Mission and Goals

The Edward R. Murrow Collaborative for Media & Health Promotion Research in the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University examines how individuals and health professionals use media most effectively to facilitate informed and healthy decisions. The Collaborative facilitates multi-methodological communication science research across a full range of media platforms to examine how to improve the quality of life and mitigate the effects of misinformation.

Our work addresses the DHHS National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy, which is based on the principles that (1) everyone has the right to health information that helps them make informed decisions and (2) health services should be delivered in ways that are understandable and beneficial to health, longevity, and quality of life.

Interdisciplinary Group of Scholars

The Murrow Collaborative brings together a dynamic team of faculty and students from Communication, Prevention Science, Human Development, Education, and Nutrition. The success of the Murrow Collaborative scholarship has recognized faculty and students as national leaders, and they have earned top rankings from the Communication Institute for their Scholarship, which focuses on groundbreaking research in advertising effects, substance abuse prevention, and media literacy. They are also part of a prestigious top-10 communication program, excelling in research on media effects on children, health behaviors, media, and sexuality. Beyond accolades, our faculty have secured numerous federal, state, and private grants, fueling their innovative research and contributions to the field.

Research Training Collaborative for Students

Our graduate students thrive in a dynamic, hands-on research training environment, guided by dedicated mentors who prepare them for success in research-intensive academic or industry roles. Regular interactions with collaborative faculty provide invaluable insights into the research process. By engaging in diverse research projects, students acquire practical research skills that are highly valued in both academic and professional sectors. Additionally, many graduate students coauthor conference papers and peer-reviewed journal articles with expert faculty, enhancing their professional credentials and contributing to their fields.

Description of Focus Areas

The Collaborative emphasizes the multifaceted nature of wellness, encompassing physiological, linguistic, and behavioral aspects of communication and response. Projects examine how individuals use media sources, platforms, and content in decision-making; how practitioners can optimize health promotion efforts; and how individuals and practitioners facilitate engaged and healthy communities. Focus areas include

• Media Literacy (digital, information, health, science, entertainment, news)
• Substance Abuse Prevention
• Sexual Health and Sexual Assault Prevention
• Civic and Political Engagement
• Nutrition Promotion
• Uses and Effects of Digital Media
• Environmental Communication
• Improve the Well-Being of Adults, Youth, and Underrepresented Populations