Research and Insights

Detroit
Aug. 2 – 6

For a full schedule, visit: https://community.aejmc.org/conference/schedule/program

TUESDAY, AUGUST 2

International Faculty in Journalism and Mass Communication: Teaching, Research, and Administration
Roxane Coche

Workshop: Woman Faculty Moving Forward: The Future is Female
Roxane Coche

The workshop was part of a Lillian Lodge Kopenhaver Center for the Advancement of Women fellowship.

How a Little Goes a Long Way: Celebrating the Winning Research of the Inaugural Michael Hoefges Graduate Student Research Fund
Jessica Sparks

Jessica was awarded one of three Michael Hoefges Graduate Student Research grants for her research into audience trust of information from FOIA requests.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3

Fighting Deepfakes through Partisan Intensity and Social Norms Doctoral student Hyehyun Julia Kim, Jieun Shin

Abstract: Driven by social identity theory, this paper investigates the relationship between partisan intensity and support for regulatory support for deepfakes with focus on the mediating role of in vs out group social norms.

A Matter of (Mainstream News Media) Trust: Exploring Trust with Partisan and Social Media Use
Jay Hmielowski, Myiah Hutchens

Abstract: Past work has identified mainstream media trust as an important focal variable in political communication research. In this paper, we add to this literature by examining both cross-sectional and over-time correlations between use of alternative media outlets (e.g., conservative, liberal, and social media) and trust in mainstream news sources. In addition, we examine whether these relationships vary based on political ideology.

Leading the #BODEQUALITY “Revolution”: Introduction of and Responses to Old Navy’s Inclusive Clothing Line for Plus-Size Women
Ph.D. alumni Summer Shelton (Southern Indiana) and Amanda Bradshaw (Mississippi), doctoral student Hayley Markovich, Deborah Treise

Abstract: Plus-size women represent the majority in the U.S. with 68% of women now classified as plus-size. Brands are looking for ways to meet the needs of this market. Old Navy introduced a size-inclusive clothing line in stores. This study assesses how they introduced their inclusive clothing and assessed consumer responses by analyzing the brand’s introduction on their owned social media pages. Implications for social media managers and brands considering similar initiatives are discussed.

News Audience Trust in Open Records: How Political Trust Moderates News Audience Perceptions of Credibility in Open Records used in Political Journalism
Jessica Sparks

Abstract: This study used an online experiment to test differences in news trust among readers when open records are cited versus when politicians are cited for information. The results indicated that average readers do not recognize a significant difference between government records and government officials, indicating some implications for political reporters and their techniques in the future.

The Big Lie Factchecked: Cognitive Processing, Political Trust, and Voter Enthusiasm
Juliana Fernandes

When Stories are Repeated: Narrative Persuasion in Digital Political Communication
Juliana Fernandes

Panel: Engaging Junior Mobile Journalism Scholars: Effective Strategies for Publication in Communication and Technology
Doctoral student Heidi Makady, Moderating/Presiding

Risk-Efficacy Framework – A New Perspective on Threat/Efficacy Appraisal and the Role of Disparity
Haoran “Chris” Chu

Environmental Issue Activation: How Moral Framing Leads to Attitude and Behavior Change
Doctoral student Alexandrea Matthews

Award: Second Place Top Student Paper, Communication Theory and Methodology Division

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate how morally framed environmental messages may lead to issue activation, in accordance with the elaboration likelihood model. It also explores the transition between an aware public and an active public, as shown in the issues processes model for public relations. A new strategic environmental communication model is presented, and propositions are offered to hypothesize explanations for why environmental moral framing may result in attitude and behavior change.

Panel: What Does “Gender Equality” Mean for Sports Media?: Discourses, Research Directions, and Practical Implications
Roxane Coche

Panel: Sports Journalism Practice and the Field of News
Roxane Coche

How Fear Appeals Are Used as A Persuasive Technique: A Thematic Analysis of COVID-19-related Public Service Announcements
Doctoral students Xiaobei Chen and Rachel Son, Deborah Treise, Jordan Alpert

Divided by Media: Partisan Media Use and Perceptions of Political In-groups and Out-groups
Doctoral students Katerina Romanova, Eliana DuBosar and Long Xiao, Spiro Kiousis

Abstract: The study investigates the relationship between partisan media use, perceptions of political in/out-groups, and affective polarization. Using a nationally representative sample, we found that partisan media use reinforced positive in-group feelings for strong conservatives. However, as partisan identity increased, both sides of a political spectrum demonstrated more negative feelings toward their respective out-group with greater partisan media exposure. Finally, we found no significant relationship between partisan media use and affective polarization for strong partisans.

