Red Rock Canyon is a few miles from our home in Las Vegas.
Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Journalism at Hofstra University. 2013 – present.
Lawrence Stessin Distinguished Professor of Journalism and Chair, Department of Journalism, Media Studies, and Public Relations … Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY. Course instruction included convergence journalism, writing for telecommunications, broadcast news writing and reporting, advanced television reporting, electronic news gathering, issues in journalism, future of news. 2007 – 2013.
Professor Emeritus, Department of Telecommunications, Ball State University, Muncie, IN. 2007 – present.
Professor, Department of Telecommunications, Ball State University, Muncie, IN. Course instruction includes convergence journalism, writing for telecommunications, broadcast news writing and reporting, advanced television reporting, electronic news gathering. Associate professor, 1993 – 1998. Promoted to full professor in 1998 and granted tenure in 1999. Retired 2007.
Assistant News Director, WSYX-TV, Columbus, OH. Duties included day to day, show to show oversight of 55-person newsroom of ABC affiliate in country’s 33rd market. 1990 – 1992.
Managing Editor, WSYX-TV, Columbus, OH. Duties included day to day oversight of stories to be covered, approach, writing and planning and development. 1989 – 1990 (part time until 6/90).
Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Journalism, Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH. 1986 – 1992 (on leave starting 6/90).
Faculty Advisor at the Voice of America, Washington, DC. Set up, administered and, for six years, conducted all of the VOA training sessions on writing and interviewing. 1984 – 1990.
Writer/Producer (part-time), WRC-TV, Channel 4, Washington, DC (owned and operated by NBC in country’s 7th largest market). 1985 – 1986.
Assistant Professor of Journalism, The American University, Washington, DC. 1982 – 1986.
Owner and General Manager, WKXA AM-FM, Brunswick, ME. 1974 – 1982.
President, New England Productions, Brunswick, ME. Firm produced radio and television commercials for advertising agencies and handled political consulting. 1976 – 1982.
Public Affairs Producer, WCCO-TV Minneapolis, MN. One of original three staffers to design, research, write and produce weekly prime-time news documentary program (“Moore on Sunday”), generally considered America’s most-honored news/public affairs program ever produced by local commercial TV. 1970 – 1974.
Director of College Relations, Columbia College, Columbia University, NYC, NY. In charge of public relations for Columbia College (full-time position in addition to full-time graduate study in journalism). 1969 – 1970.
Honors and Awards
Ed Bliss Award. The annual award of the Electronic News Division of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication for “Outstanding teaching, scholarship and service.” Presented at the AEJMC Annual Convention in Chicago, IL. August 2012.
Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award, Hofstra University School of Communication, 2011.
Lawrence Stessin Distinguished Professor of Journalism, Department of Journalism, Media Studies, and Public Relations, Hofstra University. Effective September 2008, investiture March 2009.
Indiana Associated Press Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame Award. “For distinguished service in broadcast journalism and to Indiana Associated Press Broadcasters. April 21, 2007.
Outstanding University Researcher of the Year, 2005-2006, Ball State University.
Distinguished Research Award, 2006. College of Communication, Information and Media, Ball State University.
Member … Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. 2006 – present.
Faculty Innovator, 2005. Awarded by CCIM Dean to faculty whose curriculum ideas and projects were considered innovative.
2004 Researcher of the Year Award … College of Communication, Information and Media, Ball State University.
SNDie Award … Society for News Design’s National Multimedia Award … May 2004 for work produced in News 485 class at Ball State University.
2003 Awards … 28 awards (including 18 first place awards) from the Society of Professional Journalists (8), the Associated Press (11), Network Indiana (5) and RTNDA (3) … produced by the Indiana Public Radio/WBST news staff, under my direction, 2002-2003. Note that the RTNDA Edward R. Murrow Regional Writing Award is for a commentary I wrote and delivered.
2002 Awards … 20 awards from the Society of Professional Journalists (7) and The Associated Press (13) … including 11 first place awards … produced by the Indiana Public Radio/WBST news staff, under my direction, 2001-2002.
