Florida A&M University School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (FAMU SJGC) Professor Jeff Wilkinson, Ph.D., recently brought his expertise in media technology to the global stage.
A professor of journalism and media scholar, Wilkinson played a leading role at the Broadcast Education Association (BEA) annual conference, held April 5–8 in Las Vegas. He serves as chair of the BEA International Division and was a featured expert on two critical panels focusing on current trends and best practices in media education.
During the conference, Wilkinson presented innovative and collaborative approaches to journalism training during “Internationalizing the Reporting Class.” The session highlighted how he has successfully used videoconferencing technology to connect U.S.-based journalism students with their peers in other parts of the world, such as Taiwan. This allowed students to conduct interviews and develop publishable content with a global perspective—right from their home classroom.
In a second session titled “How AI Feeds the Long Tail of Celebrity,” Wilkinson explored the implications of artificial intelligence and social media algorithms on journalism and media education. According to his research, today’s media platform algorithms often favor the rich, powerful and famous, boosting their visibility at the expense of lesser-known voices.
He shared powerful insights on how we must be realistic with future storytellers, highlighting how current AI trends make it less likely that platforms will promote the work of those who are most talented or telling outstanding stories. Instead, they tend to favor those who already have fame, money or influence. Wilkinson emphasized that students must understand and navigate these realities as they enter their fields. Educators must teach them to think critically about these dynamics and equip them to disrupt them.
As International Division chair, Wilkinson met with media educators from around the world, including scholars from China, Egypt and England. During the event, he was also approached by two academic journals inviting him and his co-authors to submit papers based on existing collaborative research projects.
Wilkinson’s impact continues to shape the field of journalism education and inspire future media professionals.
In addition to his national and international contributions, Wilkinson teaches several core courses, including Writing and Reporting I and International Issues and the Media. For the past three years, he has been the lead facilitator for the FAMU Innovation Center’s Co.Starters entrepreneurship program, where he has helped more than two dozen aspiring business owners through a 10-week incubator-style curriculum. The program prepares participants to launch and sustain businesses in the local area.
Wilkinson is also the lead author of “Principles of Convergent Journalism” and co-editor of “Understanding Media Convergence,” both published by Oxford University Press.
