Rebecca M. Haggerty

Rebecca M. Haggerty is a Professor of Professional Practice of Journalism and Associate Director of the Journalism (BA) program at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. She holds a doctorate in education, focusing on hands-on learning, creativity, and motivation. Her research emphasizes journalism’s role in civic society, innovation in media education, and bridging gaps between journalism schools and industry.

Key affiliations include:

• Director of Video and Multimedia at USC Annenberg’s Media Center
• Recipient of national and local Emmy Awards and the Knight International Press Fellowship
• Designed interdisciplinary courses like 'Drugs and the Media' (with the School of Pharmacy), funded by a Provost’s Interdisciplinary Teaching Grant

Research interests:
Dr. Haggerty explores how technology (e.g., chatbots for copy-editing) and pedagogy can enhance journalism education. She advocates for inclusive journalism practices and supports rural news ecosystems through initiatives like the Rural Reporting Initiative. Her work critiques institutional challenges in media while promoting innovation in digital storytelling.

Grants and Collaborations:

• Interdisciplinary Teaching Grant for 'Drugs and the Media' course
• Rural Reporting Initiative partnerships with local news outlets

Lab/Team Leadership:
Oversees experimental units in the USC Annenberg Media Center, modernizing student newsrooms via social media and mobile platforms. Co-created a two-week intensive course pairing students with rural news organizations.