ELIA POWERS, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Journalism
Towson University
Department of Mass Communication
Media Center Room 114 Towson, MD 21252
EDUCATION
2014 Ph.D., Journalism Studies, University of Maryland, College Park
2010 M.A., American Culture Studies, Washington University in St. Louis
2003 B.S., Medill School of Journalism, Northwestern University
TEACHING
Positions
2020-Present Associate Professor, Towson University, Department of Mass Communication
2015-2020 Assistant Professor, Towson University, Department of Mass Communication
2014-2015 Visiting Assistant Professor, Towson University, Deptartment of Mass Communication
2011-2014 Instructor, University of Maryland, Philip Merrill College of Journalism
2010-2011 Teaching Assistant, University of Maryland, Philip Merrill College of Journalism
Courses Taught
MCOM651: Media & Politics (Towson University)
MCOM632: Qualitative Research Methods in Communication (Towson University)
MCOM477: Self-Presentation from TV to TikTok
MCOM407: Multimedia Reporting Capstone (Towson University)
MCOM402: Sports Journalism (Towson University)
MCOM 390: Mass Communication Research (Towson University)
MCOM 380: Podcasting (Towson University)
MCOM371: Media Audiences & Analytics (Towson University)
MCOM358: News Editing (Towson University)
MCOM356: Feature Writing (Towson University)
TSEM102: Media Literacy (Towson University)
JOUR300: Journalism Ethics (University of Maryland)
JOUR200: Journalism History (University of Maryland)
JOUR201: News Writing & Reporting (University of Maryland)
RESEARCH
My research focuses primarily on self-presentation in broadcasting and podcasting, audience perceptions of news presenters, and relational trust in journalism. I also study how news organizations can assess their civic impact and promote their relevance.
Book
Powers, E. (2024). Performing the news: Identity, authority, and the myth of neutrality (Rutgers University Press)
Book Chapters
Powers, E. (2019). Selecting metrics, reflecting norms: How journalists in local newsrooms define, measure, and discuss impact. In M. Carlson (Ed.), Measurable journalism: Digital platforms, news metrics and the quantified audience – 1st edition. New York: Routledge.
Konieczna, M., & Powers, E. (2018). What can nonprofit journalists actually do for democracy? In S.A. Eldridge II & B. Franklin (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of developments in digital journalism studies (pp. 198-210) Routledge.
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
Powers, E. (2025). “More than ‘just advisers’: How consultants’ audience-centered approach shaped self-presentation in TV News. American Journalism (accepted for publication).
Powers, E., Arif, R., Fedner, M., Conahan, E., & Ezechukwu, A.(2025). “A starting point and a crutch”: Student and faculty perceptions of generative AI. Teaching Journalism & Mass Communication, 15(1), 2-12.
Powers, E. (2024). “Standard” appearance and “accentless” speech: How performance neutrality limits diversity in broadcast journalism. Electronic News, 18(4), 196-212.
Jenkins, J., & Powers, E. (2023). Listening, reflecting, & protecting: Empathy as a priority for local journalists covering marginalized communities. Journalism Practice (online first).
Powers, E. (2021). Seeking ‘skilled, poised, fluent’ verbal communicators: Aesthetic labor and signaling in journalism job advertisements. Newspaper Research Journal, 42(1), 12-28.
Powers, E. (2020). The journalist’s speech: A phenomenological study of stuttering in the newsroom. Journalism Studies, 21(9), 1243-1260.
Powers, E., Koliska, M., & Guha, P. (2019). “Shouting matches and echo chambers”: Perceived identity threats and political self-censorship on social media. International Journal of Communication, 13, 3630-3649.
Powers, E., & Curry, A. (2019). No quick fix: How journalists assess the impact and define the boundaries of solutions journalism. Journalism Studies, 20(15), 2237-2257.
Powers, E. (2019). How students access, filter, and evaluate digital news: Choices that shape what they consume and the implications for news literacy education. Journal of Literacy and Technology, 20(3), 2-44.
