, granting more than $10M over the last five years to support independent local media, journalism and training initiatives.

San Diego Mosque Shooters’ Manifesto Includes 38 References to Mass Shooters and 11 References to the “Great Replacement” Conspiracy

maciakk — Fri, 22 May 2026 19:37:25 +0000

Researchers from ��Ʒ��˸�� University’s Joetta Di Bella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication in the College of Communication and Media (CCOM) and the Department of Justice Studies conducted an initial review of the manifesto posted by the shooters who attacked the Islamic Center of San Diego on May 18, 2026. Findings were consistent with their previously published research on the manifesto of Buffalo supermarket shooter Payton Gendron from 2022.

Notable insights into the San Diego shooters’ manifesto include:

-38 references to mass shooters who also posted manifestos; Payton Gendron and Brenton

-Tarrant were noted as “the biggest catalyst towards my radicalization.”

-The “Great Replacement” conspiracy was mentioned 11 times in the document.

-The San Diego Mosque shooters’ manifesto mimics the form and content of previous extremist attackers’ manifestos; particularly Gendron’s text.

-Content from spaces such as 4chan, 8kun, and fringe extremist sites are integrated, repurposed, and plagiarized throughout the document (consistent with other recent extremist manifestos).

“Our previous research has shown extremist manifestos are derivative documents, with the Gendron manifesto plagiarizing more than 80% of its content,” said Dr. Daniela Peterka-Benton, Professor of Justice Studies at ��Ʒ��˸�� University. “Material from extremist sites and platforms can be the pieces that make up such rationales for attacks,” she added.

“The extensive references made to the manifestos of other mass shooters is concerning,” said Dr. Bond Benton, Professor of Strategic Communication at ��Ʒ��˸�� University. “Such repetition shows that these documents inspire imitation and are created to place the attacker within a lineage of violent actors they look up to.”

Peterka-Benton and Benton’s published research on radicalization to violence in the online space can be found .��

Media Contact: Keith Green, greenk@montclair.edu, 973-655-3701

About the College of Communication and Media:��The College of Communication and Media (CCOM) offers a range of dynamic programs to a talented and diverse student population of over 2,000. Offering degrees in advertising, animation and visual effects, communication and media studies, film and television, journalism and digital media, social media and public relations, sports communication and an online, asynchronous MA devoted to strategic communication and media, the College prepares the next generation of communication and media practitioners and leaders. Founded in 2012 and housed in world-class, state-of-the-art facilities just 12 miles from New York City, the College is the only program in the country that offers the following opportunities for students: a radio station (WMSC), newspaper (The Montclarion), strategic communications agency (Hawk Communications), sports network (Red Hawk Sports Network) streaming platform (Hawk+), digital newsroom (News Lab) and studio, and a social media listening center (Joetta DiBella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication). The College also has a Student Success team, including dedicated Career Services and Advising professionals who prepare students for the internship and job search process. Student projects and programs have recently received national recognition from PRSSA’s Bateman Competition, an Edward R. Murrow Award, several Marconi Award nominations, and College Television Awards (“Student Emmy” awards) from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The College is also home to the Center for Cooperative Media, which serves the public by working to grow and strengthen local journalism and media. Through $7.1M in grants awarded over the last five years, the Center focuses on collaboration in journalism, media equity, media coaching and training, civic science and research. The Center is also home to the NJ Civic Information Consortium, the largest funder of media and journalism in�� New Jersey, granting more than $10M over the last five years to support independent local media, journalism and training initiatives.

Roxane Depaire Becomes First Graduate of Montclair CCOM’s International Diploma in Journalism and Digital Media

maciakk — Mon, 18 May 2026 20:47:23 +0000

Roxane Depaire��has��made history��by becoming the first student to��earn��the��International Diploma in Journalism and Digital Media��from the College of Communication and Media at ��Ʒ��˸�� University.��

The��one-year, 30-credit program is designed to immerse students in modern journalism through hands-on coursework in writing, reporting, podcasting, multimedia storytelling and personal brand development. Students also gain��international reporting��experience��by telling real stories in the United States.

