Where Pop Culture Meets Academia

For nearly 30 years, the Bleier Center has served as a “think tank” on the art of television.

Most Tuesday afternoons, Syracuse University senior Victoria LaFarge ’25 curls up on the couch with a slice of pizza and watches TV. It’s a ritual she shares with about 40-50 other regulars known as the “Bleier Bunch,” so named for the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture in the Newhouse 3 building.

two people stand at a table and talk
“We’re like family, brought together by the magic of television and pop culture,” says Victoria LaFarge, pictured left.

LaFarge attends Tuesdays With Bleier, a weekly series of TV screenings that the center’s founding director, Bob Thompson, has hosted for the past 17 years. Fun and informal, each event is like an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000 with trailing commentaries provided by Thompson and his retinue.

“He invites everyone—students, other professors, library workers, janitorial staff,” says LaFarge, a dual major in television, radio and film and English and textual studies. “We’re like family, brought together by the magic of television and pop culture.”

people sit on couches and watch TV
The Bleier Center hosts a drop-in screening series called Tuesdays With Bleier. Ryan Maguire ’23 (above) attributes the series’ popularity to the center’s affable founding director, Bob Thompson.

The drop-in series draws on the Bleier Center’s extensive archives—tens of thousands of news reels, documentaries, sitcoms, reality shows, cartoons, commercials, etc. Many are from Thompson’s personal stash of 30,000 hours of videotape.

Everything is presented in its original, unfettered glory, “every television memory you can think of,” LaFarge continues. From the Apollo 11 moon landing to the finale of M*A*S*H. From the assassination of President Kennedy to the Beatles’ debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. Come for the show, stay for the commercials.

retro merchandise from old television shows sit on a table
“The Bleier Center has an eccentric relic for almost every show or moment that’s graced our television screens,” says Roman Doyle ’24, an LA-based filmmaker.

Free and open to the campus community, Tuesdays With Bleier—and the self-named center—is a “dream come true” for Thompson, the gregarious Trustee Professor of Television, Radio and Film in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. “I try to make our screenings timely and relevant,” says Thompson, adding that the series title is a nod to the book Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom, on whose radio program he has appeared.

Film major Hunter Guillet ’25 says that no two screenings are alike. “My favorite was the first episode of Saturday Night Live, which aired 50 years ago. Afterward, we discussed how different it was from the current iteration of the show.”

a Mork and Mindy doll sits on a shelf next to a TV
The Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture is home to such ephemera as this Mork & Mindy pull-string doll, which mysteriously stopped working when its star, Robin Williams, died.

When activist poet Nikki Giovanni died last December, Thompson dug up a rare, 1971 conversation between her and James Baldwin on the television show Soul! Co-funded by the fledgling Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Soul! was then the only nationally televised weekly series produced by and for Black people.

“Giovanni was a rising star; Baldwin, a literary icon,” Thompson recalls. “She didn’t pull any punches, but her respect for him was apparent. The interview is an extraordinary glimpse into Black history and culture.”

Customizing the College Experience

Unique degree pairings increase student versatility and employability.

Syracuse University offers hundreds of programs to enhance your academic journey. Many of them can be fashioned into dual or combined degree options. Such customization not only increases your versatility, but also broadens your potential career paths.

Whether you’re pursuing a traditional academic path or a unique degree pairing, you can tailor your education to suit your goals and interests. We, in turn, strive to give you a well-rounded education that sets you apart from the competition.

Here are a few ways that Syracuse students merge distinct disciplines into a single streamlined experience.

Public Relations/Anthropology

Taylor Byrne ’25

a person studies at a desk
Taylor Byrne ’25 is an aspiring public relations practitioner, majoring in public relations and minoring in anthropology.

Taylor Byrne ’25 is forging her own career path. An aspiring public relations practitioner, she majors in public relations in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. But it’s her minor in anthropology, courtesy of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, that gives the Virginia native a competitive edge.

