On March 15, B. and M.C. Shapiro Professor of Media and Public Affairs, Robert M. Entman, was awarded the International Communication Distinguished Scholar Award during the International Studies Association (ISA) Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
The International Communication Distinguished Scholar Award is given each year during the International Communication Section (ICOMM) of the ISA Conference. It is awarded to a scholar whose work has made important contributions to the field of International Communication in the context of international studies. Any member of the International Communication Section can nominate a scholar and an executive committee selects the winner.
“It was extremely gratifying to be recognized by my colleagues,” said Professor Entman, who accepted the award from friend and fellow SMPA Professor Steven Livingston
Professor Livingston, who also served on the executive committee, chaired the “ICOMM Distinguished Scholar Panel in Honor of Professor Robert M. Entman,” which included Entman’s fellow scholars and former students. The panelists spoke about his most notable academic works and his strong character.
“As scholars we sort of come to be identified with our work,” said Livingston. “But one of the themes that stood out in all of the comments was the fact that Bob is always a generous, gracious person, willing to give his time and attention to people.”
Various scholars, including SMPA Professor William Youmans, echoed the sentiment that Entman’s academic work is considered essential to the trajectory of communication studies and that the award was well deserved.
“His impact on the field is so significant that just one award does not seem adequate,” said Youmans.
During the preconference event, both Entman and Livingston delivered keynote addresses at that aligned with this year’s theme of Communication, Peace and Security in the 21st Century. Following his award, Entman delivered the introductory keynote at the first annual Conference in Scandal Studies at the University of Bamberg in Germany.