RTNDA Edward R. Murrow Award … Radio Overall Excellence 2003, 2001, 2000 and 1999 … Region (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio) … Use of Sound 2003 … Writing 2003 … Spot News Coverage 2001 … Radio Newscast 2000.
Indiana Associated Press Awards … a total of 59 awards — produced by the Indiana Public Radio/WBST news staff, under my direction, 1995-2003.
Society of Professional Journalists … a total of 27 awards — produced by the Indiana Public Radio/WBST news staff, under my direction, 1995-2003.
Teacher of the Week in the Ball State Daily News. February 6, 1997.
Teacher of the Week in the Ball State Daily News. January 10, 1996.
Faculty Member of the Year from the Ball State University students majoring or minoring in Telecommunications (700+ eligible to vote). 1995.
National Teaching Award from The Poynter Institute for Media Studies “in recognition of outstanding teaching in journalism,” 1987. Included fellowship to study Media Management at Poynter Institute, St. Petersburg, FL.
Public Service Awards (about five dozen) to WKXA AM-FM from various local and state organizations for special public service programs, 1974 -1982.
Hatch Award for Best 30-Second TV Commercial in New England, produced for the Vreeland Agency, 1981.
Broderson Award for Best 30-Second TV Commercial in Maine, produced for the Vreeland Agency, 1981.
Maine Broadcast News Award for Best Spot News Reporting, 1978.
UPI Award for Best Investigative Reporting, First Place in New England radio, 1976.
UPI Award for Best Radio Documentary, Third Place in New England, 1975.
DuPont-Columbia Award “For Excellence in Broadcast Journalism” for the series production of “Moore on Sunday” on WCCO-TV, Minneapolis, 1974-1975. The DuPont-Columbia is generally viewed as the broadcast equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize.
Northwest Broadcast News Association Awards … multiple awards for Best TV Documentaries in the Midwest, 1974, Best TV Documentaries and Best Investigative Reporting in the Midwest, 1973 and 1972.
Minnesota School Bell Awards for Best TV Program on Education, 1973, 1972, 1971.
Radio-Television News Directors Association (RTNDA) Awards for Best TV Documentary in the Midwest Region, 1972, 1970.
Alumni Achievement Award from Columbia University for Outstanding Contributions to Columbia College, 1969.
Writers Guild of America/East … Special Award for WKCR-FM’s coverage of the protests at Columbia University which I produced and directed, 1968.
Grants
Over the years — and the universities — I have received more than three dozen individual grants totaling three-quarters of a million dollars … and been a part of a dozen additional grants totaling more than a million and a half dollars.
Radio and Television Productions
Producer and/or anchor, Election Night Coverage, 1995 – 2006 … Indiana Public Radio.
News Director, Indiana Public Radio … 2000 – 2003 and 1995 – 1999.
Host, “Talk of Indiana,” … a series of call-in interview programs with Dr. Blaine Brownell, the President of Ball State University, and other newsmakers … Indiana Public Radio … 2000 – 2003.
“Sound Choices: Health Care Decision-Making Near the End of Life.” This was a series of health care reports on Indiana Public Radio (and other stations in Indiana and around the country). I was the producer of all the programs. 1998 – 1999.
Host and moderator, “Question the Candidates,” a series of call-in programs with the three candidates for U.S. Senate from Indiana (including eventual winner, Evan Bayh). Broadcast statewide on all public radio stations from the studios of WFYI-FM in Indianapolis. October 14, 21, and 28, 1998.
Consultant and writing coach for KPIX-TV, the CBS-owned television station in San Francisco (country’s 5th largest market). 1996 – 1999.
Featured in Ball State News Hotline release on reaching the Generation X audience, October 1997.
Reporter, “GM Workers Return to Their Jobs.” A 50-second report broadcast nationally on NPR (National Public Radio) on November 3, 1996. This was the first time in more than eight years that a report from WBST had been broadcast on NPR.
Host/Moderator, live one-hour state-wide call-in program with then candidate for governor, (Democrat) Frank O’Bannon. Broadcast from the Indianapolis studios of WFYI. October 31, 1996.
