An internationally known journalism professor gives guest lectures in ViA

On Friday, the 6^th of February, Vidzeme University College Faculty of Social Sciences will host a guest lecture by an internationally known scientist and journalism professor Wayne Wanta from Missuri School of Journalism, University of Missuri, USA. The theme of the lecture will be "Agenda-setting in the Presence of New Media: Theory and Research."

Wayne Wanta is internationally known scholar in political communication and media effects. He has lectured and delivered research presentations in 29 different countries and is an author for more than 150 refereed publications and convention papers. The students of journalism PR in ViA knows Wayne Wanta for his book "The Public and the National Agenda: How People Learn About Important Issues ", that can be found in ViA library.

Much of Wayne Wanta's research examines the agenda-setting function of the news media - how news coverage influences the public's perceptions of issues and newsmakers. Recently, he has worked with a team of researchers examining news coverage of elections in several countries. Professor has also conducted research in visual communication, sports journalism, Internet use and effects, and negative political advertising.

Wayne Wanta also has played an important leadership role in journalism education. Having recently served as the president of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (years 2006 - 2007), professor was instrumental in helping stage the first-ever World Journalism Education Congress, in which 30 organizations from around the world agreed upon a series of journalistic principles.

Wayne Wanta received his Ph.D. in 1989 from the University of Texas. Before entering the academic field, Wanta worked for eight years at several newspapers in USA.
Currently Wayne Wanta serves as the executive director of the Center for the Digital Globe, a multi-disciplinary center with nearly 50 Faculty Fellows from 12 different units on campus.

The professor's visit is an excellent example of an effectiveness of ERASMUS mobility programme. On a winter of a year 2006 and on a spring of a year 2008 the lecturer of ViA Faculty of Social Sciences Kaspars Rūklis was giving guest lectures in Porto University in Portugal. On that time he made the contacts, which allowed inviting Mr. Wanta to give guest lectures in Vidzeme University College.

More information about professor can be find at:

http://journalism.missouri.edu/faculty/wayne-wanta.html

Liene Ločmele
Head of PR Office
Vidzeme University College
e-mail: liene.locmele@va.lv