Application of AI in Media Content Production: Perception, Decision, and Intention to Use
Sylvia Chan-Olmsted and doctoral student Anran Luo

Cognitive and Affective Influencer Community Factors in Social Commerce
Hyehyun Julia Kim

Award: Second Place Graduate and Undergraduate Student Paper Award Winner, Advertising Division

Abstract: This paper looks at the cognitive and affective components of influencer communities in leading to social commerce usage intent.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4

How are Online Local Newspapers Framing COVID-19 News Coverage?
Master’s student Gwiwon Nam

Abstract: Little research has focused on local news organizations’ coverage of COVID-19. Therefore, this study aims to examine how local news organizations (from two states with the most and least fully vaccinated eligible individuals) in the U.S have covered COVID-19-related news using frame and sentiment analysis. The study has completed the data collection process and partially completed coding for frame analysis. The results can provide some insights into how news organizations have described the pandemic.

A Big Data Analysis of Information about COVID-19 Vaccines on Twitter and Newspapers: An Intermedia Agenda-setting Approach
Wayne Wanta

Mask Up: Examining the Effects of CSA Attribution Messages on the Politicized Issue of Masking Up During the Global Pandemic
Doctoral students Eve Heffron and Michael Munroe, Jay Hmielowski

Abstract: This paper examines the effects of CSA efforts. Specifically, it examines whether changes to a policy attributed to internal values or external pressure from other companies and whether they expect to make or lose money affected people’s word-of-mouth intentions. We also examine whether the emotions of joy and anger serve as intervening variables between our two independent variables and positive and negative word-of-mouth intentions.

Panel: Mass Media Effects and Public Relations: Agenda Setting, Framing, Priming, and Information Seeking
Spiro Kiousis, Discussant

Panel: Fighting Strength with Strength: Black Women’s Mental Health Coverage
Rachel Grant

Panel: Persisting in Spite of State Legislative Efforts that Harm Marginalized Individuals at Work and Home
Rachel Grant

Abstract: Various state legislatures have enacted new laws designed to further marginalize individuals and exacerbate cultural rifts within society. This panel will explore the impact this legislation is having on academics from marginalized communities. This panel will also acknowledge and celebrate the 20th anniversary of the LGBTQ Interest Group.

Engaging Employees via an Inclusive Climate: The Role of Organizational Diversity Communication and Cultural Intelligence
Linjuan Rita Men, CJC alumnus Patrick Thelen, and doctoral students Yufan Sunny Qin and Renee Mitson

The Ad Industry’s Race and Ethnicity Problem: In-Depth Interviews with Advertising Practitioners
Doctoral student Noura Ibrahim, Kasey Windels

Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to explore how race and ethnicity impacts the experiences of individuals at advertising agencies. We interviewed 20 participants and divided our study into four main research questions. Using social identity theory we were able to identify situations of social categorization, social comparison, and social identification in the workplace. Implications are discussed in the study.

Rehistoricizing Black Masculinity in The Wonder Years Reboot
Rachel Grant, Hayley Markovich

Award: Third Place Faculty Paper, Minorities and Communication Division

Abstract: In recent years, the rehistoricizing or reclaiming of Black history has been at odds socially and politically. As a result, Black activists, writers and scholars have pushed back against a white-centered political climate. The 2021 The Wonder Years reboot rehistoricizes modern notions of Black families in the post-Civil Rights Movement. The purpose of this study is to explore Black masculinity media representations within reboot culture as a means to rehistoricize Black struggle and civil rights, challenging the current political climate and highlight today’s intersectional struggles of Black masculinity.

Panel: Welcome to Your Home: Celebrating, Encouraging, and Mentoring the Hybrid Practitioner/Scholar/Professor Model at AEJMC
Harrison Hove

Can Soothing ASMR Reduce Advertising Avoidance? Experimental Investigations of the Influence of Endorser and Modality Type on Advertising Effectiveness
Doctoral student Susanna Lee and Benjamin Johnson

Panel: PF&R Panel Session Graduate Student and Early Career Professional Development and Network Building
Benjamin Johnson

Media Consumption, Information Seeking, Source Trust, and COVID-19 Vaccination Among U.S. Ethnic Minorities
Hyehyun Julia Kim, Sylvia Chan-Olmsted, Huan Chen

Abstract: Given the disproportionate impact on America’s ethnic minorities during the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper offers a deeper insight into these groups’ relationship with media and information sources as it relates to information value/seeking and institutional/vaccine trust. The results show that media usage significantly predicts information value, but not information seeking. Social media usage, especially Facebook and Twitter, appear to exert significant impact on institutional trust. Trust in vaccine was instrumental in yielding positive vaccine behaviors.

