CCOM News – College of Communication and Media

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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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.

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.

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.��

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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 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?

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.

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.

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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.”

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

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.

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.

Montclair CCOM Alumni Spotlight: Turning a Senior-Year Internship Into a Career at Fox Nation

maciakk — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 19:33:26 +0000

Grace Keane’s path to live television production started long before she stepped into a control room as a production assistant for Fox Nation. Inspired by her father’s journey from a local Pennsylvania station to national networks CNBC and UNTV, she arrived at Montclair ready to build a career in media.

Keane, who graduated in 2024 with a degree in Film and Television, immersed herself in the hands-on opportunities that are the trademark of the College of Communication and Media (CCOM), and those experiences shaped the foundation she now relies on at Fox Nation.��

“On the Road, News Lab, and #FOCUS set me up for success,” she said “I also loved creating social media content for Montclair’s Student Recreation Center and my sorority Phi Sigma Sigma.”��

At CCOM, News Lab produces a student-run newscast covering stories from campus and the surrounding community, while FOCUS produces award-winning long-form reporting projects on issues such as immigration, climate change, and state elections. Both programs operate as professional environments, giving students hands-on newsroom experience.

Keane said the technical skills she developed at Montclair continue to influence her daily work. Producing, scripting and editing, reinforced through classroom projects and live productions, are essential to the streams and shows she now helps create.

One experience stands out: a spring break reporting trip to Arizona in 2024 as part of “On the Road: Reporting from the Field”��course taught by Professors Steve McCarthy and Thomas Franklin. Working as a fully functioning news team, students traveled more than 2,300 miles in six days, navigating the state in two vans packed with production gear while logging 12-to-16-hour days in the field. The resulting multimedia project, Arizona Stories: Border, Water and Politics, examined issues including border security, migrant desert encampments, water management, and Native American culture.

“That class pushed me out of my comfort zone and put my producing skills to the test. My classmates and I ended up winning multiple awards from that project, including an award from the Television Academy Foundation and a Murrow Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association.”��

She credits much of her growth to the faculty who challenged and supported her throughout the program.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without Professors McCarthy, Effron and Gantt.”

By spring of her senior year, Keane secured an internship at Fox. What began as a resume-building opportunity turned into a full-time position soon after graduation.

Standing out as an intern, she said, is essential to earning that next opportunity.

“Asking questions, taking notes, staying engaged and having a positive attitude are everything.”��

Now working on the live production team, Keane operates streams from an automated control room, covering live events and producing panel shows in real time. On other days, she assists the long-form team on documentary projects, shifting roles as production demands.��

Recognizing the fast pace of the industry, Keane encourages students to stay informed on current events, seek out answers, build meaningful portfolios and develop the composure needed to thrive under pressure.

From award winning classroom productions to managing live broadcasts, Keane’s trajectory is a testimonial to the value of saying yes to hands-on experiential opportunities. The skills she developed at Montclair’s CCOM now guide her work in live media at Fox Nation and beyond.

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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��at the��College of Communication and Media.

��Ʒ��˸�� University Student Team Launches Access Academy Campaign for National PRSSA Competition

greenk — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 19:24:17 +0000

The ��Ʒ��˸�� University College of Communication and Media (CCOM) 2026 Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Bateman Team launched their public relations campaign – Access Academy – promoting , a platform that equips organizations with the tools and services needed to effectively share news and stories with key audiences.

The national competition invites universities and colleges across the country to create a campaign supporting a client selected by the organization. The ��Ʒ��˸�� University team is composed of Jennifer Barrales-Solis, Emma Haskell, Matthew McDonald, Sarah Potter and Riley Silvester, who are all Montclair students and were selected to participate in their year’s challenge. Last year, the ��Ʒ��˸�� University team placed among the top ten entries among 60 participating schools nationwide.��

This year’s client is Access Newswire is a global technology and communications company offering brands and PR agencies press release support/distribution, access to a media database and outreach to news outlets Through its distribution, media outreach, and analytics offerings, Access Newswire promotes transparent, accurate, and accessible communication while helping brands build credibility across industries.��

In alignment with its commitment to professional development, Access Newswire launched a Professional Education Program for Colleges and Universities, providing faculty and students free access to its platform to support hands-on, real-world learning in the classroom.