“I use my communication skills and anthropological knowledge to make culturally informed decisions about public relations,” says the Shaw Center leadership intern, who wants to work in the nonprofit or corporate social responsibility sector or the diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility space.

Whereas the field of public relations focuses on communications management (e.g. strategies, directives and information flow), anthropology looks at human existence holistically, incorporating elements of archeology, biology, linguistics and social evolution. “Anthropology helps me understand what appeals to human nature through marketing tactics,” she adds.

The learning cadence for both disciplines is different. Public relations courses often include semester-long campaigns or research projects. Anthropology coursework, however, is a “constant flow of knowledge” culminating in a paper or presentation.

“The pairing reinforces how I learn and what I need to develop,” says the former vice president of communications for the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity. “A healthy work-life balance is probably the most important skill I have.”

Master’s Alumni Profile: Emma Grace ReVille G’24

Newhouse Master’s Program: Public Relations
Current Position: Associate Director of Athletic Communications, University of Louisiana-Monroe 

a person stands in front of a step and repeat background holding a football helmet

How did you land your current position and what positions did you hold before it? 

The College Sports Communicators website posted this job, and I interviewed! Before that, I was a communications intern for Syracuse Athletic Communications and a research assistant for Professor Brad Horn. 

What is an average day like for you on the job? 

I spend the morning updating game notes, media guides and the rosters (especially if there was a game the night before). Usually, I am in contact with various coaches and players regarding interviews and other media opportunities. In the afternoon, I am developing new media guides for sports that are not in season and emailing the media, pitching opportunities with them. I also work with our graphic designer and social coordinator to come up with content on our teams’ various social media accounts. 

How do you feel Newhouse prepared you for your current position? 

I would not be able to write as many press releases as I do now if not for Newhouse. Learning AP Style writing and learning Adobe Creative Suite skills, especially InDesign, were crucial to the job I have now. In a less tangible sense, connecting with the media and developing connections with them has been very important, as well as thinking critically in a public relations lens. I have to balance the needs of the team with the needs of the media and find a happy medium between the two. 

Did Newhouse open your eyes to new professions or aspects of your field you may have not considered when applying?  

I knew practically nothing about public relations when I came to Newhouse, so everything I know now about public relations as a career, a skill and an industry came from Newhouse. I learned how we must essentially learn to be renaissance women (or men) and learn skills in multiple categories to effectively work as a PR professional.  

What are the moments of your career so far that have been the most important? 

Some of the most important moments in my career came from my time at Newhouse. I got the opportunity to work at the Empire State Winter Games writing press releases and that solidified what I wanted to do this full-time. If not for that opportunity, I would not have found out how much I love writing. 

What unique features encouraged you to apply to your graduate program? 

The fact that Newhouse has a sports emphasis was crucial to my decision. Newhouse’s reputation speaks for itself, but the sports emphasis allowed me to learn public relations in a general sense, but then learn how to apply it to the industry I want to work in. The one-year length of the program was also the one of the top perks to me, as I was looking to enter the workforce as soon as possible.  

Did you take advantage of the Newhouse Career Development Center?

The Career Development Center jumpstarted my networking by introducing me to the Newhouse Network and showing me how crucial networking can be. While the CDC did not assist in me finding the job I am at now, I remain in touch with Newhouse alumni who I found due to the CDC’s encouragement and the Newhouse Network. 

What are some of the obstacles and misconceptions that students should be aware of when it comes to navigating Newhouse and post-grad?

There is pressure that comes with going to a school with as much prestige as Newhouse. I found myself comparing my own timeline and job to my classmates, which I learned should not have been the case. Every person and every industry has their own timeline, and every job or internship will come with learning opportunities that will get you to your “dream job.” You do not need to get a job months before graduation, and you don’t need to pressure yourself about not landing your dream job straight out of grad school. 

What advice do you have for current or incoming students? 

