University News

WIU Broadcasting and Journalism Associate Professor Yong Tang
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Tang Awarded Scripps Howard Visiting Professor Grant

June 14, 2017

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University Broadcasting and Journalism Associate Professor Yong Tang is one of six visiting professors awarded the opportunity to learn first-hand how technology is transforming the delivery of news and information.

The award is part of the Scripps Howard Foundation Visiting Professors in Social Media Program. This is the seventh year the foundation has awarded money to journalism and communication faculty to spend two weeks learning how media outlets use social media across a variety of platforms.

Tang will be working at an Arizona television station for two weeks in early August.

"I'm both honored and excited to be one of this year's recipients of a Scripps Howard Social Media grant," said Tang. "I look forward to observing and shadowing journalists at KNXV TV in Phoenix, Arizona, and learning about how social media is transforming TV newsrooms. My department has an impressive tradition of excellence. It is associated with four Pulitzer Prizes and five Emmy Awards."

Each professor was awarded a $3,000 grant to pay for travel, housing and other expenses.

Tang is the director of WIU's journalism program, and his research interests include the First Amendment, media law, news reporting and writing and international communication. He said he hopes the two-week experience will enhance what the WIU journalism and broadcasting programs can offer students.

"Today we continue to be deeply committed to the training of the next generation of journalists," he said. "I believe this two-week externship will benefit my students and make our programs even better."

The Scripps Howard Foundation is the corporate philanthropy of The E.W. Scripps Company, which operates 33 television stations and 34 radio stations across the United States.

Prior to moving into higher education, Tang worked for more than a decade in Beijing and Washington, D.C., for the People's Daily, the largest newspaper group in China. He holds doctoral degrees in mass communications from Pennsylvania State University and in international journalism from Communication University of China.

For more information on the WIU Department of Broadcasting and Journalism, visit wiu.edu/bcj.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing