New Lecturer Expands Professional Focus at JMS
Joining the School of Journalism and Media Studies, Jerry McCormick hopes to establish an SDSU chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists.
“It is still our job as reporters and journalists to educate and connect. I hope to show my students that this can be done effectively.”
A new lecturer at San Diego State University’s School of Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) hopes to help bring instruction on television news reporting into the pandemic era, and to establish a student chapter of a national organization for Black journalists.
Jerry McCormick is teaching Television News Reporting and Producing (JMS 445) for the fall 2020 semester, and comes to SDSU with a range of professional and academic experience.
A multimedia professional, McCormick has spent 20 years working in print media, 10 years working in broadcast media, and three working in public relations. He has also taught journalism and media courses at Southwestern College.
JMS 445, to be offered online this fall, will focus on television news reporting in the age of COVID-19, where McCormick aims to encourage flexibility and inspire creativity among his students.
“Everything in our world has changed, including reporting,” said McCormick. “I’ve been studying how media have adapted, and even in the midst of ‘shutdowns’ our world is not shut down. It is still our job as reporters and journalists to educate and connect. I hope to show my students that this can be done effectively.”
McCormick is also working to form the SDSU chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). If approved, he will serve as the first club advisor.
McCormick was the founding president of the San Diego chapter of NABJ, launched in Washington, D.C. in 1975 with the goal of amplifying Black voices in the journalism industry.
“I’ve been working to establish chapters of NABJ at campuses throughout the region since I founded the San Diego chapter 20 years ago,” said McCormick. “I’m excited to play a role in potentially bringing this organization to SDSU.”
All students, regardless of race, are welcomed to join the potential SDSU chapter of NABJ. If you are interested in joining, please contact Jerry McCormick at [email protected].