Originally from southwestern France and now studying in Paris at the EFAP International School of Communication, Depaire said the program helped her��fulfill a long-held dream.

“Since I started my studies, I have dreamed��of going abroad to study for a year in the U.S.,”��Depaire said.��“When I discovered this program, I knew it would be a perfect fit for me and my goals.”

During her time on campus, she said the��program’s hands-on approach��stood out most.

“What surprised me the most was how practical the approach is,” she said. “We have access to professional equipment and opportunities to work on real projects, with a lot of freedom on what we want to talk about and what stories we want to tell.”

One of her��favorite academic projects��came in a multimedia storytelling course, where she produced a feature��focused��on live theatre.

“Through this project, I was able to meet incredible people with amazing stories to tell,”��she said. “I��also��had the opportunity to talk to theatre professionals and understand their perspectives.��It was a very enriching experience.”

She also embraced the opportunity to bring an international lens to the classroom, saying that sharing��a worldly��perspective��helped classmates “see things from new angles.”

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for Roxane, and we are proud she chose Montclair’s College of Communication and Media to help launch her international journalism career,” said Dr. Keith Strudler, Dean of the College of Communication and Media. “We are excited to watch her journey from afar and hope her work inspires other students around the world to choose this program.”

Depaire��echoed Dr. Strudler’s sentiment. “It’s something I’m really proud of,” she said. “I hope it encourages other international students to take this opportunity, and shows that it’s possible to succeed in a completely different academic environment than what we’re used to.”

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective Students and Parents:��Plan your visit��and��in applying to become a Red Hawk. Learn more about our��seven undergraduate programs��including��Journalism and Digital Media major��at the��College of Communication and Media.

Montclair’s College of Communication and Media Bateman Team Earns Second Place in National Public Relations Competition

maciakk — Thu, 07 May 2026 20:15:50 +0000

��Ʒ��˸�� University’s College of Communication and Media (CCOM) team earned second place in one of the nation’s most prestigious public relations competitions for college students. Five graduating CCOM seniors represented the University as finalists, advancing from a field of 46 university teams nationwide. The team presented its campaign before a panel of judges on May 5.

The Bateman Competition, organized annually by the , challenges student teams to research, plan, implement, and evaluate a public relations campaign on behalf of a real client. This year’s client was , a global technology and communications company whose Professional Education Program provides college professors free access to its press release distribution and media outreach platform.

About the Campaign

Operating under the name , the Bateman team developed and executed a campaign with two primary objectives: to drive adoption of ACCESS Newswire’s platform among professors nationwide and to increase brand awareness as a trusted partner for universities. Campaign elements included faculty and student workshops, classroom platform integrations, and hands-on activities designed to demonstrate the value of professional PR tools in an academic setting.

The team was composed of the following Social Media and Public Relations students and campaign roles:

Emma Haskell, Communications Lead

Sarah Potter, Event Chair

Riley Silvester, Creative Director

Jennifer Barrales-Solis, Social Media Manager

Matthew McDonald, Director of Outreach

“I’m immensely proud of what our Bateman team accomplished and the collaborative spirit they demonstrated in delivering a successful campaign for PRSSA and their client,” said Professor Erin Weinberg, PRSSA and Bateman Faculty Advisor at ��Ʒ��˸�� University. “This competition provides students with invaluable hands-on experience in developing and executing a public relations campaign, an essential opportunity as they prepare to launch their professional careers.”

“This success reflects what happens when talented students are given the tools, resources and support to perform at the highest level,” said Dr. Bond Benton, Chair of CCOM’s Department of Strategic Communication. “This recognition affirms what we already know: our Social Media and Public Relations program is among the strongest in the nation, and these students are its finest example.”

Before the Tassel Turns

For the students, the national recognition represented the culmination of meticulous planning and the defining experience of their academic careers.

