Adapting Prior Television Production Experience for Distance Education Instructional Design

The Purpose of this study was to examine what previously learned television production-related experiences and knowledge television production specialists adapted in their instructional design of distance education programming

Use Of Agricultural Video News Releases By Television News Outlets

The purpose of this study was to answer questions regarding television news outlet decisions-makers\u27 use and perception of agricultural video news releases (VNRs)

Using Student-Produced Videos to Communicate about Science

This professional development article provides a case study of the Explore Research at the University of Florida video project, conducted by University of Florida undergraduate and graduate students. Students take an advanced digital media production course where they develop videos documenting research at the university. The videos are then displayed at the Museum of Natural History and various online, broadcast, and cable television outlets. This article also provides suggestions for individuals who may want to develop their own partnerships with similar organizations in their courses

Looking for Information: An Exploratory Analysis to Explain Public Information-Seeking Behaviors About Mosquito Control

Mosquitoes pose substantial risks in communities worldwide, and the extent and type of such risk may vary across communities and regions. The integrated mosquito management approach integrates multidisciplinary methods into practical strategies tailored to local communities. Reduction of mosquito larval sources via community engagement in at-home mosquito control behaviors is a key component of this approach. Best methods of communicating information to the public to foster knowledge and motivation to engage in local mosquito control efforts. The purpose of this descriptional, correlational study was to describe the Florida public’s mosquito control information search behaviors, as well as examine factors that may explain those behaviors. Findings revealed statistically significant relationships existed between respondents’ information search frequency and their subjective and objective knowledge, importance of mosquito control, personal responsibility, income and education. Significant relationships were also observed between personal responsibility and homeownership and type of residence. Respondents perceived CDC websites and Florida DOH websites as the most trustworthy of the sources listed, and were most likely to use local mosquito control program websites when searching information. Local mosquito control districts should use the findings of this study to target passive audiences and facilitate their future engagement in mosquito control dialogues. Future research is needed to further examine the directionality and predictive nature of variables examined in this study

Communicaton Audits: Adding Value and Social Impact to Agricultural Communications

Communication audits can enhance the communication efforts of agricultural organizations. Communication audits identify what is being done well, what is not being done well, and how communication efforts can be improved. In addition to communication audits, usability testing adds value to understanding the use of communication materials by a target audience. Taking steps to improve communications, based on the findings of communication audits and usability testing, can help organizations improve their brand consistency, social impact, and overall communication. This paper provides a rationale for communication audits and provides procedures, tips, and experiences for the communication practitioner

An Evaluation of Agricultural Communications Faculty Members’ Mentoring Experiences

Agricultural communications programs are expected to grow and emerge over the next decade. For these programs to find success, faculty leading them will need to be properly supported through effective mentoring. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current mentoring of agricultural communications faculty across the country. In November 2019, an online survey instrument was distributed to a census of members of the Society of Agricultural Communications Scholars listserv. Survey respondents reported mentoring was not formally required, and most of the respondents received informal mentoring. Mentors were most frequently non-agricultural communications faculty in the respondents’ respective department or an agricultural communications faculty at another institution. Mentees met with mentors as needed and typically discussed teaching, research, or administrative questions. However, the mentees perceived navigating promotion and tenure, work-life balance, and research as the most important topics for their success. Similar to past research, time was the biggest barrier to effective mentoring relationships. The findings from this study provide a baseline to understand what mentoring looks like for agricultural communications faculty and can help administrators provide proper support for effective faculty mentor programs

The Rest of the Story: Print News Components in Agricultural Communications Programs at Land·Grant Universities

The purpose of this study was to learn about print news units within agricultural communications departments across the land-grant university system

Characteristics and Motivational Factors of American Equine Journalists

The purpose of this study was to identify the demographic characteristics, career motivations, and professional development of American equine journalists. An online survey was distributed to equine journalists identified through their professional organizational membership. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Equine journalists were found to be predominately female, Caucasian, and averaged 53 years old. Nearly half were exposed to the equine industry prior to their career and have been working in the industry for over 15 years. Respondents were well educated and were most motivated towards their career as an equine journalist because of their interest in horses. Over 70% of equine journalists in this study participated in one to 10 professional developments in the last year, with social media management as the most frequently reported topic. Other frequently reported topics were marketing, journalistic writing, and magazine publication. Recommendations for practice include recruiting agricultural communications minor or certificate students from specialized programs such as animal science, equine science, equine studies, or livestock. Future research should consider the influence of pre-career experiences on equine journalist career motivations and skill development

Challenges and Motivations of Science Communication: An Administrative Perspective at Land-Grant Universities

Interdisciplinary agricultural research centers are becoming more common at land-grant universities. These centers often use an interdisciplinary approach to address complex science issues. As these centers address agricultural issues that impact society, effective science communication is a necessary activity. However, these centers may face unique barriers or opportunities. This study utilized a qualitative approach to identify the barriers and motivations of interdisciplinary agricultural center directors when communicating about science. Participants identified common science communication challenges, such as time and lack of funding. Funding was also identified as a motivation, as well as factors related to the tenure and promotion process. Recommendations from this work include evaluating the public relations and the effectiveness of science communication from these centers. Future research should also examine the financial structure of interdisciplinary centers to better inform best practices

Collegiate Millennials\u27 Perceptions of Locally Produced Beef

Millennial consumers are stepping into important roles as decision makers and consumers. A knowledge and communication gap exists between cattle producers and consumers this knowledge seeking generation. This study focused on collegiate millennials’ perceptions of locally produced beef. The research design was qualitative in nature using focus groups. Participants associated the beef industry and beef products with the environment, management practices, treatment of animals, human health concerns, retail, experience with the beef industry, experience with beef, and transparency. Results of this study showed participants had minimal knowledge of the industry and relatively negative perceptions of the industry and beef products. Participants were skeptical of communication materials promotion beef and expressed particular distrust toward video messages. Participants revealed a knowledge and communication gap between producers and consumers