Brian Champagne

Brian Champagne is a Professor of Professional Practice in the Department of Journalism & Communication at Utah State University, part of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. He teaches courses including Writing for Electronic Media, Documentary Production, Multimedia Journalism, and Student Newscast, drawing on over two decades of professional broadcast experience in California and Utah.

His educational background includes an MA in Communications from the University of the Pacific (1999) and a BA in Communications from California State University, Bakersfield (1990). Prior to academia, he worked in multiple television markets and spent ten years at KUTV, covering news and producing freelance video projects.

Champagne's research interests center on Visual Communication, particularly how video conveys meaning through the interplay of words, images, and editing techniques. Though he identifies his academic research as minimal due to his practitioner role, his creative and pedagogical work emphasizes multimedia storytelling, broadcast production, and journalistic ethics.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong trend in local broadcast journalism, covering crime, community events, human interest stories, public health, and university initiatives. These works demonstrate consistent engagement with visual storytelling, public service reporting, and multimedia documentation across television platforms.

Scientific and Professional Awards:

• Clifford Cheney Service to Journalism Award, 2022 – Society of Professional Journalists
• Radio: Business / Consumer 1st Place, 2023 – Utah Headliners SPJ
• Television: Editing 3rd Place – Grinch Truck, 2023 – Utah Headliners SPJ
• Best Radio Reporter – First Place, 2021 – Utah Public Radio
• Student Production Award, 2017 & 2016 – National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
• Regional Emmy Nominee, 2008 – NATAS Rocky Mountain Region
• Multiple SPJ and Utah Association of Broadcasters awards since 1996

Brian Champagne has advised numerous student productions and contributes to professional broadcast standards through mentorship and industry engagement. While no formal grants are listed, his award-winning work and ongoing freelance projects suggest sustained funding through professional contracts and institutional support. His creative works include political videos, conference promotions, and public awareness campaigns, indicating active collaboration with academic and civic organizations. There is no mention of labs or research teams, but his role in student newscast and documentary production implies leadership in hands-on media training environments.