“This win was the final chapter in my story at Montclair,” Haskell said. “CCOM helped me develop the skills, confidence, and mindset I needed to be a successful team player throughout this campaign. Walking away with a win just six days before graduation was more than I could have ever imagined. This achievement is something I will carry with me long after graduation.”

“The effort, the trust, and the energy everyone brought throughout this entire campaign is what made this win possible,” Potter said. “��Ʒ��˸�� University and the College of Communication and Media gave me a foundation I’ll be building on for years to come, and this win feels like the first proof of that.”

“The Bateman Competition demands strong strategy, creativity and flawless execution, and this team delivered at every stage,” said Dr. Keith Strudler, Dean of the College of Communication and Media. “This award reflects their talent and professionalism, and reinforces how CCOM students are prepared to lead once they graduate. Congratulations to this incredible group and Professor Weinberg on this achievement.”��

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective Students and Parents:��Plan your visit��and��in applying to become a Red Hawk. Learn more about our��seven undergraduate programs��including Social Media and Public Relations program��at the��College of Communication and Media.

About the BATEMAN CASE STUDY COMPETITION and Public Relations Student Society of America
The Bateman Case Study Competition originated in 1973 as a national case study allowing PRSSA members to exercise the analytical skills required for public relations problem-solving. The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is the foremost organization for students interested in public relations and communications. Founded in 1968 by its parent organization, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), PRSSA includes nearly 9,000 student members and advisers, and is active on nearly 375 colleges and university campuses, including in Argentina, Colombia, Peru and Puerto Rico.

From News Lab to Disney: Teresa Gomez’s Journey Starting in Montclair’s Journalism and Digital Media Program

greenk — Fri, 01 May 2026 12:10:31 +0000

For many students, choosing a major comes with uncertainty, but for Teresa Gomez, ’24, the choice was simple. What initially sparked her interest in studying Journalism and Digital Media at Montclair was News Lab, a CCOM class that immerses students in real world news production.��

Throughout her time at Montclair, several professors made a significant impact. Professors Effron, Gantt, Franklin and Green stood out the most for her as they helped her with writing techniques, showcasing work, as well as gave her and other students a platform to share their work on which she can use outside of the classroom.��

In addition to support from faculty, another notable thing for her was CCOM’s Mentoring Program, which became an essential resource for her especially for preparing for life post-grad. “My mentor Al Prieto helped me with interview prep and reel, and kept in touch even when I moved for work!”

Upon gaining hands-on experience in news and television production, she learned more about the industry and how to be proactive and resourceful. Learning about new software and tools was also a plus and something that helped her grow more as a journalist.��

This path ultimately led her to where she is now, The Walt Disney Company. Starting out as an intern and eventually going back to the company for a full-time position, Gomez says “she always knew she wanted to work for the company again.” She is currently an Associate Producer of Creative and Account Services and Disney Entertainment.��

For current students looking for a future career in television, digital media, or entertainment, one of the critical skills she notes is forming a strong foundation in writing as well as technical production skills. She also advises, “I think consistency, being open to feedback, and being a reliable person are all good ways to make the most of your internships,” for students who are currently in an internship or will in the future during their time at Montclair.��

Her main advice for students however, is simple yet impactful: by being persistent and open to every opportunity, students can build the experience and connections that shape their path to success in the industry. ”Apply for a lot of internships and be willing to take jobs that give you the skills you need. Sometimes being willing to do any job will lead you closer to where you want to be.”��

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Montclair CCOM Students and Faculty Present Research at NJCA Conference

maciakk — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:45:34 +0000

Students and faculty from ��Ʒ��˸�� University’s College of Communication and Media (CCOM) recently presented their work at the , held March 27-28, 2026, at Kean University’s Skylands Campus in Oak Ridge, New Jersey. The two-day conference brought together scholars and students from across the state to share research, exchange ideas and highlight current trends in the communication studies field.

For Montclair students and faculty, the event showcased their academic strengths and the collaborative environment fostered within CCOM.

