Introduction
Description of features to be added to the Electronic Newsletter
Web page information
1996 Convention Interactive Display Awards
1996 Convention Paper/Panel submission and acceptance info
Call for self-nominations for division officers
Call for paper reviewers for the 1997 Convention
Calls for proposals, thematic panels, and papers
Minutes from the Mass Communication Division Business Meeting
List of your 1997 SCA Mass Communication Division Officers
 

Introduction
 

This inaugural issue of the Mass Comm Division's Electronic Newsletter was prepared in December 1996 by Rebecca Ann Lind, 1997 Publications Committee, and Nancy Signorielli, 1996 Division Chair. It contains further information on topics contained in the traditional hard-copy newsletter, as well as additional topics. You'll still receive the traditional pre- and post-Convention newsletters each year, but the Electronic Newsletter will be distributed more often. We'll try for about 4 times per year to start, and hope to move to about bi-monthly. Make sure SCA headquarters has your correct e-mail address, and you won't miss a thing.

We're pleased to announce that we've wrapped up another successful convention. Thanks to all of you who make the Mass Comm Division what it is. Without your contributions of papers and thematic panels, without your gracious offers of assistance in reviewing competitive submissions, without your attendance at our sessions, without your help in so many ways, we would not be the strong, healthy, and vibrant division we are today. Make plans now to attend next year's convention in Chicago; the call for papers is enclosed.

Description of features to be added to the Electronic Newsletter
 

'SPOTLIGHT ON . . . " is a new feature that will appear in this electronic newsletter. Larry Mullen (Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas), will profile one of our Division members in each issue of the newsletter. Which of our members would you like to learn more about? Send your suggestions to Larry at mullen@nevada.edu.

WHAT'S OUR MEMBERSHIP UP TO? We would also like to include in our electronic newsletters a feature providing brief descriptions of the activities (personal and professional) of our membership. We're looking for an editor for this new feature; if you're interested, please contact Rebecca Ann Lind at rebecca.uic.edu.

GENERAL CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS. As you may have gathered from the above two notices, the Publications Committee wants this to be YOUR newsletter. Do you have any suggestions, comments, advice, or other information regarding teaching, research, or just about anything else that would interest the members of the Mass Communication Division? The next edition of the Electronic Newsletter will feature hints on teaching a large lecture class, written by Michael Porter of the University of Missouri-Columbia. Please contact Rebecca Ann Lind at rebecca@uic.edu if you have something you'd like to share with us.

We think these new features will make our newsletter more responsive to, and more indicative of, the broad range of interests represented in our Division membership. But we'll need your help. Keep in touch, let us know what you're up to, and let us know what other kinds of features you'd like to see in the Electronic Newsletter.

Web page information
 

The MASS COMMUNICATION DIVISION WEB PAGE, created by Mary Beth Oliver (Virginia Tech), is up and running. If you haven't browsed through it, don't delay -- it's at http://www.comm.vt.edu/masscomm/ ... and once you've taken a look through the web page, please give Mary Beth your feedback and suggestions. What kind of information would you like to see on the Web page?

1996 Convention Interactive Display Awards
 

Competitive papers selected for presentation were grouped into thematic panels. Accepted papers that did not fit within thematic categories were assigned to the interactive format, and participants competed for the best displays. Congratulations to the authors/presenters of the top three Mass Communication Division interactive display awards at the 1996 SCA Annual Convention in San Diego, CA.

• First place: Michael Porter and Aimee D. Sapp (University of Missouri, Columbia). "Television as Ritual: The Community Hearth of the College Campus."

   

• Second place: Gary A. Noggle (Bethel College). "Improving Respondents Media 'Literacy': A Case Study within Media Effects Research."

   

• Third place: Toni S. Wheatfield and Jamie Comstock (University of West Florida). "Haute Couture in the Board Room? Magazines in Fashion: Professional Views and Popular Women's Magazines: Are they Similar?"

1996 Convention Paper/Panel submission and acceptance info
 

According to Jim Walker, Chair of the Research Committee, the Mass Communication Division received 72 competitive paper submissions. 44 papers were accepted, 27 were rejected, and one was withdrawn by the author. The acceptance rate was 61%.

