1. A Qualitative Study of University Journalism Programs in Illinois:
Survival in the New Age of Digital Media and Budget Constraints
A Research Proposal for EPSY 710
Amanda Bright

2. What’s at Stake?
Departments and colleges of journalism have come in numerous incarnations during their more than 130 years in existence, and during this time, intense debate about which model is superior has not ceased (Brandon, 2002).
Contributing factors to current paradigm shift:
Illinois’ more than 18 months without budget
Shift to digital, emerging media
Continued academic vs. pragmatic philosophy debate
Politics and economic pressures on industry

3. A Review of Literature
Little comparative analysis or research done on models of J-Schools in United States (Steel, at al., 2007)
Academic, liberal arts foundation vs. pragmatic, vocational training as constant tension (Lahav, 2008)
Possible permutations of a journalism program:
Full college or department with major (accredited)
Minor to supplement multi-disciplinary approach
Absorption into speech communication (theoretical)
Removal from academic realm (apprenticeship only)

4. Research Purpose
The purpose of this qualitative inquiry in the form of a multiple case study is to analyze the transformations currently occurring at three public Illinois university journalism programs in order to understand how J-Schools in the state are responding to the myriad pressures that will dictate the academic future of the discipline.

5. Research Questions
How are public Illinois journalism programs currently changing their J-School models?
What are the pressures in Illinois that are causing either a discussion of or a specific change in the model of each J-School?
How will the changes in the J-School models in Illinois affect or dictate the academic future of the discipline?

6. Pilot Study Themes
Five hours of classroom observation and three, one-hour interviews with professors of journalism at a mid-sized Illinois university with a full program
Subjects unified on purpose of journalism program
“People who can serve democracy well. We are public servants.”
Divergent ideas on future of program
Focus on new technologies necessary
Broaden with journalism across curriculum approach
Double-down with legacy media and increased ethics

7. Methods and Methodology
Multiple case study (universal method) with three public Illinois university journalism programs
Typical case subjects selected by random purposeful sampling determined by criteria
either extensive knowledge of the college’s journalism program, control over the direction of the journalism program, or both
Sample size determined by saturation, but no less than:
20 hours at each institution
Five subjects at each institution
Any documents related to above

8. Methods and Methodology
Naturalistic Observations with Field notes
Meetings, organizational discussions, program roundtables
Descriptive and reflective notes
Focus Groups with Criterion-based Subjects
Semi-structured protocol
At least five faculty, staff, leadership from each institution
Document Content Analysis
Minutes, memos, contracts, etc.
Only those considered or composed during observations

9. Researcher and Trustworthiness
My position: adjunct journalism instructor
Mission and no decision-making ability
Steps toward toward establishing trustworthiness
Credibility  reflexive journal
Transferability  thick description of observations
Comfirmability  member checking throughout
Dependability  triangulation

10. Data Instruments and Analysis
Instrument Details:
Observation protocol with both descriptive and reflective field notes and use of thick description
Focus group protocol (semi-structured) with stakeholders
Content analysis of any supporting documentation
Analysis Parameters:
Coding  Thematic Elements  Constant Comparison  Inductive Arrival at Main Narrative for each Institution
Member checking and inter-rater reliability (as needed)
Visualization in form of case display with an explanatory effects matrix (tentative)

11. Potential Contributions
All three institutions are headed toward possible major changes in next 1-2 years
Journalism programs, future students, faculty, professional practitioners all stand to benefit from understanding transformation
Decisions made will profoundly shape journalism education, journalism profession, Fourth Estate of our democracy
J-Schools are where next version of journalism will be born

12. Limitations and Future Directions
Author’s tangential connections to subject matter
Three institutions not representative of entire state
Not generalizable to all J-Schools nationwide
Subjects less than forthcoming while under enrollment pressure, financial pressure, and possible demise
Limited literature on what is happening beyond blog posts and non-research based essays

13. A Qualitative Study of University Journalism Programs in Illinois:
Discussion and Critique
A Qualitative Study of University Journalism Programs in Illinois:
Survival in the New Age of Digital Media and Budget Constraints
A Research Proposal for EPSY 710
Amanda Bright
Thank you!