Two students presented on behalf of . PRSSA President Noelia Aguirre Reyes and Vice President Grace Velazquez were among five students on the 2025 Bateman Competition team, which is a national public relations contest for students across the country.�� Montclair’s “EveryLibrary, EveryVoice” campaign for that competition highlighted the importance of advocating for libraries and access to information while also fighting against the rise of censorship in schools and communities.

Reyes and Velazquez attended the conference to showcase one of the initiatives from their campaign, “Public Libraries: An Overlooked Resource for Multicultural Communities?” Their presentation highlighted the importance of accessibility and awareness of public library resources, particularly for diverse communities.

Reyes shared how impactful the conference was for her. “Presenting at NJCA was an unforgettable experience,” she said. “It gave me a platform to reflect on how my local library shaped my journey as a first-generation Mexican-American college student.”

Events like the NJCA conference give students valuable opportunities to step outside the classroom and apply what they’ve learned in a real-world, professional setting, in addition to providing networking opportunities.��

Velazquez described the experience as “empowering,” noting that one of her highlights was meeting Kean’s PRSSA chapter members and taking photos with them. “I’m thankful for the opportunity and the continuous support from our CCOM professors,” she said.

CCOM Professor Bond Benton contributed to two presentations for the panel “Investigating Media Coverage.” Benton presented a study from the Joetta Di Bella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communicationtitled, “Term Frequency Analysis of Reduced Moderation and Influencer Amplification of the R-Word on Twitter/X.” The study found that there was more than a 200% increase in posts containing the slur on X after Elon Musk used it on Jan. 6, 2025, underscoring the power of influential voices and how hateful language has become normalized and amplified in online spaces.

Benton also discussed a second study from the center, “A Social Media Analysis of the Bad Bunny and Turning Point USA 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Shows,” which examined social media reactions to the 2026 Super Bowl halftime performances. The findings indicated that despite concerns that a Spanish-language performance might alienate viewers, there was significantly higher online interest in Bad Bunny’s performance.

Together, these studies highlight how digital platforms both reflect and shape public discourse, emphasizing the growing influence of online narratives in shaping cultural and social perceptions.

Reflecting on the significance of the conference, Benton said, “Being accepted and having an academic project included in the event is a real honor. Being able to share on behalf of the College of Communication and Media and ��Ʒ��˸�� University and to see our students present at a prestigious event like this was a wonderful experience.”

Montclair’s presence at the NJCA conference reflects the meaningful impact both students and faculty are making in the public relations and communication fields, while also engaging in broader conversations that continue to shape the industry.

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Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective Students and Parents:��Plan your visit��and��in applying to become a Red Hawk. Learn more about our��seven undergraduate programs including��Social Media and Public Relations at the College of Communication and Media.

Montclair CCOM Alumni Spotlight: From Student Athlete to Communications Professional at Exelon

maciakk — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:57:08 +0000

Claudia Challender (‘23) knew Montclair was the right fit for her the moment she stepped on campus.

“After touring Montclair for the first time, I immediately knew it would be a great fit for me to pursue a BA in Communication and Media Studies,” she said.��

During her time at Montclair, Challender immersed herself in academic and extracurricular experiences that helped shape her career path. She credits the faculty and staff in the College of Communication and Media (CCOM), including academic advisor Jill Siroty, with helping her build a strong foundation in workplace culture and professional communication.

Outside the classroom, Challender balanced academics with the demands of being a college athlete on the university’s field hockey team, an experience she said strengthened her time management skills and reinforced the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Hands-on coursework also played a key role in her career development. Through Hawk Communications, a student-run public relations and strategic communications agency led by Professor Keith Green, she gained real-world experience working directly with clients.

“I helped manage social media and execute targeted outreach for a nonprofit client, which taught me how to collaborate effectively, understand audience needs, and produce meaningful, results‑driven storytelling.”��

Challender said she prioritized gaining professional experience early, applying for internships well before her senior year to build her resume and portfolio. That preparation ultimately led to a full-time opportunity with , where she now works on the marketing and communications team.

