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Samara Sit
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David Karpf and William Youmans to Join Faculty of the George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs

Experts in Online Political Advocacy, Global Communication to begin August 1

WASHINGTON – The George Washington University's School of Media and Public Affairs (SMPA) announces the addition of two new full-time members—an expert in online political advocacy and an expert in global communication—to its distinguished faculty.  David Karpf and William Youmans will join SMPA this fall, where they will share their academic specialties with students and faculty as assistant professors.

"The School of Media and Public Affairs is delighted to welcome two extremely gifted scholars to its faculty," SMPA Director Frank Sesno said of Karpf and Youmans. "Their wealth of unique media expertise and cutting-edge scholarly research in the fields of online advocacy and global communication will contribute to the internationally recognized reputation of our scholarship and enhance the scope of our academic offerings.”

David Karpf comes to the School of Media and Public Affairs from Rutgers University’s School of Communication and Information.  His research explores the effects of the internet on political advocacy, with a particular focus on the new political economy of internet-mediated organizations like MoveOn.org, Democracy for America, and the DailyKos blogging community.  He recently published his first book, The MoveOn Effect: The Unexpected Transformation of American Political Advocacy, which explores how modern advocacy groups have utilized the internet to pioneer new organizational tactics, fundraising tools, and membership engagement strategies.  Karpf earned his PhD in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009.

“The School of Media and Public Affairs is arguably the strongest political communication program in the country, and it will be a privilege to join its faculty,” said Karpf.  “Not only will I be able to harness the insights of some of the brightest minds in the field, but the school’s proximity to the political advocacy organizations that I study will allow me to greatly expand my research.”

William Youmans, who specializes in global communication, media law, and Middle Eastern politics and society, will bring an international perspective to the School of Media and Public Affairs.  He comes to SMPA from the University of Michigan, where he was a PhD candidate in Communications Studies.  Prior to his doctoral studies, Youman earned a juris doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley. His most recent work explores Al Jazeera English and international broadcasting aimed at Arab populations.  Youmans’ previous writings have been published in the Journal of Communication, the UCLA Journal of Islamic and Near Eastern Law, the Middle East Journal of Culture and Communication, and Arab Media & Society.

“The School of Media and Public Affairs has such a dynamic mix of theory and practice.  No other place brings together such sharp practitioners and experienced thinkers,” said Youmans.  “The students are very engaged and the faculty is incredibly well-respected; many current faculty members figured prominently in bibliographies throughout my academic career.  I look forward to participating in many fascinating intellectual exchanges in the future.”

The School of Media and Public Affairs is dedicated to the rigorous study of journalism and political communication with a focus on understanding the impact media have on how societies inform and govern, connect and communicate. As media undergo transformational change, SMPA’s goal is to advance both theoretical insight and innovative practice. SMPA conducts ground-breaking research, offers inspiring teaching, encourages hands-on work in the field and in our production facilities and engages directly with thought-leaders in Washington, D.C. and around the world.

To learn more about GW's School of Media and Public Affairs, visit smpa.gwu.edu or follow SMPA on Twitter.