Powers, E. (2018). Selecting metrics, reflecting norms: How journalists in local newsrooms define, measure, and discuss impact. Digital Journalism, 6(4), 454-471.
Powers, E. (2017). My News Feed is filtered? Awareness of news personalization among college students. Digital Journalism, 5(10), 1315-1335.
Powers, E., & Haller, B. (2017). Journalism and mass communication textbook representations of verbal media skills: Implications for students with speech disabilities. Journal of Media Literacy Education, 9(2).
Konieczna, M., & Powers, E. (2016). What can nonprofit journalists actually do for democracy? Journalism Studies, 17(3), 1-17.
Powers, E. & Incollingo, J. (2016). Multimedia journalism professors on an island: Resources, support lacking at small programs. Teaching Journalism & Mass Communication, 6(1), 1-17.
Powers, E., & Koliska, M. (2016). Placing trust in others: How college students find news, determine credibility, and develop their views of journalism in the digital age. Journalism Education, 5(1), 105-122.
Powers, E., Moeller, S., & Yuan, Y. (2016). Political engagement during a presidential election year: A case study of media literacy students. Journal of Media Literacy Education, 8(1), 1-13.
Yaros, R., Roberts, J., Powers, E., & Steiner, L. (2015). Serving the needs of the Latina community for health information. Health, Culture and Society, 8(1), 20-33.
Powers, E., Moeller, S., & Yuan, Y. (2014). The push and pull of politics: How media literacy students sign up for, stumble upon, and seek out news at election time. Journal of Digital and Media Literacy, 2(2).
Powers, E. (2014). Building buzz and episodes with bite-sized content: Portlandia’s formula for turning a video project into a television series. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 58(3), 342-364.
Yaros, R., Powers, E., & Oh, S. (2014). Incorrect terms used to portray possible cell phone risk. Newspaper Research Journal, 35(1), 96-107.
Powers, E., & Yaros, R. (2013). Cultivating support for nonprofit news organizations: Commitment, trust, and donating audiences. Journal of Communication Management, 17(2), 157-170.
Powers, E., & Yaros, R. (2012). Supporting online nonprofit news organizations: Do financial contributions influence stakeholder expectations and engagement? Journal of Media Business Studies, 9(3), 41-62.
Moeller, S., Powers, E., & Roberts, J. (2012). “The world unplugged and 24 hours without media”: Media literacy to develop self-awareness regarding media use. Comunicar: Scientific Journal of Media Education, 39, 45-52.
Peer-Reviewed Conference Papers
Powers, E. (2025). Emoting with the Friends of the Pod: How podcasters make space for listeners to process politics. Paper presented at the annual AEJMC conference, San Francisco, CA.
Powers, E., Levine, Z., Al Mahfuth, A., McLaughlin-Steele, T., & Arif, R. (2025). The generative AI dilemma: How media professionals work with new technologies and cope with job insecurity. Paper presented at the annual AEJMC conference, San Francisco, CA.
Powers, E. (2025). My own customized news presenter: What young audiences consider when creating an AI avatar.” Paper presented at the annual Broadcast Education Association conference, Las Vegas, NV.
Powers, E. (2024). “Professionally competent and personally warm”: How consultants characterized the ideal newscaster and shaped television news. Paper presented at the annual AEJMC conference, Philadelphia, PA.
Powers, E., Arif, R., Fedner, M., Conahan, E., & Ezechukwu, A.(2024). “A starting point and a crutch”: Student and faculty perceptions of generative AI. Paper presented at the annual AEJMC conference, Philadelphia, PA.
Powers, E. (2023). “Standard” appearance and “accentless” speech: How notions of neutrality limit diversity in broadcast news. Paper presented at the annual AEJMC conference, Washington, D.C.
Powers, E. (2023). Distracting to whom? White normativity & imagined news audiences. Paper presented at the annual AEJMC conference, Washington, D.C.
Kirkman, R., Culli, L., & Powers, E. (2023). Workplace flexibility for whom? How communications job advertisements signal commitments, perks, and values. Paper presented at the annual AEJMC conference, Washington, D.C.