Host/Moderator, live one-hour call-in program (with Muncie Star-Press Editor Larry Lough) following live debate between incumbent Republican David McIntosh and Democrat Marc Carmichael for Indiana’s second district Congressional seat. Broadcast on WBST. October 1996.
Producer, Hopewell Weekly on WBST and broadcast on public radio stations throughout Indiana. 1996-1997.
Producer and host (along with Steve Bell), “Second District on the Air.” Weekly call-in radio program with U.S. Representative David McIntosh on WBST (and carried live by two other stations). 1995.
Host, “Talkback,” special call-in radio program on WBST (with Stewart Vanderwilt and Joe Misiewicz) on possible government funding cutbacks for public radio and public television, February 1995.
Writer and Producer, “Healthcare Reform: Where Do We Go From Here?” Hour-long program simulcast on WIPB-TV and WBST-FM. September 1994.
Writer and Producer of hundreds of news stories and several special series on the homeless, consumer matters, health issues, crime, and a number of investigative reports on WSYX-TV, Channel 6, Columbus, OH. January 1989 – August 1992.
Co-Produced/directed five-part investigative series called “Mental Mistakes” (along with hundreds of news stories in 1985 and 1986) on WRC-TV, NBC-owned station, Washington, DC, May 1986.
Produced more than a hundred television documentaries (and dozens of news stories and specials) on WCCO-TV, CBS-owned station, Minneapolis, MN, 1970 – 1974.
Carole and Bob Papper with Ira Glass at the Smith Center in Las Vegas.
Looking west in
our old back yard
Service to Academic and Professional Community
As noted elsewhere, I was invited to be one of 20 participants from across the country for the Research Design Meeting for the Multi-Market Study of Critical Information Needs to be conducted by the Federal Communications Commission. September 14-15, 2012. Bethesda, MD.
Judge, Edward R. Murrow Regional Awards. 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019.
Department of Journalism, Media Studies, and Public Relations, Hofstra University. Chair. 2008 – 2013.
Chairs Caucus (representing SOC), Hofstra University. 2008 – 2013. Head of the Chairs Caucus. 2011 – 2013.
Member, University Senate. 2011 – 2013.
Member, University Senate Planning & Budget Committee. 2011 – 2013.
Member, University Task Force on Student Life, Retention and Admissions. 2012 – 2013.
Dean’s Advisory Council, School of Communications, Hofstra University. 2007 – 2013.
SOC Technology Committee, Hofstra University. 2007 – 2013.
Originated and arranged for Hofstra University to be the original “founding partner” for AOL’s PatchU. Formally announced in September 2010, the other 12 schools participating with patch.com include Stanford, UNC, Northwestern, Missouri, Berkeley and USC.
In 2010, I prepared data for the Federal Communication Commission Inquiry on the State of Local Radio and Television News. In addition to the data supplied directly to the Commission, I also prepared data for two people called to testify before the Commission: Barbara Cochran, President Emeritus of RTDNA and Tom Rosenstiel, Executive Director of the Project for Excellence. Both participants submitted their prepared remarks to me to double check for accuracy prior to testimony on Thursday, March 4, 2010. In conjunction with the data, I was also the major supplier for information to Cinny Kennard, Special Consultant, Federal Communications Commission Future of Media & Information Needs of Communities in a Digital Age. I was offered the opportunity to write the Commission’s chapter on radio but turned down the offer because of a potential conflict of interest with the RTDNA/Hofstra University Annual Survey.
SOC Dean’s Search Committee. Member. 2009 – 2010.
Hofstra University 75th Anniversary Subcommittee on Communications. 2008 – 2012.
Author and Collaborator, “The State of the News Media 2012,” “The State of the News Media 2011,” “The State of the News Media 2010,” “The State of the News Media 2009,” “The State of the News Media 2008,” “The State of the News Media 2007,” “The State of the News Media 2006,” “The State of the News Media 2005” and “The State of the News Media 2004.” Annual production of The Project for Excellence in Journalism.
Member, National Education Task Force of the RTDNA. 1996 – 2012.
Member, Board of Screeners for the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards. 2001 – 2013.
Moderator for appearance of Anderson Cooper at Hofstra University. March 19, 2009.