If you are interested in sports public relations specifically, get to know Professor Brad Horn. He was a mentor and a lifeline for me, introduced me to alumni and helped me to better understand the industry I wanted to work in. Getting involved in clubs is great, but, if possible, find a professor who needs a graduate assistant or research assistant. Not only is it nice to have a job on campus, but you will develop relationships with professors, which will help you in the long run! 

Bandier Program Alumni and Leaders from Across Recording and Entertainment Industries Join Inaugural Advisory Board

Distinguished panel to play important role in shaping future of renowned program at Newhouse School.

The Bandier Program for Recording and Entertainment Industries is forming a new advisory board, comprised of alumni leaders and experts who will play important roles in shaping the future of one of the top music business programs in the country.

The distinguished panel is made up of 13 Syracuse University graduates working in leadership roles across the recording and entertainment industries. Advisory Board members are dedicated to helping the Bandier program continue to innovate, prepare the next generation of music industry leaders and enrich the student experience.

Advisory Board members include:

The inaugural members of the Bandier Program Advisory Board meet at the program's office to discuss how they can contribute to the future of the renowned music business program at the Newhouse School.
Bandier Program Advisory Board members, along with Bandier students, faculty and staff, meet at the program’s office at Syracuse University, including Joey Papoutsis ’13 (left), Bill Werde, Caitlin Lytle ’16, Max Weinberg ’12, Michelle Santosuosso, Suryansh Singh ’25, Tamzin Folz ’26, Darius Baharlo ’27, Rachel Kelly ’25, Margaret Tomlin ’13, Bria Lewis ’26, Gabz Landman ’12, Joel Klaiman ’90, Lisa Steele, Grant Palmer ’13, CJ Strock ’00, Jon Cohen ’90, Justin Shukat ’96 and Steve Magee ’16.

Working with Bandier program director Bill Werde and managing director Lisa Steele, the Advisory Board will support the program’s mission by providing mentorship and facilitating job placement. Members will expand the program’s reputation, foster diversity and help align curriculum with emerging trends in the music industry.

“The diverse skills and career paths of the 13 inaugural members of the Advisory Board shine a light on the legacy of excellence in music business education at Syracuse University and the Newhouse School,” said Newhouse Dean Mark Lodato.

“On behalf of the University, let me extend our gratitude to these talented, successful professionals for taking the time to share their insights and working toward our common goal of helping Bandier students succeed.”

This initiative strengthens Bandier’s position as one of the country’s premier music business programs, giving students the connections, tools and expertise needed to excel in an evolving industry. The undergraduate program, which celebrated its first graduating class in 2011, regularly makes Billboard’s annual Top Music Business Schools list.

Building on the success of the bachelor’s program, a new Bandier master’s degree program in music business launches this fall at Syracuse. Providing a true multi-disciplinary education, the music business master’s program is a partnership between the Newhouse School and the College of Visual and Performing Arts

Both programs are named after Martin Bandier ’62, the legendary music publishing executive and University Life Trustee.

WellsLink Speaker JaNeika James G’05 Is Living Out Her Dreams as a Television Producer

4 people stand with their arms around each other and pose for a photo
Pictured from left to right: JaSheika James, Stacy Ike, JaNeika James and Ta’Rhonda Jones on the set of “Empire.”

JaNeika James G’05 and her twin sister, JaSheika, grew up watching television and “fell in love with TV” and the possibilities it could mean for them.

Today, the two are accomplished TV writers and producers of several shows, including JaNeika’s role as supervising producer on FOX’s groundbreaking hit show, “Empire,” among others.

“Our story is an example of how dreams can be manifested. A lot of people think that you have to know every single step to get to where you want to be,” JaNeika says. “The truth is, if you’re clear and have a vision for what it is that you want to do with your life, all you have to do is declare it.”

