Michael Fuhlhage

Dr. Michael Fuhlhage is an Associate Professor in the Department of Journalism at Wayne State University, where he has been a faculty member since 2014. His expertise lies in the cultural history of journalism and media, with a focus on issues of race, immigration, and historical media ecosystems.

• Ph.D. in Mass Communication, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• M.A. in Journalism, University of Missouri-Columbia
• B.S.J. in News-Editorial Journalism, University of Kansas

Fuhlhage’s research explores how 19th-century newsgathering practices influenced the portrayal of minorities, including Mexicans and Latinos, and examines contemporary media coverage of immigration. His work bridges historical analysis with modern media ethics.

Recent publications highlight his focus on historical media bias, such as the portrayal of Mexican Americans during the Civil War and newspapers’ apologies for systemic racism. He co-founded the WSU Communication History Research Gang in 2016, which investigates historical news ecosystems like the Fugitive Slave Act coverage in Detroit.

Scientific Awards:

• 2020 National Award for Excellence in Teaching, American Journalism Historians Association

Fuhlhage mentors graduate students in media history projects and teaches courses in News Reporting, Feature Writing, and the History of Journalism. His professional background includes editorial roles at major U.S. news outlets like the Des Moines Register and Lawrence Journal-World.