Written by Abigail Foster, student Department of Communication
The new chair of the Department of Communication, Dr. Stephen Kabah, says he is seeking to increase the number of Black journalists reporting for newsrooms in Huntsville.
Dr. Kabah, who began his role on July 1, has served the department as assistant professor and coordinator of the Communication Arts and Public Relations programs since 2021.
“I’m excited about this new role, and I’m committed to forging industry partnerships with the aim of increasing the number of Blacks reporting in newsrooms in Huntsville. These partnerships will serve as a pipeline for students of color to flow into the journalism field in this locale,” said Dr. Kabah.
As chair, he plans to foster a culture of continuous improvement, curiosity, and forward-thinking that prioritizes professional development across the department’s concentrations, including journalism, public relations, film and TV, communication arts, and graphic design. With the joint effort of faculty and students, he wants to align the curriculum and courses with industry standards by providing hands-on training that prepares each student for the working world. Dr. Kabah said the support of his colleagues, as well as University leadership, provides a stable environment for the department’s upward trajectory.
“Dr. Kabah brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role of department chair,” said Dr. Chandra Mountain, dean, School of Arts and Sciences.
Dr. Mountain said Dr. Kabah’s training in communication, marketing, digital media, and theology will bring a unique perspective to a department that operates on an ever-changing landscape.
Dr. Kabah earned his PhD in Communication from Regent University and has over 20 years of experience in academia, communication, business, and pastoral care.
As a scholar, he has presented numerous academic and scholarly papers at conferences such as the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), and the Broadcast Education Association (BEA). His primary area of research looks at the impact and effects of media on culture and society.
Dr. Kabah said he has identified an area of concern, the small number of Blacks in newsrooms nationally and locally.
According to a 2022 Pew Research Center survey of U.S. journalists, people of color are underrepresented in U.S. newsrooms. Just 6% of journalists are Black. Over half of all U.S. journalists (52%) say their news organization does not have enough diversity when it comes to race and ethnicity.
“The more diverse newsrooms are, [the better] prepared [they are] to tell the stories of the diverse voices represented in their communities,” said Kenny Anderson, director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the City of Huntsville.
Like Anderson, Susan Moore, assistant news director at WHNT News 19, said people of color have connections to important stories that may otherwise be overlooked. Viewers need to see themselves in on-air talent. It builds trust and a sense of connection.
“It’s also imperative that people of color are in leadership positions to ensure that decisions made at the executive level are not insensitive to marginalized groups of people,” said Moore.
And students will be better off for it.
“Having a partnership between the University and news stations in Huntsville is a great idea that will bring tremendous opportunities for students,” said Jemina Louis-Ferdinand, a recent graduate of the department.
During her senior year, Louis-Ferdinand interned at a local news station and this opportunity provided her with practical hands-on training.
Dr. Kabah said, when our students graduate, I want to see them seamlessly transition into jobs in their field of study.
In closing, Dr. Kabah requests the support of the Oakwood community at large. “I’m calling for prayer, support, and collaboration as we try to impact our students in the Department of Communication.”
Please join us in celebrating Dr. Stephen Kabah.