She describes the role as “fast-paced, innovative and impactful,” with responsibilities ranging from drafting employee communications to writing articles and collaborating across teams.

“No two days are the same, and that variety has allowed me to grow tremendously, from intern to a full‑time communications professional in the energy industry.”��

Reflecting on her experience, Challender emphasizes that success in the communications field goes beyond technical ability.

She encourages students to focus on building strong professional relationships, noting that connections and collaboration often play a key role in long-term career growth. Staying informed on emerging tools, including artificial intelligence platforms, is also becoming increasingly important to keep with industry trends.

Her advice to students is to gain experience as early as possible and be intentional about building their professional portfolios.

“My biggest piece of advice is to prioritize internships, co‑ops, or contract work as early as possible. Start building your resume before you graduate so you can clearly speak to the impact you’ve made.”��

From balancing academics and college athletics to building real-world experience through client-based coursework, Challender’s journey reflects the value of taking initiative and fully engaging in opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. The foundation she built at Montclair serves as a reminder to start early, stay adaptable and make the most of all opportunities to succeed.��

Written by,��

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective Students and Parents:��Plan your visit��and��in applying to become a Red Hawk. Learn more about our��seven undergraduate programs including Communication and Media Studies College of Communication and Media.

Montclair Students Win ‘College Emmy’ for Fourth Year at 45th College Television Awards With San Francisco: On the Edge

maciakk — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:22:04 +0000

Montclair’s College of Communication and Media (CCOM) students took the stage for college television’s biggest night, earning top honors at the Television Academy Foundation’s on March 28, 2026, in North Hollywood, California.

The student-produced multimedia production, , received the College Television Award in the News category, highlighting CCOM’s continued excellence in journalism and storytelling.��

Open to undergraduate and graduate students nationwide, the College Television Awards are regarded as one of the industry’s most distinguished stepping stones for careers in television and media. Entries are judged by Television Academy members using the same rigorous process and standards of excellence as the Emmy® Awards.��

Sixteen students traveled to San Francisco to report on urgent issues affecting the city, including the fentanyl crisis, LGBTQ+ rights, homelessness and climate change’s impact on local fishing communities. Reporting took them from the city streets to the waterfront, where they interviewed residents, volunteers and workers confronting these challenges.

Senior Film and Television major Andrew Cooper described the moment his team heard their name announced for San Francisco: On The Edge.

“Being up there with my peers, colleagues and friends was surreal. I am beyond thankful to the faculty, friends and family that have led me to this moment. I believe this experience is just a small step in my early career and I look forward to seeing where that journey takes me.”

“I am thrilled that these students from the On The Road course won this very distinguished national award,” said Professor Steve McCarthy, who led and mentored the students in the course. “It means that these students have achieved excellence and it will be something they will take with them the rest of their careers and lives. It’s also a testament to the strong journalism program the CCOM faculty and staff have built. Journalism is needed now more than ever.”

The award adds to Montclair’s growing list of accomplishments at the College Television Awards. In 2025, students won two awards for Arizona Stories: Border, Water and Politics, earning both Best in News and the prestigious Seymour Bricker Humanitarian Award. Previous award-winning projects also include Mission to Puerto Rico (2018) and New Orleans | Raging Storms (2023).

For senior Film and Television major Sophia Lazaridis, the recognition marked a defining highlight in her time at ��Ʒ��˸�� University.

“Being recognized for San Francisco: On the Edge and FOCUS: Our Mental Health has been an extraordinary honor and a defining highlight of my college career,” said Lazaridis. “Having both productions nominated together reflects the hard work, dedication and, most importantly, the meaningful relationships I’ve built. Each team holds a very special place in my heart.”

In addition to the winning project, Montclair students also earned a nomination in the News category for , showcasing the depth of student-produced journalism across the program.