Brooks, A., Shelford, T., & Powers, E. (2023). How public speaking anxiety influences young adults’ career interests and plans. Paper presented at the annual AEJMC conference, Washington, D.C.
Jones, E., Haas, P., & Powers, E. (2023). Expressing identity through ink: Tattoo styles, self- expression, and personal branding. Paper presented at the annual AEJMC conference, Washington, D.C.
Powers, E., & Koliska, M. (2023). Influential voices outside the newsroom: How voice coaches maintain and challenge journalistic practices. Paper presented at the annual ICA conference, Toronto, Canada.
Koliska, M., & Powers, E. (2022). “Giving ourselves permission to be ourselves:” The struggle over the form of broadcast news presentation. Paper presented at the annual AEJMC conference, Detroit, MI.
Jenkins, J., & Powers, E. (2021). Engaging marginalized communities in the U.K.: A case study of Facebook’s community news project. Paper presented at the annual ICA conference (virtual).
Sussman, A., & Powers, E. (2021). A systematic review of media literacy interventions and the case for a logic-based debunking approach. Paper presented at the annual AEJMC conference (virtual).
Powers, E. (2020). Seeking ‘skilled, poised, fluent’ verbal communicators: Aesthetic labor and signaling in journalism job advertisements. Paper presented at the annual AEJMC conference (virtual).
Powers, E., & Curry, A. (2018). No quick fix: How journalists assess the impact and define the boundaries of solutions journalism. Paper presented at the annual AEJMC conference, Washington, D.C.
Powers, E. (2016). Searching in a state of automaticity: How students access, filter, and evaluate digital news. Paper presented at the annual AEJMC conference, Minneapolis, MN.
Konieczna, M., & Powers, E. (2015). Conceptualizing the impact of investigative journalism: How a prominent journalistic nonprofit talks about its work. Paper presented at annual AEJMC. conference, San Francisco, CA.
Powers, E., & Incollingo, J. (2013). Multimedia journalism professors on an island: Resources, support lacking at small programs. Paper presented at the annual AEJMC conference, Washington, D.C. — Third Place, Small Programs Interest Group Division.
Yaros, R., Roberts, J., Powers, E., & Steiner, L. (2013). Serving the needs of the Latina community for health information. Paper presented at the annual AEJMC conference, Washington D.C.
Powers, E. (2012). From creative project to network series: Portlandia tracks the music industry into the age of digital media. Paper presented at the annual AEJMC conference, Chicago IL.
Powers, E., & Koliska, M. (2012). Seeing the world through a filter: How college students place trust in others to find news, determine credibility and shape their views of journalism in the digital age. Paper presented at the annual AEJMC conference, Chicago, IL.
Yaros, R., & Powers, E. (2012). Reporting a new cancer risk: Analyzing the online coverage of the World Health Organization’s announcement about possible dangers of cell phone use. Paper presented at the annual AEJMC conference, Chicago, IL.
Conference Panels/Invited Speaking Engagements
2025 Organizer, “Helping Podcasting and Broadcasting Students Become Confident Communicators.” Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication annual conference, San Francisco, CA.
2025 Organizer, “Having Constructive Conversations with Journalists About Appearance and Vocal Presentation.” Broadcast Education Association annual conference, Las Vegas, NV.
2020 Organizer, “Listening before (and after) the story pitch: Teaching students about public-powered journalism.” Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) annual conference, San Francisco, CA (virtual).
2019 Presenter, “Crowdsourcing and the journalistic engagement practices matrix.” International Communication Association annual conference, Washington, D.C.
2019 Presenter, “Flipping the frame: Teaching students to produce solutions-oriented journalism.” National Association of Media Literacy Education bi-annual conference, Washington, D.C.
2018 Organizer of panel, “How journalists define, measure, and discuss impact.” Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) annual conference, Washington, D.C.
2017 Presenter, “How journalists define, measure, and discuss impact.” Online News Association annual conference, Washington D.C.