Panel: Hot Topics, Wicked Problems and Polarizing Politics: The Expanding Social Role of Public Relations
Spiro Kiousis

Advertising: Issues of Gender and Race
Juliana Fernandes, Discussant

Virtual Influencers in Advertising: The Role of Anthropomorphism-related and Technology-related Features in Influencer Attitude, Influencer Trust, and Influencer-Product fit
Yang Feng, Huan Chen

American Sports Leagues’ Self-Framing on Chinese Social Media When Play Returned During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Doctoral student Xinlei Wu, Roxane Coche

Award: Third Place Paper, Robert L. Stevenson Open Competition
Award: Asian Journal of Communication Best Paper Award

Abstract: In recent years, social media has become a major frontier for North American professional sports leagues’ expansion into the Chinese market, which they started over three decades ago. This study is a quantitative content analysis investigating posts from three major American leagues (MLB, NBA, and NHL) on three Chinese social media platforms (Weibo, WeChat, and Douyin) upon their respective return from the COVID-19-forced break during the 2019-2020 seasons, from July to October 2020. Findings revealed leagues post mostly neutral content in an attempt to cater to the masses, but fans’ online reactions (measured with the numbers of likes, recommendations, reposts and comments) showed they should consider taking more risks.

Streaming Video Repertoires: How Today’s Audience Subscribe and Use On-Demand TV
Sylvia Chan-Olmsted, doctoral student Anran Luo, Ph.D. alumnus Ronen Shay (Fordham)

Award: Second Place Faculty Paper

Abstract: This study proposes an interdisciplinary typology of streaming video service repertoires that seeks to explicate the adoption behavior of audiences who subscribe to multiple OTT services. The results were inductively identified through 18 in-depth personal interviews with purposively selected streaming video subscribers from a wide array of backgrounds. The findings suggest that an audience’s streaming video service repertoire is generally composed of five different segments which include mega/core services (e.g., Netflix), add-ons (e.g., Showtime), niche (e.g., WWE), occasion-driven (e.g., Fubo), and free services (e.g., YouTube). The results demonstrate that streaming video service repertoires are also affected by account sharing, age, branding, user interface, and content quality.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5

How May I Help You Today? U.S. and Japanese Consumer Attitudes Toward Tailored and Targeted Communication with Human and Chatbot Agents
Doctoral student Sophia Mueller, Tom Kelleher

Media Use in China, Japan, and Vietnam: Why and How Do Users Use Bullet Screen
Doctoral student Angela (Yu) Mu

Teaching Panel: Session Winners of the 2022 Innovations in Teaching and Excellence in Teaching Competition (Magazine Media and Visual Communication Divisions)
Survival Entrepreneurship
Doctoral student Sarah Fisher

Panel: New Empathy for Defendants in Crime Coverage
Rachel Grant

Panel: Grant Funding 101 for Grad Students and Early Career Scholars Hayley Markovich, Moderating/Presiding

Panel: Research Roundtable Session Catching Up with the Scholars: Progress Reports from 2022 Senior and Emerging ScholarsEvaluating the Quality of News and User Engagement on Social Media
Jieun Shin

Unvaccinated Against One’s Will: How A Weak-Ties Reddit Community Affirms and Encourages Pro-Vaccination Choices in The Face of Strong-Ties Conflict
Amanda Bradshaw, Hayley Markovich, Debbie Treise

Abstract: In 2019, vaccine hesitancy was declared a global health threat. Reddit has been identified as a key source of vaccine information. Guided by the Strength of Weak Ties Theory, this qualitative study explored 1) how individuals engaged in vaccine-related subreddits to navigate conflicts with their strong ties connections, and 2) how weak-ties commenters provided support. Emerging themes focused on contradicting values, empowerment, validation, walking away, and medical recommendations. Implications discuss vaccine information sharing on Reddit.

