Joy Jenkins

Joy Jenkins is an Associate Professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, University of Missouri, where she conducts research at the intersection of journalism, sociology, and digital media. She is also Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Magazine Media and a Research Associate at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, University of Oxford. Previously, she served on the faculty at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and worked as a senior editor at TulsaPeople magazine and copy editor at the Oklahoma Gazette.

• B.A. in Journalism, University of Oklahoma
• M.S. in Media Management, Oklahoma State University
• Ph.D. in Journalism, University of Missouri

Jenkins' research focuses on the sociological dimensions of journalism, particularly how local newsrooms adapt to digital environments, the impact of market pressures on public service roles, gender dynamics in media, and evolving journalistic identities. Her work emphasizes audience perceptions, community engagement, and the transformation of newsroom cultures in the digital age.

Her recent publications reveal a strong trend toward analyzing collaborative journalism, empathy in reporting, misinformation responses, and the role of trust in local and national news. These works span international contexts and examine how digital platforms reshape journalistic practices and public discourse.

• Multiple top-paper awards from AEJMC
• Multiple top-paper awards from ICA

Jenkins has advised numerous academic projects and contributes significantly to the scholarly community through editorial leadership and collaborative research. She has been a key contributor to the annual Reuters Digital News Report since 2018, providing critical insights into U.S. news consumption trends. Her work is supported by affiliations with leading research institutes and consistently presented at major academic conferences.

She is actively involved in research teams at the Reynolds Journalism Institute and contributes to interdisciplinary projects exploring news deserts, algorithmic curation, and public trust. Her teaching integrates real-world data and industry shifts, preparing students for evolving media landscapes.