John Affleck

John Affleck is a Professor and Knight Chair in Sports Journalism and Society at Pennsylvania State University, leading the Department of Journalism within the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. He also directs the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism, which emphasizes contemporary journalism practices including ethical reporting, multimedia storytelling, and global sports coverage. Affleck holds a Bachelor's from Notre Dame, a Postgraduate Diploma from the University of Dundee, and a Master's from Northwestern University.

His career includes 22 years at The Associated Press, where he managed national sports coverage and directed high-profile events like the Olympics and World Cup. At Penn State, he focuses on preparing journalists through real-world projects, such as student coverage of the Paralympics, Little League World Series, and international sports events. His awards include the 2015 Excellence in Teaching Award and a 2019 Alumni Association Teaching Fellowship.

Affleck advocates for innovation in sports media, addressing issues like sports betting, gender equity, and the business of sports. He advises the Penn State chapter of the Association for Women in Sports Media and collaborates on documentaries like 'Quiet Sundays,' which explored NFL fandom in England.