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College of Information and Communications

2026 SJMC News

Invisible influence: How Bertram Rantin's legacy is powering the future of South Carolina journalism

A newsroom legend's legacy is shaping the next generation of storytellers. The new Bertram Rantin Scholarship at USC honors mentorship, truth-telling and the future of South Carolina journalism by supporting the state's top high school journalist.

As more athletes speak openly about depression, anxiety and suicide, a minority of fans are weaponizing it

Professor Scott Parrott writes for The Conversation about how more athletes are opening up about mental health struggles — and how some fans are weaponizing those conversations online.

Alumna named Pulitzer finalist

When Hurricane Helene swept through the Southeast in 2024, Mary Ramsey reported from Asheville as the storm unfolded. Months later, her coverage of Helene's effect on 2024 presidential election turnout helped earn The Charlotte Observer recognition as a 2025 Pulitzer finalist for breaking news.

Student-led digital campaign turns classroom project into real-world breakthrough

In USC's Google Nonprofit Marketing Immersion course, senior MaryGail Zack didn't just manage ads -- she led a strategy that connected a mental health nonprofit with a major music partner, proving impact matters more than impressions.

Ready, study, go: New programs equal new opportunities

The CIC is giving students more choices through its newest academic programs. Several students explain how these new offerings are preparing them for technologies and careers of the future.

Looking back: Catherine Pruitt, public relations major

From finding confidence at USC to cheering a national championship from Dublin, Pruitt says her journey was all about saying yes, embracing independence and chasing opportunity.

Looking back: Madison Chiang, advertising major

From first-gen uncertainty to finding her voice, Chiang's USC journey was about taking risks, building community and turning a passion for storytelling into purpose — with the confidence to take up space and go after what’s next.

SJMC students capture five first-place awards, five finalists in SPJ Region 3 honors

Students are earning major recognition in the Society of Professional Journalists’ 2025 Mark of Excellence Awards, with work that’s turning heads across the region—from breaking news to standout visual storytelling.

Journalism students earn national honors at BEA Festival of Media Arts

Student journalists earned national recognition at a leading media arts competition, with top honors in TV News and Sports showcasing their professional-level storytelling and reporting.

Valerie Bauerlein on telling the full story of the Murdaugh trial

At the Buchheit Family Lecture, WSJ reporter Valerie Bauerlein explains why the Alex Murdaugh case demanded deeper storytelling and what journalists can learn from it.

New course brings collaboration across the SEC, focuses on the future of college athletics

"The Future of College Athletics” will be facilitated by Honors faculty fellow and CIC sports media sequence head for the Sports Media Initiative in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

SJMC student awards celebrate excellence, community and family pride

Students, families and faculty gathered to celebrate standout achievement and community at the 2026 SJMC Student Awards, where academic excellence, leadership and heartfelt moments took center stage.

Who can you trust: Journalism in a chaotic information age

This public lecture by Gina Smith, founder and director of SC Investigate and a 2024 to 25 Nieman Fellow at Harvard, will explore how investigative journalism strengthens accountability and helps rebuild public trust.

Ad team places third in district competition

After months of strategic planning, collaboration and dedicated effort, the 15-member team secured third place overall and also received the prestigious Mosaic Award.

AI and FOIA focus of CIC award-winning faculty research

CIC faculty member Eric Robinson is helping shape the future of transparency in government as artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into public information processes.

Researchers put humans at the center of the AI conversation

Associate professor Sabrina Habib and ad alumnus Jeff Charney — known for the Aflac duck and Progressive’s Flo — explore whether AI, now capable of generating essays and replicating famous art, could replace human creativity.

Multimedia journalists honored by South Carolina Press Association

Students took home top honors across multiple categories, showcasing standout work in reporting, video, photography and design. The wins highlight the program’s strong, hands-on training—and the rising talent shaping the future of journalism.

Broadcast journalism students win Student Production Awards

Work produced in the broadcast capstone course Carolina News earned nine broadcast journalism students four Student Production Awards from the Southeast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, with three others named finalists.

CIC researcher explores how conversational AI Is transforming patient communication

Jungmi Jun and alumnus Nanlan Zhang examine how AI tools are reshaping the way patients and providers connect.

Visual storytelling takes center stage as SJMC students claim 10 VIM Fest honors

Spanning interactive design, animation and compelling photojournalism in both still and video formats, their winning projects showcase the depth, versatility and impact of visual storytelling across platforms.

CIC faculty research analyzes AI references in advertising

New research from faculty member Viviana Zambrano examines whether referencing artificial intelligence in advertising increases purchase intent or fuels consumer skepticism.

USC students lead in adopting AI at ADDY Awards

AI is everywhere — and marketing is no exception. This year marked the first time that the American Advertising Federation incorporated an AI category into its Midlands ADDY Awards, and USC students rose to the challenge.

Focus on the Fair

Students in instructor Renée Ittner-McManus’ photojournalism course test their skills and capture the thrills at the South Carolina State Fair.

Award-winning work showcases students’ innovation and industry readiness

Creativity, craft and strategic thinking were on full display as students from the School of Journalism and Mass Communications earned top honors at the Midlands ADDY Awards gala.

CIC instructor examines the human impact of algorithms

As algorithms increasingly shape news, branding and digital experiences, understanding their impact is more important than ever. Kristin Walker is helping lead that conversation.

Play that heals

SJMC alumnus and former USC mascot Cocky brings kids and families comfort through mascot career.

Pathway to first-year success: Samantha Hinton

Samantha Hinton is on track to graduate from the University of South Carolina in May with a bachelor’s degree in advertising. The Summerville, South Carolina, resident started out at Carolina in Palmetto Pathway, a bridge program for first-year students.

SJMC senior instructor named 2026 Faculty Champion by the Center for Community News

Nina Brook, senior instructor and scholastic media programs director, is one of 150 journalism leaders from colleges across the country recognized for efforts to start or expand university-led reporting programs in their region, and their contribution to a national movement of student-powered community reporting.

New Normal: Former war correspondent Isabelle Khurshudyan begins next chapter

Back from Ukraine, journalism alumna and former war correspondent Isabelle Khurshudyan begins next chapter at CNN.

Winter storms don't have to be deadly

Brett Robertson, associate director of the Hazards Vulnerability and Resilience Institute at USC and associate professor of journalism, writes for The Conversation about staying safe in severe winter weather.

The Carolina Agency: 20 years of student development, community impact

TCA, a student-run public relations and media agency rooted in the journalism school, has been giving students real-world experience for two decades.


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