UROP Project
Mapping Modern Propaganda: Media Ownership and Political Influence
media studies, propaganda, political economy, journalism, democracy
Research Mentor: Jenae Thornberry, She They
Department, College, Affiliation: MAAPP, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: jmt20k@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Department, College, Affiliation: MAAPP, Social Sciences and Public Policy
Contact Email: jmt20k@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors; editing writing and media, political science, sociology, or media communication preferred.
Project Location: Remote
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors; editing writing and media, political science, sociology, or media communication preferred.
Project Location: Remote
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No, the project is remote Remote or In-person: Fully Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable
Project Description
This project investigates the relationship between media ownership and the dissemination of political messaging in the United States. Using a critical political economy framework, we will map media ownership networks and examine how these structures influence propaganda techniques and the framing of political narratives. The project includes case studies of both local and national news outlets. The goal is to contribute to the understanding of how ownership concentration shapes democratic discourse and public opinion.Research Tasks: Conduct literature reviews on media ownership, propaganda, and political economy
Collect data on media companies, ownership structures, and political affiliations
Perform content analysis of news media, political advertising, and public statements
Assist in mapping media ownership networks and creating visualizations
Organize research findings for presentations or reports
Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Basic research skills (library/database searches)
Recommended: Interest in media studies, political science, or journalism
Recommended: Willingness to learn content analysis and data visualization
Optional: Familiarity with tools like Excel, Canva, or social network mapping tools (we will train as needed)