2016 Organizer of pre-conference session, “Teaching algorithmic transparency.” AEJMC annual conference, Minneapolis, MN.
2016 Panelist, “Preparing your students for a world of disability.” AEJMC annual conference, Minneapolis, MN.
2013 Organizer of panel, “Assessing media literacy: What skills and knowledge do students already possess and what are they learning in class?” 11th Annual Northeast Media Literacy Conference, University of Connecticut.
JOURNALISM EXPERIENCE
Podcast Reporter/Host/Producer
2019-Present PRX Exchange
Host and producer of Areas of Agreement, a podcast series about the urban-rural divide. Host and producer of individual podcasts that appear of PRX Exchange, the largest open audio distribution marketplace.
Contributing Writer
2015-2018 MediaShift, Washington, D.C.
Covered media industry and journalism education trends for national website. Topics included analytics, measuring impact, fake news, philanthropic giving to journalism, and journalism education.
2014-2017 Yahoo! Sports’ ThePostGame, Washington, D.C.
Wrote lead articles on how former college basketball players adjust to their professional basketball careers overseas, and how the award-winning Big Ten Network documentary series ‘The Journey’ captures the spirit of March Madness.
2013-2014 Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism, College Park, Md.
Chapter, “Jim Murray,” published in Still No Cheering in the Press Box, a series curated by the Povich Center that profiles prominent sports writers. Covered fallout from the scandal involving disgraced former Clippers owner Donald Sterling.
2012-2013 American Journalism Review, College Park, Md.
Wrote about media trends for national website. Topics included coverage of third- party candidates, future of sports journalism, and journalism education.
Staff Writer/Reporter
2008-2011 St. Louis Beacon (Now St. Louis Public Radio), St. Louis, Mo.
Covered politics, education, health, technology and other topics for a nonprofit news website. Wrote a news blog, “The Feed,” that targeted young readers, and produced podcasts and helped create videos that appeared on the website.
2006-2008 Inside Higher Ed, Washington, D.C.
Covered higher education issues for the national news website. Reported regularly on Congressional hearings and covered breaking news from campuses across the country. Developed, edited, and wrote the script for podcasts.
2005 The Daily Pilot, Costa Mesa, Calif.
Covered arts, education, politics, business, and health for a Los Angeles Times community newspaper covering Orange County.
2004 The Desert Sun, Palm Springs, Calif.
Wrote daily news and feature stories for regional newspaper. Topics included health, politics, and development and growth.
2003-2004 The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, Calif.
Covered high school sports and college events for the Times. Wrote feature stories for weekly newspaper insert, Campus Times.
Internships
2002 The Sporting News, St. Louis, Mo.
Wrote and edited articles that appeared in the national sports publication.
2002 Washingtonian Magazine, Washington D.C.
Wrote a feature story that appeared in the regional magazine; fact checked articles.
2001 WGN-TV, Chicago, Ill.
Logged and edited tape for the nightly sportscast.
MULTIMEDIA SKILLS
Data Journalism/Visualization: Certificate in Data-Driven Journalism from the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas. Excel, SPSS, Tableau, Google Maps & Google Earth, Google Data Studio, DocumentCloud, Census Reporter
Graphics/Design: Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator, Canva
Video/Audio: Certificate in Multimedia Journalism Basics from the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas as the University of Texas. Adobe Premiere, Adobe Audition, Hindenburg.
Blogging Platforms: Blogger, WordPress, Medium, Weebly
Analytics: Google Analytics & Chartbeat
Programming: Basic HTML/CSS, JQuery
HONORS/AWARDS
2025 Broadcast Education Association connect competition, a member’s choice award for best submission for Performing the news: identity, authority, the myth of neutrality.
2025 Finalist, AEJMC-NED Grant for Innovative Research on the News Audience & News Engagement.
2023 & 2025 Towson University College of Fine Arts & Communication dean’s research award – funded research project on generative AI in media fields and the role of emotion in podcasting.
