A Message from the Director

The communications media are key to our sense of being part of an essential and dynamic public dialogue. As citizens we often identify with multiple publics and engage in a variety of ways in public discourse. We define ourselves as audiences, viewers and readers of the media sources at our fingertips, but we are also producers of our own texts and sophisticated media practitioners. We can be writers, directors, programmers, analysts, critics and teachers as well. To best use the communications media as a public resource, students and scholars must possess the interpretive and creative skills needed to participate as sophisticated consumers, citizens, readers and viewer of media texts. Analytical tools for understanding the logics and strategies of media messages, including news and entertainment, information and persuasion, visual and narrative messages at practical and theoretical levels, help create a public better able to participate in civic, cultural and political life. We are situated in New York City, the home of major media institutions, which allows working professionals to pursue advanced degrees. In addition, public-interest institutions comprise one of the city’s largest and most prestigious sectors; from the United Nations to the Museum of Natural History, from non-profit community groups to large philanthropic organizations, and from major art galleries to vibrant local arts communities. The dynamic worlds of public and private interconnect within communications media, and we are charged with the task of contributing to the public debate on issues relevant to a healthy democracy. Communications media and interactive technologies can help design and promote humanistic information strategies able to unite people and publics from across the globe. Understanding the organizational economics, and the legal and regulatory structures that shape the media are essential to understanding the challenges faced by media organizations, corporate and public alike. The continuing development of new technologies, formats, flows, and frequent regulatory debates all keep Communication and Media Studies a vital field in the forefront of social, cultural and political life.   With a focus on Public Communications, graduates will be better prepared to work in the media industries with a heightened sense of relevance, purpose and effectiveness. The program prepares students to continue on to advanced degrees. Graduates can also work in the communication and public affairs units of non-profit and non-commercial institutions, community groups and humanitarian organizations, museums and government offices; write and produce media analysis and criticism; teach media literacy and arts; produce and promote alternative and community media; work with a variety of independent media producers on content, outreach, festivals and events; work with independent publishing and literary agencies, among other possibilities. We welcome your interest in this most vital of public resources. Robin Andersen Director