Moderator for appearance of George Stephanopoulos at Hofstra University. February 15, 2009.
Moderator for appearance of Dee Dee Myers and Ari Fleisher at Hofstra University. October 28, 2008.
I’m really petting
a cheetah
Quoted extensively in “Three Moments with Robert Siegel ’68,” by John E. Mulligan III. Columbia College Today. May/June 2008.
Department of Journalism, Media Studies, and Public Relations, Hofstra University. Associate Chair. 2007 – 2008.
Advisor, student chapter of RTNDA at Ball State University … 1996 – 2007.
Reviewer, research paper submissions for AEJMC Radio Television Journalism Division … 2006, 2005, 2003, 2001.
Reviewer, research paper submissions for BEA News Division … 2006.
Member, CCIM Diversity Interest Group … 2005-2006.
Member, CCIM, Ph.D. Group … 2005-2006.
Member, CCIM Symposium ’07 Group … 2005-2006.
Commentator, Indiana Public Radio. Aired commentaries in September and November 2004.
Originator and Conference Chair of Annual Ball State University/Associated Press/Radio Television News Directors Association Fall Broadcast News Conference. Fall 2006 marked the 11th annual event.
Member, Dean’s Search Committee. 2003 – 2004 and 2004 – 2005.
Interviewed for and cited in: “Convergence” chapter by Max Utsler (p. 90) in Mass Communication Education, edited by Michael D. Murray and Roy L. Moore. Wiley-Blackwell, 2003.
TCOM News Sequence Head … 2002 – 2006.
Member, CMD Digital Media Journal Committee. 2002 – 2006.
“Coaching and Story Editing” workshop. The Poynter Institute, St. Petersburg, FL. January/February 2002.
Judge, Philadelphia SPJ News Awards. 2001, 2002 and 2003.
Member, CCIM Innovation Committee. 1999-2000.
Judge, Iowa Broadcast News Association Awards. 1999.
Consultant and writing coach for KPIX-TV, the CBS-owned television station in San Francisco (country’s 5th largest market). August 1996 – January 1999.
Formulated recommendations for digital equipment purchase based on special 1997 equipment grant. Also drew up 5-year computer equipment plan for department. 1997.
Member, Journalism-TCOM Curriculum Interest Group, College of Communication, Information and Media. 1996 – 2002.
Chair, news curriculum committee revising news option 1995 – 2002.
Member, Telecommunications Graduate Planning Committee. 1996 – 2001.
Judge, Best TV Spot News, Feature, Investigative Report, Series, and News Photography, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), State of Oklahoma, November 1996.
Consultant (with another) on the operation, management and academic relationship of WMUB-FM, the public radio station of Miami University in Oxford, OH. Hired by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences to study and evaluate the station and its mission at the university. Summer 1996.
Consultant and writing coach for The George Washington University Medical Center, working with their public relations staff on writing, publications and presentations, Washington, DC. May 1996.
Volunteer, skilled construction worker, Burris Backyard. April 1996.
Visiting the Buena Vista
Social Club in Havana
Judge, Associated Press Awards for Best Television Feature, Tennessee. April 1996.
Oversaw design and construction of new TV news studio. 1996.
Member, three-person National Education Committee of the RTNDA and co-authored official RTNDA education policy. 1993 – 1996.
Interviewed and cited for “Appearing on Camera,” published as part of Business and Administration Communication, 3rd edition, by Kitty O. Locker, Irwin Publishing, 1995.
Member, Professionals in Residence Committee — joint Telecommunications/Journalism committee, 1994 – 1995.
Volunteer auctioneer at WIPB TV Telesale. 1993 and November 1995.
Judge, Student Illinois News Broadcast Awards, April 1995.
Judge, National Award for Investigative Journalism (broadcast) by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), February 1995.
Negotiated and arranged for CNN affiliation for use in class and on air on all Ball State stations, 1994.
Advisor, WCRH-TV, Channel 44, Ball State University, 1994.
Volunteer fundraising on “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered” on WBST. Fall and Spring pledge campaigns 1994 – present.
Conducted full day writing workshop for staff at WWJ Radio, the CBS Owned and Operated all news station in Detroit. January 1992.