2020 Selected participant, Transom Traveling Workshops on audio journalism and podcasting, Seattle, Washington
2018 Selected participant, Solutions Journalism Educators Academy, University of Oregon
2017 Innovative journalism educator, part of MediaShift‘s EducationShift20 series on top faculty and practitioners
2014 Fellowship for top journalism studies Ph.D. student, Philip Merrill College of Journalism, University of Maryland, College Park
2013 Peer-reviewed conference paper, “Multimedia Journalism Professors on an Island: Resources, Support Lacking at Small Programs,” earned third place in AEJMC’s Small Program Interest Group Division
2012 Peer-reviewed conference paper, “Seeing the World Through a Filter: How College Students Place Trust in Others,” earned third place in the top student paper competition in AEJMC’s Mass Communication and Society division
2012 Distinguished teaching assistant, Center for Teaching Excellence, University of Maryland, College Park
2012 Thomas J. Aylward Scholarship, a merit-based award given to one doctoral student at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism
2011 Contributing writer to “The State of Hate,” a series on hate crimes that won first place in the comprehensive coverage or investigative journalism category by the American Jewish Press Association
SERVICE
Community
2021-2022 Member, Uniting for Action America program. Involved in a program run by the organization Urban-Rural Action intended to build new connections and find commonalities across divides, increase understanding of different perspectives on issues, strengthen skills for collaborating, and implement projects to strengthen communities. Organizer of an online town hall event on local news deserts (communities without access to quality local news).
Professional
2023-Present Reviewer, Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly
2021-Present Reviewer, Journalism Practice
2020-Present Reviewer, International Journal of Communication
2017-Present Reviewer, Journalism Studies
2016-Present Reviewer, Digital Journalism
2016-Present Reviewer, Journal of Media Literacy Education
2015-Present Reviewer, AEJMC & ICA conferences
2015-2017 Member, AEJMC Mass Communication & Society Midwinter Committee 2017 Mentor, AEJMC’s Newspaper & Online News Division mentorship program
Department
2025-present Chair, MCOM Day committee
2025-present Chair, MCOM sports concentration working group
2025-present Member, Towson University Communication Management Graduate Program master’s thesis, Lindsay Culli
2025-present Member, Towson University Communication Management Graduate Program master’s thesis, Tavon McLaughlin
2023-2024 Chair, Towson University Communication Management Graduate Program master’s thesis, Muhammad Waheed
2023-2024 Chair, Towson University Communication Management Graduate Program master’s thesis, Darius Beckford
2023-2024 Member, Towson University Communication Management Graduate Program master’s thesis, Aaliyah Brooks
2023 Member, Towson University Communication Management Graduate Program master’s thesis, Matt Mason
2022 Chair, Towson University Department of Mass Communication journalism lecturer search committee
2021-Present Member, Promotion, Tenure, Reappointment and Merit document review committee
2020-Present Member, Promotion, Tenure, & Reappointment committee
2019 Chair, Towson University Department of Mass Communication journalism/new media lecturer search committee
2019 Member, Towson University Department of Mass Communication lecturer review committee
2018-2019 Chair, Towson University Communication Management Graduate Program master’s thesis, Matthew Scales
2018-2019 Chair, Towson University Department of Mass Communication faculty training committee (brought speakers to campus to teach digital skills)
2018-Present Member, Towson University Department of Mass Communication working group on curriculum change (new course creation: Media Audiences & Analytics)
2017-2019 Member, Towson University Department of Mass Communication journalism/new media subcommittee on curriculum change (revising journalism/new media sequence)
2015-Present Journalism liaison, Towson University Department of Mass Communication curriculum committee (reviewing new courses)
2015-2018 Editor, Towson University Mass Communication website
2016-2017 Member, Towson University Department of Mass Communication public relations lecturer search committee
College
2024 Member, College of Fine Arts & Communication dean’s research award committee
2022-present Mentor, College of Fine Arts & Communication mentoring initiative
2022-2023, 2024 Member, College of Fine Arts & Communication Promotion, Tenure, & Reappointment committee
2012-2013 President, Merrill Graduate Students Association, Philip Merrill College of Journalism, University of Maryland, College Park
University
2023-present Member, Baltimore Student Media advisory board
2023-present Member, Towson University library advisory committee
2018-2021 Faculty adviser, Towson University Zeta Beta Tau fraternity
Elia Powers 