Resolve Family Conflicts on Social Media: A Mixed-Method Study
Xiaobei Chen, Huan Chen

Relaxation Technology: Assessing the Prevalence, Appeal, and Potential Effectiveness of Dynamic New Media for Self-Care
Benjamin Johnson, doctoral students Susanna Lee and Bhakti Sharma

Internet and Mobile Device Effects on Mental Health and Wellbeing
Benjamin Johnson, Discussant

Teaching Panel Session: How the New Field of Public Interest Communications Can Strengthen a Journalism Program’s Focus on Social Good
Ann Searight Christiano (Moderating/Presiding), Angela Bradbery

Abstract: This panel will explore how courses or methods in the nascent field of public interest communications–which uses research-based strategic communications to effect positive social change–can be effectively and ethically integrated into journalism curricula. Based on pedagogical innovations at their institutions, panelists will explore how to expand a curriculum based on journalism ethics and practices to benefit future communicators both within and outside of traditional newsrooms, including at nonprofits, foundations, and government entities. This panel will examine the many ways journalism and public interest communications intersect and how to use public interest communications to strengthen journalism practice and media communication overall. Panelists will highlight how an approach that emphasizes diversity, equity and inclusion is key to both fields. Panelists also will identify how the fields diverge, explore how to ensure journalistic integrity while weaving strategic communications into curricula, and discuss how to navigate pushback that may come from colleagues and other stakeholders concerned about this potential expansion of a journalism program.

Teaching Panel Session: Beyond the Diversity Lesson: Creative Ways to Incorporate Diversity and Inclusion in Your Classes
Harrison Hove

That is So Mainstream: Understanding US Alternative Media Audiences and their Relationship with Misperceptions
Doctoral students Brittany Shaughnessy and Eliana DuBosar, Myiah Hutchens

Abstract: These two studies examined hyper-partisan and alternative media audiences and their relationship with misperceptions. Secondary data findings (Study 1) yielded limited results, indicating that hyper-partisan conservative content was associated with misperceptions. Study 2 highlighted eight alternative media user profiles and revealed that some alternative media use was associated with misinformation. In future research, scholars should expand alternative media operationalizations to include more than those with high reach and professionalized staff.

The Best of Communication Theory and Methodology Division
Myiah Hutchens, Discussant

History Division: Refereed Paper Session Top Papers
Rachel Grant, Moderating/Presiding

Is Readability a Heuristic? Assessing Readability Effects on Credibility Judgments in News
Jessica Sparks, Frank Waddell

Award: Top Paper, First Place, Newspaper and Online News Division

Abstract: This study used an online experiment to test whether readability levels in news content had an effect on news credibility. Surprisingly, the results indicate that the readability of content did not impact credibility. Our results give journalists a better understanding of how their content is viewed by the public and what changes might be needed for more trust and credibility among their readers.

CSR Pivots: Does It Matter Who is First or Last if We are All Helping Society?
Eve Heffron, Alexis Fitzsimmons, Yufan Sunny Qin, Marcia DiStaso,

Award: Top 5 paper, Public Relations Division

Understanding Agenda Building in Sports: MLB’s Sign-Stealing Scandal Spiro Kiousis

Abstract: Grounded in an agenda-building framework, this study aims to expand our understanding of the role public relations in a crisis situation. In the context of the Major League Baseball’s (MLB) cheating scandal involving the Houston Astros, a content analysis is conducted to explore MLB’s communication effectiveness in affecting the news media agenda surrounding this crisis. The agenda building associations are also compared by media (sports and traditional news media) and by the type of information subsidies (traditional news release and tweets) to determine effectives. Comparisons will be made in terms of issues, stakeholders, issue frames, and network associations. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings will be discussed.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6

Exploring the Bearing of Source Information Type on Psychological Reactance Against COVID-19 Vaccination Messages
Doctoral student Mercy Madu

Where Politics and Place Meet
Brittany Shaughnessy, Moderating/Presiding

You Ain’t from Around These Parts Are Ya?: Examining the Relationship between Rural Identity and Media Trust
Jay Hmielowski, Eliana DuBosar

Abstract: In this paper, using two data sets, we examine whether place-based identity correlates with feelings toward journalists. Next, we examine whether the importance of a place-based identity moderates the relationship between place-based identity and feelings toward journalists. Finally, we examine the conditional indirect correlation between place-based identity and media use via feelings toward journalists, which may vary based on identity importance.

Divide and Conquer? A Model for Live OTT Sports Streaming
Roxane Coche, doctoral student Benjamin J. Lynn

Abstract: Uninitiated viewers may not be capable of mentally processing the various elements of a sports broadcast, which could lower their motivation for watching sports. The current study examined if multi-tiered offerings of a sports broadcast (three levels aimed at new sports fans, traditional sports fans, and hardcore sports fans) would increase a viewer’s intention to watch sports. Results reveal one’s level of sports fandom may increase if broadcasters implemented a feasible multi-tiered model of streaming sports based on three fandom levels, and viewers, even hardcore fans, like the idea of an introductory broadcast that explains in more detail the sport they are watching, perhaps because it could help them fulfill their willingness to consume more sports through fantasy and betting.