Making sense of media noise

In an age of endless information, the question isn't whether people can find news — it's whether they can trust it. So what separates real journalism from the rest?

Andrew Smith, professor of practice in the A.Q. Miller School of Media and Communication, believes it comes down to a commitment to truth.

"There are so many people with so many different messages, and as a result, people don't know where to turn," said Smith. "Journalism is so important, today more than ever."

Through his work in both the classroom and as director of K-State's student-run broadcast station, KKSU-TV Channel 8, he helps train tomorrow's journalists to build trust in their communities through strong, ethical storytelling.

By practicing their craft through experiences such as Channel 8, Wildcat 91.9 and the Collegian Media Group, students gain a deeper understanding of the responsibility that comes with creating content, preparing them to tell stories with accuracy, integrity and purpose.

"Part of our philosophy is we learn by doing," Smith said. "We're very passionate about making sure students get the best opportunities so that when they step out of these doors into the pros, they can hit the ground running and start changing the world."