David Wolfgang

Dr. David Wolfgang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Journalism & Media Communication at Colorado State University (College of Liberal Arts). He specializes in journalism studies, media sociology, political communication, and qualitative research methods. His work examines journalist-audience relationships, online comment moderation, and media representation of minority groups. Wolfgang holds a Ph.D. and J.D. from the University of Missouri, along with a B.A. in Contemporary Media and Journalism from the University of South Dakota.

His research employs ethnography, interviews, and surveys to explore topics like public discourse structures, journalist role conceptions, and digital media ethics. Recent studies focus on how online comments impact journalistic practices and democratic engagement. Wolfgang has contributed to journals such as Journalism, Journalism Studies, and Digital Journalism, emphasizing the evolving role of journalists in digital spaces.

Wolfgang teaches courses on communication law, media sociology, and qualitative methods. His work bridges legal frameworks with contemporary media challenges, particularly in balancing open dialogue with professional journalistic standards.