Chair, Department of Journalism, Ohio Wesleyan University, 1986 – June 1992 (on leave starting 6/90). Accomplishments include developing new journalism handbook, comprehensive departmental student advising plan, overseeing development of new courses and new journalism curriculum.
Article Referee for Southwestern Mass Communication Journal, 1989 – 1990.
Liaison from AEJMC (Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication)/RTVJ (Radio Television Journalism Division) to RTNDA (Radio Television News Directors Association), 1987 – 1988 and 1989 – 1990.
Creator & Organizer, Journalism Discussion Group for students and faculty to meet informally to discuss current issues in journalism, 1988 – 1990.
Editor of monthly education section in the Radio-Television News Directors Association magazine, Communicator, October 1988 – 1990.
Member, 11-person National Educational Liaison Committee of the RTNDA, 1988 – 1990.
Designed and oversaw development of new TV studio on campus at Ohio Wesleyan University, including arrangements to operate community access cable channel in Delaware, 1987 – 1990.
Member, Committee on Oral Communication, Ohio Wesleyan University, 1987 – 1990.
Advisor, WSLN-FM Radio, Ohio Wesleyan University, 1986 – 1990.
Chair, Media Council, Ohio Wesleyan University, 1986 – 1990.
Board of Advisors, Ohio Wesleyan University, 1986 – 1990.
Faculty Advisor at Voice of America, writing report on professional training needs at VOA and training hundreds of VOA journalists in writing and interviewing, Washington, DC, 1984 – 1990.
That’s Marlee …
fierce protector
Chair, Professional Freedom and Responsibility Committee of the RTVJ Division of the AEJMC, 1988 – 1989.
Reviewed book proposal for Longman Publishing on broadcast news writing, 1989.
Reviewed book for William C. Brown Publishers on broadcast management, 1989.
Created first journalist-in-residence program at Ohio Wesleyan University, 1987 – 1989.
Member, Branch Rickey Award Committee, 1987 – 1989.
Member, Committee on Admissions and Financial Aid, Ohio Wesleyan University, Fall 1988.
Reviewed and critiqued newscasts for News Director, KXLY-TV, Spokane, WA, 1986 – 1988.
Consultant for KECI-TV, Missoula, MT on organizing and producing a special series on the Montana economy and politics, 1986 – 1988.
Reviewed and critiqued newscasts for News Director, KHYY-TV, Philadelphia, PA, 1987.
Reviewed and critiqued newscasts for Executive Producer, KMGH-TV, Denver, CO, 1987.
Reviewed, at author’s request, chapter on broadcast writing for Melvin Mencher’s News Reporting and Writing(Fourth Edition), published in 1987.
Chair, Regional Conferences Sub-committee of the RTVJ, 1986 -1987.
Consultant in news and media for the United States Secret Service, Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms, National Sheriff’s Association, and Philadelphia Police Department, 1982 – 1987.
Judged National Media Awards for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in Rockville, MD, 1985 and 1986.
Consultant for the United States Information Agency with journalists from around the world, including France, Lebanon, Peru and Brazil, Washington, DC, 1983 – 1986.
Advisor to both WAMU-AM and WAVE-TV at The American University, 1983 – 1986.
Judged Department of Defense’s Thomas Jefferson Awards, Washington, DC, 1985.
Consultant in news, sales and programming at Radio Hoyer I, II, III and IV, Netherlands Antilles (Curacao), 1983.
Member, Undergraduate Academic Affairs Committee, The American University School of Communication, 1982 – 1986.
Reviewed book for Prentice-Hall Publishing on broadcast operations and management, 1985.
Program Director in charge of broadcast journalism, The American University, 1983 – 1984.
Member, Board of Directors, Maine Association of Broadcasters, 1975 – 1981.
President, Maine Association of Broadcasters, 1979 – 1980.
Member, Maine Governor’s Advisory Council on Tourism, 1979 – 1980.
Consultant for news department, WCSH-TV, Channel 6, Portland, ME. 1975 – 1976.
News stringer and guest on “Issues and Answers,” ABC News, New York, 1969 – 1970.