The Founding Fathers believed journalism so important that they created special protections for the press in the Constitution of the United States. They knew “the People” would need accurate information if democracy were to survive. We continue to take that role seriously.

At Franklin, you will learn in the classroom how to write a story, take a picture, shoot a video, design a page or record an audio track — and then you quickly will be given the chance to do so in front of an audience that numbers in the hundreds of thousands.

Download the Multimedia Journalism Major Handout (PDF)

Download the Sports Communication Major Handout (PDF)

Departmental Highlights

Why do students choose multimedia journalism at Franklin College?

Multimedia journalism majors put theory into practice as part of the Pulliam School of Journalism’s DNA.

• MMJ majors build solid skills in interviewing, reporting, research and editing.
• MMJ majors work with photography, videography and graphic design software.
• MMJ majors develop soft skills valued by employers by working at TheStatehouseFile.com.
• MMJ majors develop the ability to think critically and to apply ethical and legal standards to their work.

Multimedia journalism majors work closely with faculty and staff.

• MMJ lab courses are limited to 18 students.
• Faculty invite MMJ students to work on a variety of special projects (i.e., live streaming of political debates, the creation of video documentaries with WFYI in Indianapolis, assisting local stations with election night coverage.)
• Faculty maintain strong relationships with alumni and often provide networking opportunities for former and current students.

Multimedia journalism majors make connections between the liberal arts and career preparation.

• MMJ reporters rarely cover journalism, rather they must be prepared to cover a wide range of topics on a daily basis. Journalists will make use of their studies in psychology, religion, politics and history (just to name a few) while reporting the stories the audience needs to know.
• MMJ majors have crafted careers in television, graphic design, newspaper reporting, videography and photography. Still others have chosen to attend graduate school, become attorneys, work in sports information or enter into a sales career. The skills needed by the working press, gathering information, analyzing its impact, considering critically its value and communicating that information to others has proven to be of use in many career fields.

Special Programs

TheStatehouseFile.com is a semester-long opportunity for students to use skills developed in the classroom for the real world to see. Students spend 15 weeks covering a wide range of stories from the state capitol building in downtown Indianapolis. We use the daily practice of covering stories from the Statehouse to develop skills that every reporter uses on a daily basis, no matter what the focus. Students will be guided through the process of deciding: what makes a story important and to whom, who needs to be heard in the story and why, what quotes speak to the story best, how to develop and write news stories ethically and accurately, 

Student Comments

“The professors at the Pulliam School of Journalism make all the difference. Franklin College is blessed with gifted and accomplished folks that let students learn in a manner that prepares them for the world ahead” – Aaron Hommell, Class of 2011, Attorney at Law

“Studying journalism at Franklin College gave me the opportunity to learn real-world skills from the very beginning of my freshman year. From there, the staff helped open doors for me to great internships and opportunities and those experiences led me to where I am today. It means a lot to know I will always have the support of my Franklin journalism family.” – Lauren Casey, Class of 2013, Morning Anchor WRTV 6 Indianapolis

“The skills I learned while studying journalism at Franklin College are the foundation from which I approach my work each and every day. My time at Franklin prepared me to report, edit, market, communicate and advocate effectively.” – Molly Flurry, Class of 2006, Attorney at Law Parrish, Snead, Franklin & Simpson Fredericksburg, Virginia

“I came to Franklin College wanting to be a professional writer, and left with the skills to make it happen. The journalism program helped make my dream a reality. ” – Travis Braun Class of 2010, Writer/Executive Producer, Disney Channel