Each paper was evaluated by three reviewers on 5 categories (conceptual framework; method and analysis; presentation; discussion & conclusions; overall rating). Each category used a 7-point scale. Each paper received a composit rating based on the average rating of each reviewer for each of the five categories. The ratings of each reviewer were weighted to reflect the rigor of the reviewer's evaluations of all the papers s/he rated.

Of the 44 accepted papers, 32 were scheduled for presentation in eight panels (chair, four papers, respondent) and 12 were scheduled for an interactive panel presentation with four respondents.

According to Bill Christ, 22 panels were submitted to this year's convention; of these, 12 were accepted, resulting in 9 panels and an interactive poster session.

Nominations

The Mass Communication Division Nominations Committee is seeking self nominations for division officer positions for 1997-98. Nominations are sought for the offices of division chair, as well as for research committee and nominations committee membership. If you or someone you know is interested in serving, please contact Jim Walker at the following address:

James Walker
Department of Mass Communication
St. Xavier University
3700 W. 103rd Street
Chicago IL 60655
(312) 298-3373
Walker@sxu.edu

Call for paper reviewers for the 1997 Convention
 

If you are interested in being a paper reviewer for our division, please contact Rob Bellamy. The division officers are particularly interested in serving the wide range of intellectual perspectives represented in our division, so let us know of your specific scholarly interests. Please send your name, address and phone number, along with information on your research interests and methodological preferences, to:

Rob Bellamy
Department of Communication
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh PA 15228
(412) 496-6446
bellamy@duq3.cc.duq.edu

Calls for proposals (1997 Media Forum Series), thematic panels (Mass Communication Division 1997), and papers (Mass Communication Division 1997)
 

1997 MEDIA FORUM SERIES: CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Proposals for convention programs in which media presentations play an essential role are sought for the 1997 Media Forum Series. Programs that include screenings of significant work or audience participation are encouraged.

Submissions involving demonstrations of new technologies, close textual analysis, pedagogy, or the creative process are especially appropriate, provided their successful presentation requires media listening and/or viewing as a central element. Specific equipment requirements must be detailed in the proposal.

Four copies of a clearly articulated proposal identify participants, their affiliations, and their roles must be received by February 15, 1997. Send all submissions to the Media Forum Series Coordinator: Bishetta D. Merritt, Radio-TV-Film Department, Howard University, Washington DC 20059. (202) 806-7927

MASS COMMUNICATION DIVISION 1997: CALL FOR THEMATIC PANELS

The Mass Communication Division invites thematic panel proposals for program sessions addressing theory, research, or methodological issues in mass communication.

Proposals for thematic panels must include (1) A title page showing the name address and telephone number (plus an Internet address if possible) for the chair/respondent and all panel participants; (2) A brief abstract of the proposed program; and (3) a brief agreement to attend if accepted. (It is not necessary to include a respondent in your panel.)

Panel proposals must be received by February 1, 1997. Send 5 copies of completed panel proposals to: Mary Larson, Department of Communication, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb IL 60115. (815) 753-7203; mlarson@niu.edu

MASS COMMUNICATION DIVISION 1997: CALL FOR PAPERS

The Mass Communication Division invites competitive papers for program sessions addressing theory, research, or methodological issues in mass communication. Papers will be evaluated anonymously by the Division Research Committee and those selected may be critiqued by a respondent.

Paper submissions must include: (1) A title page showing authors names and complete mailing addresses/telephone numbers (plus Internet address if available); and (2) a separate 50-75 word abstract. Student papers -- whose authors must ALL be students -- should be prominently marked "Student" on both the title page and the first page of the text.

Papers must be received by February 1, 1997. Send 5 copies of completed papers to: Rob Bellamy, Department of Communication, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh PA 15228. (412) 496-6446; bellamy@duq3.cc.duq.edu

Minutes from the Mass Communication Division Business Meeting
 

5:00-6:15 p.m. Sunday, November 23, 1996; San Diego, CA
Nancy Signorielli (Chair), Presiding.