JaNeika James
JaNeika James

On Feb. 7, JaNeika will bring her message to young scholars as the keynote speaker at the 21st Annual WellsLink Leadership Program’s Transitions Ceremony. The ceremony, which is open to the entire University community, honors WellsLink Scholars from the previous year who have successfully transitioned to their second year on campus. Those who would like to attend are encouraged to RSVP.

“Allowed Us to Dream”

As youngsters, the James twins lived on an Air Force base in Wiesbaden, Germany, where their mother was stationed. Access to television was limited, and the offerings available were predominantly in German.

Thankfully for the sisters, their grandparents in the U.S. mailed them VHS tapes of popular U.S. TV shows like “A Different World,” “The Cosby Show,” “Cheers,” “The Golden Girls” and “Empty Nest.”

Watching television became “a source of comfort” for the sisters, and JaNeika says it provided hours of entertainment and it “allowed us to dream of what was possible for ourselves,” says JaNeika, who earned a master’s degree in television, radio and film from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Three people sit and laugh together
Pictured on the set of “Bel-Air” are (from left to right): JaNeika James (writer and executive producer), Jabari Banks (who plays Will Smith) and JaSheika James (writer and executive producer).

It was an unlikely way to start their lifelong love affair with television, but today, JaNeika and JaSheika are accomplished TV writers. JaNeika was supervising producer on FOX’s groundbreaking hit show, “Empire,” co-executive producer on Netflix’s limited series, “True Story” and HBO Max’s reboot of “Gossip Girl,” and an executive producer on Peacock’s hit show, “Bel-Air.”

JaNeika and JaSheika co-authored a book, “Living Double,” describing their experiences working in the ultra-competitive TV industry in Hollywood. It outlines how, no matter the obstacles, the sisters were determined to turn their dreams into reality.

Photo Gallery: Newhouse Advanced Media Management Students Explore Cutting-Edge Innovations at Global Tech Show in Las Vegas

Last month, six students from the Newhouse School’s advanced media management (AMM) program traveled to Las Vegas to attend CES, the largest tech and media trade show in the world. As fellows for AMM, the students worked with Advanced Media Professor in Residence Shelly Palmer, a leading voice in the tech industry, to research exhibitors throughout the fall semester.

At the show, they assisted Palmer during his industry client tours and gained valuable insight from his interviews with X CEO Linda Yaccarino, Mark Cuban and other influential media executives. The fellows — Grace DeBoer, Sydney Hvizdvzak, Laura Knaflewski, Aiden Kwen, Niara McIntyre and J.K. Rees — were led by program director Adam Peruta. During their time in Vegas, the students also connected with Newhouse and Syracuse University alumni and other industry professionals at networking events.

a person wearing a headset talks to people while a person stands behind them holding a paddle
CES Fellow and advanced media management student Sydney Hvizdzak joins Advanced Media Professor in Residence Shelly Palmer on his client tour. (Photo courtesy of Grace DeBoer).
6 people stand on Fremont Street in Las Vegas, Nevada
Advanced media management students (from left to right) J.K. Rees, Aiden Kwen, Niara McIntyre, Laura Knaflewski, Sydney Hvizdzak and Grace DeBoer visiting the iconic Fremont Street in Las Vegas, Nevada.
two people play an automobile racing simulator
Newhouse CES Fellows and advanced media management students J.K. Rees (left) and Aiden Kwen (right) in a vehicle and automotive experience on the CES floor. (Photo courtesy of Aiden Kwen).
a person stands on a stage and talks
Omnicom Media Group CEO Florian Adamski introduces Shelly Palmer at the Omnicom Media Group Transformation Experience. (Photo Courtesy of Grace DeBoer).
a person stands on a stage and talks
Advanced Media Professor in Residence Shelly Palmer presenting on artificial intelligence at the Omnicom Media Group Transformation Experience. (Photo courtesy of Grace DeBoer).
a group of people smile and pose together
Newhouse alumna Holly O’Brien ‘85, VP of marketing and advertising at the Golden Nugget Las Vegas, hosted the advanced media management students and program director Adam Peruta for a lunch and learn featuring speakers Shawn Garrity ‘85, Cindi Jo Edwards ‘20 and Aaron Crowley. (Photo courtesy of Adam Peruta.)
people sit at a dinner table
Newhouse alumni Holly O’Brien ‘85, Rich Tunkel ‘94, Leo Wong ‘14, Clark Dumont G‘11 and Gary Schanman ‘92 discussed professional development, artificial intelligence and their Newhouse experiences at a networking dinner. (Photo courtesy of Adam Peruta).
a group of people smile and pose together
At Area15, executive director of marketing Pearl Verzoza, vice president of business development Michael Casper and associate director of customer experience Tara Engler led the Newhouse students on a venue tour and shared their experiences in experiential entertainment. (Photo courtesy of Adam Peruta).