The 30-minute special from Montclair’s Focus team explored practical approaches to mental wellness, including music, physical activity and mindful eating. The program examined how Gen Z is addressing mental health on campus while highlighting resources available to students seeking support. The episode premiered on Montclair’s streaming platform, on April 23, 2025.

In addition to the awards ceremony, students participated in two days of professional development events with media and industry leaders and attended a special screening of their projects for Television Academy members.

“Through hands-on, immersive journalism, these students connected with sources, tackled complex issues and crafted compelling narratives,” said Dr. Keith Strudler, Dean of the College of Communication and Media. “Their talent, dedication and storytelling reflect the heart of our program and the bright future of our College.”

The team behind San Francisco: On the Edge –

Directors: Isabelle Conklin, Andrew Cooper, Victoria Smith, Sean Thrun

Producers: Emily Chavarria, Shannon Daly, Nino DeNino, Peter Guziejewski, Bryan Jaimes, Brandon Lang, Sophia Lazaridis, Dani Mazariegos, Ivana Ragusa

Writers: Adam Acoff, Jennifer A. Sanchez, Julia Slevin

The team behind FOCUS: Our Mental Health –

Directors: Santiago Calle Cifuentes, Sophia Lazaridis, Luciana Martinez, Dani Mazariegos, Ava Scott

Producers: Isabella Alvarez, Isabelle Conklin, Andrew Cooper, Monique Dzaba, Nicole Passero, Michal Pitynski, Victoria Smith, Rashmika Vinakota

Writers: Heidy Carranza Alvarado, Giuliana DeGrazio, Peter Guziejewski, Thomas Johnson

Media Contact: Keith Green, greenk@montclair.edu 973-655-3701

Written by, Kaya Maciak

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

The Montclarion Earns National Honors at CMA Apple Awards

maciakk — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:11:06 +0000

Student journalists from student-led media source, , earned national recognition at the , receiving honors for their exceptional work in opinion writing and social media coverage.��

This year’s competition drew 463 entries across 19 categories, judged by a panel of experienced media professors and educators. The CMA Apple Awards are considered the organization’s “best in show” honors for the convention, recognizing top student journalism and multimedia storytelling. The awards were presented during the Spring National College Media Convention, held March 4–7 in New York City.��

Montclarion Writer Miranda Burnett earned third place in Division I for Best Opinion Column for her piece, “ The column was produced in collaboration with Opinion Editor Cassandra Michalakis.

“I’m incredibly grateful to have received this award. I couldn’t have done it without The Montclarion, which has given me so many opportunities and outlets to grow as a writer through their guidance and support,” said Burnett, a Business Administration major.��

Editor-in-Chief David Bien-Aime, News Editor Emily Ramirez and Video Editor Mya Cialini were recognized for their capturing the Yogi Berra Big Catch last summer, which set a Guinness World Records record for the largest game of catch ever. Their work earned an Honorable Mention for Best Social Media Coverage of a Single Event.

“I am very proud of the work our team put in this academic year,” said Bien-Aime, a dual major in journalism and digital media and political science. “Everyone at The Montclarion puts a lot of time and effort into everything they do, so being nationally recognized means a lot to us.”

This achievement highlights the continued impact of ��Ʒ��˸�� University’s student journalists, whose reporting, commentary and multimedia storytelling connect the campus community with stories that matter. Since its founding in 1928, The Montclarion carried this commitment forward, covering campus life, higher education and local issues through both online and print channels.

Featured Work

About the College Media Association

The is the nation’s leading organization supporting college media advisers and the students they guide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CMA provides professional development, resources, and advocacy to strengthen student media across newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and digital outlets. The organization also celebrates student excellence through national contests and awards, including the CMA Apple Awards.

About The Montclarion

Since its founding in 1928, has been a news source dedicated to reporting and publishing stories integral to the interests of the ��Ʒ��˸�� University campus community and the surrounding area. As an independent student media source, it continues to cover issues relating to campus life and higher education both online and in print.

