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The argument for studying journalism has never been stronger. Just a quick glance at the news makes the case. We’re training students who will graduate equipped with strong writing skills – still the number one most important skill set according to all employers with whom I interact; technical skills to communicate using whatever equipment, software and tools are available; and the ethical decision-making skills necessary to function in a world where decisions are rarely cut and dry.

For recent journalism graduates, the COVID-19 pandemic has shaped their entry into the news industry. Young MDJ alumni have focused much of their professional careers on the pandemic, mostly with a Northeast Ohio angle — not just on case numbers or other statistics, but also on the effects on the economy, businesses and the healthcare industry.

Tang Tang, Ph.D., professor in the College of Communication and Information at Kent State University, recently shared her expertise with the New York Times in the article "Beijing Olympic Ratings Were the Worst of Any Winter Games."

Like many others, I developed some new viewing habits during the pandemic. In an unexpected turn of events, I’ve become a devotee of YouTube aviation channels. Through the magic of user-generated content, the aviation YouTube community has given this non-aviator an opportunity to get inside cockpits and gain insights into how pilots are trained. And, believe it or not, I see relevance to my role as director of the School of Media and Journalism (MDJ) during these Covid Times. Let me explain.

As the world’s attention turns to the Olympic Games for the second time in 12 months, Kent State Professor Tang Tang’s research offers insight on how audience patterns of viewing major sporting events have changed over the last 12 years. Tang, Ph.D., joined Kent State University in 2018 as the College of Communication and Information sought to hire in the area of new media technology.