Announcements from Nancy Signorielli, Chair

Nancy Signorielli first announced that several of the officers' duties in the Mass Communication Division will now involve the development and maintenance of the division's Web page (http:/www.comm.vt.edu/masscomm/), and the Publications Committee will now begin to distribute information in electronic format as well as in hard-copy format.

Second, Nancy summarized three issues from her meeting with the Legislative Council. The first issue concerned SCA's new strategic plan for the organization. Three aspects of this plan include a) strengthening the organization, b) advancing the discipline, and c) strengthening visibility. Nancy said that compared to other disciplines such as Psychology, Communication does not receive the visibility that it deserves. She further urged that scholars should contact Bill Eadie when they have information that may help to increase visibility.

The second issue from the Legislative Council concerned a dues increase that will go into effect next year. Dues increases, which occur in 3-year cycles, will help the organization to maintain sufficient reserve funds and will also be used in the implementation of the organization's 3-year plan.

The final issue form the Legislative Council concerned the name change for SCA. The name that will be brought to vote will be the "National Communication Association." For this name change to occur, 66% of the votes must favor this change. Consequently, all members were urged to cast their ballot for this change. Several individuals attending the business meeting stressed the importance of this vote, particularly among members of the Mass Communication Division. The alternative position of retaining the present name was suggested by one individual who said that SCA originated from a speech tradition and that the current name distinguishes SCA from other organizations such as AEJMC or ICA.

Announcements from Bill Eadie, SCA Associate Director

The first topic Bill Eadie addressed concerned convention planning. Next year's convention will be held in Chicago (in the Chicago Hilton and the Blackstone), the 1998 convention will be held in New York (in the New York Hilton and the Marriott Marquis), and the 1999 convention will be held in Chicago (in the Chicago Hilton and the Blackstone). During these next three years the convention will run from Thursday to Sunday (rather than Saturday to Tuesday).

SCA is currently considering Seattle as the location for the convention to be held in 2000. Because SCA membership has grown and conventions have become increasingly difficult to schedule, this Seattle convention would likely be held in a convention center rather than in a hotel. SCA is also considering holding this Seattle convention during the month of December. Several people at the business meeting voiced objections to the December convention date, and Bill stressed that this date is under consideration only.

In terms of educational initiatives, SCA's new standards for speaking, listening, and reading literacy for children in grades K-12 has received very positive responses from the educational community and the public. SCA will continue to work on these standards and on assessment issues, and individuals who are interested in this issue should contact Bill Eadie.

In terms of outreach initiative, the National Office of SCA made 432 expert recommendations to media outlets during the last year. SCA has now subscribed to a clipping service to evaluate the frequency with which SCA members are quoted in the popular press. In other outreach, SCA's application to join the American Council of Learned Societies has passed two of the three levels of review. The final decision concerning SCA's membership in the ACLS will be made in May 1997.

Bill's final announcements concerned several issues related to publications and technology. First, members were reminded that SCA now has a home page (http://www.scassn.org/). In addition, listserv software will soon be installed that will allow for the creation of discussion groups. SCA will also be assuming publication of CRTNET News, the electronic newsletter that has been maintained by Tom Benson during the last decade. Finally, the Publications Board will be meeting to discuss the possibility of authorizing units to begin electronic publications that could be accessed through SCA's home page. Members were encouraged to begin considering how these electronic publications may be used to distribute and publicize research and other activities.

Poster Session Winners and Top Paper Awards

Jim Walker, Research Committee, announced the winners of the poster session competition.

• First place: Michael Porter and Aimee D. Sapp (University of Missouri, Columbia). "Television as Ritual: The Community Hearth of the College Campus."

   

• Second place: Gary A. Noggle (Bethel College). "Improving Respondents Media 'Literacy': A Case Study within Media Effects Research."

   

• Third place: Toni S. Wheatfield and Jamie Comstock (University of West Florida). "Haute Couture in the Board Room? Magazines in Fashion: Professional Views and Popular Women's Magazines: Are they Similar?"

Congratulations were also given to this year's top paper awards.

Top Student Paper

• Naomi R. Rockler (University of Minnesota). "Polysemy, Polyvalence, and Fried Green Tomatoes."