The Montclair CCOM team’s Access Academy campaign will focus on educating faculty and students about the platform and its Professional Education Program, highlighting its potential as a hands-on tool for developing practical communication skills. The team will implement various campaign elements including leading workshops, integrating the platform into classrooms, and facilitating hands-on activities to allow students to apply the platform’s tools.

About the Bateman Case Study Competition and Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA):

PRSSA’s premier national case study competition for public relations students, giving them the opportunity to apply their classroom education and internship experiences to create and implement a full public relations campaign for a real client.The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is a pre-professional organization that helps students prepare for careers in public relations. 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.

For more information about the Access Academy campaign click here ().��

CONTACT: Emma Haskell, ��Ʒ��˸�� University College of Communication and Media, at haskelle1@montclair.edu

Montclair Students Rally Around Red Hawk Olympian Olga Mikutina at Watch Party Events

maciakk — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:53:47 +0000

Presentation Hall in the College of Communication and Media buzzed with excitement Tuesday afternoon as students cheered on Montclair student and five-time Austrian national champion (2020–21, 2024–26) Olga Mikutina as she competed in the women’s short program on the Olympic stage.

Hosted by the , the watch party drew students from across campus who stopped in between classes, filled seats with friends and proudly waved customized signs and posters supporting the Ukrainian-Austrian figure skater. The room grew quiet as she took to the ice, then erupted in applause as soon as she struck her ending pose.

, lead organizer of the event, proposed the concept of transforming Presentation Hall into a live, studio-style experience for students.

“Not every college has a student competing in the Olympics,” DeNovellis said. “This is what can happen when you have an idea and the right people around you to help make it a reality.”

Leading up to Olga’s program, DeNovellis arranged a special panel to give students deeper context around the Olympic experience. CCOM alum Alena Arzamastseva, a 2025 graduate who competed in swimming at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, reflected on the mindset and preparation required to compete on the world stage. She was joined by Alexey Beletsky, a former Olympic ice dancer and adult figure skating coach, who shared insight into the technical precision and resilience required at the highest level of competition. The panelists offered students a behind-the-scenes perspective on what Mikutina may have been experiencing in the moments leading up to her performance.

Professor Bryan DeNovellis (left) joins Olympic panelists Alena Arzamastseva (center) and Alexey Beletsky (right) for a discussion on competing at the highest level.

The event also drew attention from regional media.

Professor Stacy Gitlin, who currently works as a producer for the overnight broadcast for NBC, arranged a live NBC look-in before Mikutina’s performance, adding excitement to the afternoon and giving students a firsthand glimpse into an international broadcast production. WNBC reporter Sarah Wallace also joined the watch party, reporting from Presentation Hall to showcase the Montclair community’s excitement and support for their fellow Red Hawk.��

Professor Stacy Gitlin (left) and student Phil Elhers (right) prepare for the NBC live feed during the Olympic watch party.

For RHSN students, the experience extended beyond watching the competition.

“As a major in RHSN, this was surreal,” said Heidy Carranza Alvarado. “We weren’t just supporting a fellow Red Hawk, we were seeing firsthand how an event like this is produced. From being interviewed by local news to watching someone I spoke to last week compete on the world stage, it gave me a real sense of what my future career could look like. It also reminded me how important community support is.”

The week concluded with a second watch party two days later in CCOM’s Morehead Lounge as students gathered to watch Mikutina’s women’s free skate. She finished the Games

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Bad Bunny Dominates Buzz Metrics With 892.8% More Mentions and 3× the Search Interest vs. Kid Rock

maciakk — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 22:04:15 +0000

A study by ��Ʒ��˸�� University faculty from the Joetta Di Bella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication in the College of Communication and Media analyzed social media reactions to the NFL’s 2026 Super Bowl halftime show featuring Bad Bunny and featuring Kid Rock. The findings indicate significantly higher online interest in Bad Bunny’s performance.