Doula Care Could Help Expectant and New Mothers – if More Knew About it

Read more about the latest episode of the “Newhouse Impact” podcast and listen to the show.

Doula care can provide both medical and mental health assistance for new and expectant mothers. Such care is often in addition to doctors’ visits and hospital births. Advocates say it leads to better outcomes for both mother and child, but research shows a majority of people don’t know what it is and that it’s available. Newhouse research into Black mothers and doulas adds that if people know about the care, around two-thirds have a favorable view. Better messaging to women, ideally at the point of other health care, could help.

On this episode of Newhouse Impact, Bryce Whitwam, a doctoral candidate at the Newhouse School of Public Communications, shares his examination of the issue. We also hear from SeQuoia Kemp, founder of Doula 4 a Queen, and a trained nurse. They discuss the value of doula care, the cultural barriers it can help ease and why more people don’t know about it.

Whitwam’s research paper, “Delivering Change: The Diffusion of Doula Care in Black American Communities,” was awarded the top student paper in the Health Communication Division by the International Communication Association (ICA) in 2024.

Eight Newhouse Students, Pixels & Print Team, Honored at GDUSA Design Awards 

Eight Newhouse School students have been honored in the annual Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) Design Annual Showcase, winning awards for projects that reflect graphic design’s influence in shaping and serving commerce and culture. The projects were completed in a final capstone course during the students’ senior year.

The team of designers who participated in the 2024 Pixels & Print project at the Newhouse School was also recognized in the professional category of Designing for Good. Pixels & Print is an intensive, 48-hour workshop in which students, faculty and staff collaborate with professionals in the industry on a design makeover for a deserving organization. Last year’s client was The Baldwin Fund, which took on a $50 million campaign initiative to raise money for cancer research and establish a National Cancer Institute in Syracuse. 

The winning entry included a new logo for The Baldwin Fund, motion graphics, banners, branded items such as T shirts and tote bags, and a refreshed website.  

The following projects created by Newhouse students also won awards, which were announced in January. The competition included more than 8,000 submissions; only the top 10% of entries are selected as winners.  

“This is graphic design harnessed to effectively crystallize and express the essence of organizations, companies, brands, products, services, cultures [and] causes,” GDUSA said in its awards announcement

Celebrate the Year of the Snake With Lunar New Year Events on Campus

While many people here in the U.S. celebrated the start of a new year when the Gregorian calendar flipped from Dec. 31 to Jan. 1, as many as 2 billion people from Asian cultures around the globe will begin to observe the Lunar New Year—also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival—this week.

Students enjoy the 2024 Orange After Dark/Center for International Services Celebration

On Jan. 29, we bid farewell to the Year of the Dragon and usher in the Year of the Snake, which, according to the Chinese Zodiac, represents harvest, spirituality and good fortune. Lunar New Year celebrations last up to 15 days and include such various customs as gathering with family, preparing traditional foods, artistic performances and the gifting of red envelopes to pass on good fortune and blessings to the younger generations.