Top Three Papers

• Naomi R. Rockler (University of Minnesota). "Polysemy, Polyvalence, and Fried Green Tomatoes."

   

• E. M. Perse (University of Delaware). "Implications of Cognitive and Emotional Involvement for Channel Changing."

   

• C. K. Jablonski (University of Central Florida). "Effects of Humor in Violent Action Films on Perceptions of Fictional and Nonfictional Violence."

Remarks from Mary S. Larson, Vice-Chair-Elect.

Mary Larson announced that the theme for next year's convention will be "Communication: Celebrating Our Centrality." The "At the Helm" series featured at this year's convention is also planned for next year.

Mary also announced that individuals who are planning to submit a program proposal for the conference are not required to provide a respondent in their proposal.

For the 1997 convention, the Mass Communication Division will request a room for a newcomers reception that will occur following the business meeting. All division members are welcome and are encouraged to attend.

Remarks from William Christ, Vice-Chair.

Bill Christ announced that a total of 22 panels were submitted to this year's convention; 12 were accepted, resulting in 9 panels and an interactive poster session.

Gretchen Barbatsis will be chairing a committee for consideration of a Mass Communication Division member as a nominee for SCA presidency.

Recognition and certificates of gratitude were presented to Nancy Signorielli and to Gretchen Barbatsis for their leadership in the Mass Communication Division.

Election Results

The following individuals were elected as Mass Communication Division officers:

• Vice Chair-Elect: Margaret Haefner, Illinois State Univ.

   

• Secretary-Elect: Robert Gobetz, Univ. of Indianapolis

   

• Research Committee: Mary Beth Oliver, Virginia Tech

   

• Publications Committee: Rebecca Ann Lind, Univ. of Illinois at Chicago

   

• Nominations Committee:

   

  • Jim Walker, St. Xavier Univ. (Chair)

     

  • Gretchen Barbatsis, Michigan State Univ.

     

  • Dennis Davis, Penn State Univ.

     

  • Caren Deming, Univ. of Arizona

     

  • Elizabeth Perse, Univ. of Delaware
   

Minutes submitted by Mary Beth Oliver, Virginia Tech

1997 SCA MASS COMMUNICATION DIVISION OFFICERS

William Christ, Chair
Trinity Univ.
210/736-8313
wchrist@trinity.edu

Mary Larson, Vice Chair
Northern Illinois Univ.
815/753-7108
mlarson@niu.edu

Margaret Haeffner, Vice Chair-Elect
Illinois State Univ.
309/438-3671
mjhaefn@rs6000.ilstu.edu

Mary Beth Oliver, Secretary
Virginia Tech
540/231-7163
olivermb@vt.edu

Robert Gobetz, Secretary-Elect
Univ. of Indianapolis
317/788-3506
gobetz@gandlf.unidy.edu

Rob Bellamy, Research Committee Chair
Duquesne Univ.
412/396-6446
bellamy@duq3.duq.edu

Robbin Crabtree, Research Committee
New Mexico State Univ.
505/646-3907
rcrabtre@nmusvm1.nmsu.edu

Mary Beth Oliver, Research Committee
Virginia Tech
540/231-7163
olivermb@vt.edu

James Walker, Nominations Committee Chair
St. Xavier Univ.
312/298-6446
walker@sxu.edu

Gretchen Barbatsis, Nominations Committee
Michigan State Univ.
517/355-8372
barbatsis@tc.msu.edu

Dennis Davis, Nominations Committee
Penn State Univ.
814/865-2171
dkd3@psu.edu

Caren Deming, Nominations Committee
Univ. of Arizona
602/621-3949
cdeming@ccit.arizona.edu

Elizabeth Perse, Nominations Committee
Univ. of Delaware
302/831-8041
eperse@udel.edu

Nancy Signorielli, Immediate Past Chair
Univ. of Delaware
302/831-8022
nancys@udel.edu

Rebecca Ann Lind, Publications Committee
Univ. of Illinois at Chicago
312/413-3044
rebecca@uic.edu

Louise Benjamin, Archivist, Permanent
Univ. of Georgia
706/542-5019
benjamin@uga.cc.uga.edu