Jane Hall

Jane Hall is an associate professor in the School of Communication at American University in Washington, D.C., specializing in the intersection of media and politics. She is the author of the acclaimed book Politics and the Media: Intersections and New Directions (2021) and a former award-winning journalist with the Los Angeles Times.

Her educational background includes:

• BA in English (minor in Journalism) from the University of Texas at Austin
• MS in Journalism from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism

Professor Hall's research focuses on the dynamic relationship between media and politics, with particular emphasis on media ethics, the role of young people in politics and media, and the impact of social media on democratic processes. Her work explores critical issues such as race, immigration, women's representation, and media globalization in the contemporary media landscape.

Her scholarly output, including her influential 2021 book and collaborative student projects like College Vote '08, demonstrates a consistent commitment to examining how media shapes political discourse and civic engagement, especially among youth. These works highlight interdisciplinary approaches bridging political science, media studies, and journalism.

Her notable awards include:

• Pulitzer Prize finalist (Los Angeles Times)
• Los Angeles Times Editor's Award
• Los Angeles Press Club Award
• Phi Beta Kappa membership
• Professor of the Year (awarded twice by AU student government)

Professor Hall is deeply committed to student mentorship, having overseen numerous student-led journalism projects published in major outlets like The Washington Post and WAMU radio. She serves as the moderator and executive producer of the American Forum series, connecting students with prominent figures for civic dialogue. Her grant history includes a Curriculum Development Award (2008-2009), a Research Award (2006-2008), and a Knight Foundation grant on diversity in journalism education.

Through the American Forum, she has built a significant platform for experiential learning, featuring interviews with newsmakers such as Anderson Cooper, Bernie Sanders, and January 6 police officers, broadcast on NBC, C-SPAN, and WAMU.