For international students on campus looking for a taste of home or for anyone who simply wants to celebrate a new beginning based on the lunar calendar, check out the following selection of Lunar New Year events being held on campus, including at the Newhouse School.

Tuesday, Jan. 28—Asian American Journalists Association Celebration

The Asian American Journalists Association will hold a Lunar New Year Celebration in Newhouse 1 Room 303 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. There will be fun activities, delicious food and an amazing night planned for all!

Wednesday, Jan. 29: Newhouse International Students Association Tabling Event

The Newhouse International Students Association will host a tabling event in food.com, located on the second floor of Newhouse 3, from noon to 1 pm. Stop by to get your lucky red envelope and Asian treats to celebrate the Year of the Snake.

The Modern Communications Professional: Beyond Content Creation

Anne Kosanke
Anne Kosanke

“What are you going to do with a communications degree?”

This is a question that follows graduate students in communications almost everywhere, posed by well-meaning friends, curious family members and strangers simply inquiring about your life. Though well intentioned, the question reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the evolving landscape of modern communication and its critical role in today’s digital world.  

If you are like me and sometimes don’t know how to answer the question, here is some perspective on why advanced communications expertise isn’t just valuable—it’s increasingly essential in an interconnected world where strategic messaging and digital engagement drive organizational success, shape public discourse and influence decision-making at every level. We are not merely content creators—we are strategic architects of understanding, bridges between ideas and audiences and navigators of increasingly complex digital landscapes. 

Today’s communications experts wear multiple hats, each more valuable than the last. We are: 

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into communications should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a threat. Advanced degree holders in communications are uniquely positioned to understand both the capabilities and limitations of AI tools, maintain essential human oversight in communication strategies, bridge the gap between technological capabilities and human needs and guide organizations in maintaining authenticity while leveraging AI efficiency. 

Carrie Welch, a public relations adjunct professor at Newhouse, offered valuable insight: “Much of my research centers on how we not only have to learn how to use AI tools effectively but also practice responsible AI. That means understanding the datasets and how the models are built so we can act as “humans in the loop” who mitigate biases in the systems and step in to fix or adapt the AI when needed.” 

She continued, “As we as communication professionals learn to work with AI, I think we may start treating it more like a coworker—one that needs training, updating and maybe even mentorship. I reconcile it by centering my work in data feminism and mitigating bias to make sure these tools are the best they can be for everyone.” 

What sets communications professionals apart—and what cannot be replicated by AI— are distinctly human capabilities that include emotional intelligence, cultural fluency, ethical decision-making and strategic vision. We excel at reading between the lines, understanding unspoken concerns and navigating complex interpersonal dynamics. We possess the ability to understand and adapt to cultural nuances, ensuring messages resonate across diverse audiences.  

Speaking about Newhouse specifically, Welch emphasized the program’s practical approach. 

“In communications, everyone knows Newhouse, and this program excels at providing actual, real-world practice. In writing classes, we write pieces that become op-eds or white papers worthy of portfolio inclusion. In research classes, we work on behalf of clients to provide insights from both industry and academic perspectives they could not otherwise access. And in my campaigns classes, we get to put it all together and execute creative campaigns for real clients. It’s thrilling to see students implement this work together,” Welch explained.  

“With the range that Newhouse spans, it’s incredible what this program provides,” she added. 

The communications field is evolving rapidly, but its fundamental importance remains constant. As technology advances, the need for skilled communicators only grows stronger. The future belongs to those who can harness both the efficiency of AI and the irreplaceable power of human connection. 

For more perspectives on AI in communications, read “Adapting to AI” or listen to the “Newhouse Impact” podcast episodes “How concerned should you be about AI-generated content in media and communications?” and “AI: Tools, not a Takeover.” Or visit the page “AI and Newhouse: Innovation in Action.”

Anne Kosanke is a graduate student in the public diplomacy and global communications program at the Newhouse School.