Telling Today's Stories
If you’re a storyteller with a knack for digital creation, you’re going to love Ashland University’s Journalism and Digital Media Department. It houses the only fully integrated media program in the state of Ohio.
We are a nationally-recognized, converged media department that offers experiential learning in four collegiate award-winning co-curricular media operations.
In this department, you’ll immerse yourself in print, web, social media, radio and television content creation using the latest digital and software tools.
Here, you will:
- Learn from award-winning faculty who have impressive backgrounds in news, sports and entertainment media
- Get hands-on storytelling experiences from Ashland’s multi-award-winning student print and digital newspaper, radio station, video streaming channel and television station
- Gain invaluable professional experience from one of the department’s internship opportunities
The Journalism and Digital Media Department is designed to prepare you to become a successful reporter, writer, producer, digital content developer, videographer, storyteller, podcaster, program host and editor. Our graduates have a more than 90% placement in media professions within a year of graduation.
AU Media Outlets
The Collegian
Get involved in Ashland’s multi-award-winning student newspaper, The Collegian, written and edited entirely by students.
WRDL
Join WRDL, a radio station owned and operated by Ashland University, and the only radio station located within the city limits of Ashland.
AUTV
Get involved in the award-winning, student-run AUTV, Ashland’s only television station.
JDM Streaming
JDM Streaming is a live broadcasting service that hosts Ashland University sporting events, commencements and AUTV programs that are produced by the Journalism and Digital Media Department.
Dean's Scholarship
The Dean's Scholarship is for new first-time and transfer students enrolled in Journalism and Digital Media.
Benefits include a merit-based, renewable scholarship of $1,500 "stacked" on top of other merit awards received. Recipients also participate in unique academic communities created around engagement with faculty and a focus on career coaching and preparation.
To qualify, applicants must have a minimum high school or transfer GPA of 3.5. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years with a GPA of 3.0.
Scholarship Sponsor: Derek Wood (dwood12@theabsolutelongestwebdomainnameinthewholegoddamnfuckinguniverse.com)
Application Criteria: After admissions to Ashland University, you will receive a link to access the scholarship application within the student portal. Complete the application, essay and interview.
Renewal Criteria: AU GPA of 3.00 or greater and maintain Journalism and Digital Media Major
Application Deadline: The review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until all scholarships have been awarded. The deadline for priority consideration is March 1.
After you apply for admission to Ashland University and are admitted to the Journalism and Digital Media program, you can apply for the Dean's scholarship. You will receive a link to access the application within the student portal.
Awards and Accomplishments
2023:
- Best Web Site (Ohio News Media Association)
- Best Sports Coverage Staff (ONMA)
Cade Cracas, MacKenzie Pflum, Ben Voelker, Ellie Lohr, Ethan Jenkins - Best Headline Writing (ONMA)
Katelyn Meeks
2022:
- Best College Newspaper (American Scholastic Media Association)
2019:
- First place in Arts and Entertainment/Feature Writing (ONMA)
- State finalist in Design (ONMA)
- State finalist in Photojournalism (ONMA)
2018:
- State finalist in Design (ONMA)
- State finalist in Photojournalism (ONMA)
- State finalist in Sports Coverage (ONMA)
2024:
- Finalist Best Morning Show (Intercollegiate Broadcasting System)
The Early Bird’s Word - Nick Stupka, Sean Repuyan, Anthony Marchetta - Finalist Best Newscast (IBS)
News In 90 - Sean Repuyan - Finalist Best Liner/Sweeper (IBS)
Morning Show Worm - Nick Stupka
2023:
- Golden Slipmat Award (College Radio Foundation)
Vinylthon 2023
2022:
- Three national finalist awards (IBS)
- Golden Slipmat Award (CRF)
2021:
- Two national finalist awards (IBS)
- First Place in Best Video for Radio (IBS)
- Golden Slipmat Award (CRF)
2019:
- Two national finalist awards (IBS)
- Golden Slipmat Award (CRF)
2018:
- Three national finalist awards (IBS)
- Golden Slipmat Award (CRF)
2024:
- Finalist Best College/University Television Station (Intercollegiate Broadcasting System)
3rd Year in a row—top 5 finish - Finalist Best Newscast (IBS)
Good Afternoon Ashland - Ethan Jenkins, Gage Eldridge, Kyle Doershuk, Brynn Meisse, Katelyn Meeks, William Currier, Cade Cracas, Lauren Gulden, Ella Cummins - Finalist Best Sports Report (IBS)
Sports Break - Jordan Hiles, Eleanor Lohr, Cade Cracas, Sean Repuyan
2023:
- Finalist Best College/University Television Station (IBS)
2nd year in a row—top 5 finish
2022:
- Two national finalist awards, including Best College TV Station (IBS)
- First place in Best TV Sports Report (IBS)
2021:
- First place in Best TV Talk Show (IBS)
2020:
- Three national finalist awards (IBS)
2019:
- Three national finalist awards (IBS)
2018:
- Four national finalist awards (IBS)
- One first place award (IBS)