Highlights from the study include:

892.8% more posts on X about Bad Bunny’s halftime show performance
963.6% more posts about Bad Bunny throughout Super Bowl Sunday
Three times the search interest for “Bad Bunny” compared with “Kid Rock”
Thematic analysis showing appreciation for Bad Bunny’s celebration of inclusion, love and diversity

The results also revealed a strong emphasis on negativity in the online space, with each performance generating 2.5 times more negative posts than positive ones.

“The Super Bowl halftime show has historically been a platform for both entertainment and political expression, and this year was no exception,” said Dr. Jin-A Choi, Associate Professor at ��Ʒ��˸�� University and director of data analytics for the Center for Strategic Communication. “With many viewers choosing sides based on their political beliefs, the contrasting reactions to both halftime shows underscore the ongoing debate about identity and representation in American culture.”

“While some have suggested that Bad Bunny’s Spanish-language performance might alienate viewers and drive them to alternatives, indications from the online space suggest this wasn’t the case at all,” said Dr. Bond Benton, Professor of Communication at ��Ʒ��˸�� University.

“The Super Bowl halftime show has become a site of cultural negotiation, and our findings show audiences engaging far more with inclusive, multicultural performances than reactionary ones,” said Dr. Yi Luo, Associate Professor in the College of Communication and Media at ��Ʒ��˸�� University.

The full study, available here, was conducted by Choi, Luo and Benton.

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

Montclair Students Present Inaugural First Mountain Music Festival Feb. 13

maciakk — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:02:55 +0000

A new collaborative initiative spanning four courses in ��Ʒ��˸�� University’s College of Communication and Media and College of the Arts is giving students the opportunity to produce a live music festival. Tickets for the show on Friday, Feb. 13 are free through the

The First Mountain Music Festival will transform the Memorial Auditorium into a student-run concert venue for a one-night showcase of local indie and alternative artists. The lineup features Marauder, Alessandra Foti, Roe Knows Best, Ellie Beder and Alexa Tabbacchino, who will perform original music and selections from upcoming releases. The concert will run from 7-10 p.m.

What sets First Mountain Music Festival apart is the scale of student involvement.��

“From audio engineering to video production, stage design, lighting and live event management, students are managing every aspect of the event while gaining real-world skills in an industry that is actively hiring,” said Anabella Poland, adjunct professor for Concert Production and Promotion and General Manager of .��

Students leading the initiative are enrolled in Concert Production and Promotion, Introduction to Music Production: Broadcast Music Production, Television Production Company and Theatre Production courses. Their work is supported through collaboration with the Department of Theatre and Dance, and , the university’s student-run streaming platform, which will stream the event.

“Being part of producing the First Mountain Music Festival for the first time has been an incredibly valuable experience,” said Cameron Shepherd, a senior Communication and Media Studies major involved in the project. “Working under a tight time crunch makes the process feel realistic and highlighted the importance of adaptability, collaboration and problem-solving in the music industry. Serving as a talent coordinator gave me hands-on experience working with artists and managing logistics, and seeing everything come together has been incredibly rewarding.”

The First Mountain Music Festival marks the first time students have fully planned and produced a large-scale live music event through cross-disciplinary collaboration, reflecting the College of Communication and Media’s emphasis on experiential learning. It also sets the foundation for future concerts that allow students to gain professional experience through active participation.

Festival lineup

high-energy indie rock with emotionally driven songwriting
, country-pop storytelling with intimate vocals
, genre-blending indie with catchy hooks
, indie pop focused on melody and mood
, folk-pop Americana singer-songwriter

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

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CCOM News – College of Communication and Media

Montclair CCOM Students and Faculty Present Research at NJCA Conference

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

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

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The Montclarion Earns National Honors at CMA Apple Awards

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

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Montclair CCOM Alumni Spotlight: Turning a Senior-Year Internship Into a Career at Fox Nation

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��Ʒ���˸������� University Student Team Launches Access Academy Campaign for National PRSSA Competition

Montclair Students Rally Around Red Hawk Olympian Olga Mikutina at Watch Party Events

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Bad Bunny Dominates Buzz Metrics With 892.8% More Mentions and 3× the Search Interest vs. Kid Rock

Montclair Students Present Inaugural First Mountain Music Festival Feb. 13

Festival lineup

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��Ʒ��˸�� University Student Team Launches Access Academy Campaign for National PRSSA Competition