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CCOM Students Take Journalism on the Road to D.C.

maciakk — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 16:35:43 +0000

��Ʒ��˸�� University’s College of Communication and Media (CCOM) students are heading to Washington, D.C. on Saturday, March 6 to produce a news documentary special. The special, titled “Washington DC: We the People,” will feature stories ranging from homelessness and environmental justice to immigration to the risks facing modern journalists in the nation’s capital.

“On the Road: Reporting from the Field” is a special topics course taught by Prof. Steve McCarthy covering essential technical skills of field reporting, while also teaching students how to work on the fly. They learn to navigate the inevitable setbacks of field production, from securing last-minute filming locations to pursuing new leads when an interview falls through.

Preparation for the trip spanned six weeks of just pre-production. Students spent that time researching stories, identifying interview subjects, scheduling shoots and coordinating complex logistical operations. Since the students are only on the ground in D.C. for a limited number of days, they must over-prepare and make the most of every second. They have one shot producing the documentary special, making preparation critical.��

“We hope that students learn that preparing is just as important as doing,” says McCarthy. “We’re teaching students to get out in the real world and do real reporting work.”

Throughout the process, McCarthy acts as a mentor, offering wisdom from his years of news producing and documentary filming experience while letting the students lead the production. Working in teams, every student has a designated role, producer, editor, or correspondent, giving them full independence over their own stories. His advice for students considering taking the class in the future is direct.��

“It’s not a vacation, we’re going to work very hard production days at these location shoots,” says McCarthy. “The business is changing, but these types of basics that we’re teaching, how to report, how to cast, how to talk to people, how to film, no matter what platforms or venues they’re going to air on, they’re really important for students to learn.”

For Senior Executive Producer Andrew Cooper, the chance to lead a production of this scale was worth returning for a second semester.��

“This course really provides hands-on field reporting experience. You get to work with cameras, interview guests, and travel, which is really exciting.”

Senior Sophia Lazaridis, who previously served as a producer for last year’s “San Francisco: On The Edge” special, has taken on a larger role as Executive Producer for this special. Reflecting on the scale of the project, Lazaridis notes that the experience is more than just academic.

“It is life-changing. I have lifelong friends from this class and I have gained so much experience. It’s a lot to take in, but I would not trade this experience for anything else and I totally recommend it.”

Story by

Media Contact: Keith Green, greenk@montclair.edu 973-655-3701

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Prospective Students and Parents: Plan your visit and in applying to become a Red Hawk. Learn more about our seven undergraduate programs including Journalism and Digital Media major at the College of Communication and Media.

About the College of Communication and Media: The College of Communication and Media (CCOM) offers a range of dynamic programs to a talented and diverse student population of over 2,000. Offering degrees in advertising, animation and visual effects, communication and media studies, film and television, journalism and digital media, social media and public relations, sports communication and an online, asynchronous MA devoted to strategic communication and media, the College prepares the next generation of communication and media practitioners and leaders. Founded in 2012 and housed in world-class, state-of-the-art facilities just 12 miles from New York City, the College is the only program in the country that offers the following opportunities for students: a radio station (WMSC), newspaper (The Montclarion), strategic communications agency (Hawk Communications), sports network (Red Hawk Sports Network) streaming platform (Hawk+), digital newsroom (News Lab) and studio, and a social media listening center (Joetta DiBella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication). The College also has a Student Success team, including dedicated Career Services and Advising professionals who prepare students for the internship and job search process. Student projects and programs have recently received national recognition from PRSSA’s Bateman Competition, an Edward R. Murrow Award, several Marconi Award nominations, and College Television Awards (“Student Emmy” awards) from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The College is also home to the Center for Cooperative Media, which serves the public by working to grow and strengthen local journalism and media. Through $7.1M in grants awarded over the last five years, the Center focuses on collaboration in journalism, media equity, media coaching and training, civic science and research. The Center is also home to the NJ Civic Information Consortium, the largest funder of media and journalism in�� New Jersey, granting more than $10M over the last five years to support independent local media, journalism and training initiatives.

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