Campaign Brief: Why Journalism History Matters
The clients: The AEJMC History Division and American Journalism Historians Association.
Founded in 1966, the History Division is primarily comprised of nearly 300 journalism and communication professors who conduct research related to the history of mass communication, including the newspaper industry, the broadcast industry, photojournalism, advertising, and public relations. https://aejmc.us/history/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AEJHistory Journal: https://journalism-history.org/ Podcast: https://journalismhistorypodcast.podbean.com/
Founded in 1981, the American Journalism Historians Association seeks to advance education and research in mass communication history. Through its annual convention, regional conferences, committees, awards, speakers, and publications, members work to raise historical standards and ensure that all scholars and students recognize the vast importance of media history and apply this knowledge to the advancement of society. https://ajha.wildapricot.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJHAsocial Journal: http://www.american-journalism.org/
The problem: Journalism schools increasingly do not believe that journalism history classes are relevant or necessary. Students accustomed to social media and cellphones tend to think that history is boring or not applicable to their lives.
Audience: Our primary audience is Generation Z American college students between the ages of 18 and 22 who are journalism or communication majors or minors. Journalism history classes are sometimes required classes but may also be electives among many that students may choose. Our secondary audience is other journalism faculty who need to see that journalism history matters to student education.
The ask: We are looking for a 30- to 60-second video that tells the story of why journalism history matters that can be used as a recruitment tool to get college students to want to register for journalism history classes and that our members can show to other faculty to increase support for the class. This video would be used by professors across the nation and would also be included in the social media marketing of both client organizations. Please also include a 1- to 2-page campaign brief explaining the thinking behind your video and why you think this video will be effective. Sample social media messaging to accompany it is also encouraged.
The deadline: 11:59 p.m. CT April 15. Email materials to aejmchistory@gmail.com with subject line: Recruitment Video Competition.
The prize: $200 for the winning video. $50 for the runner-up.
Questions? Email History Division Chairwoman Teri Finneman at teri.finneman@ku.edu.