The Broadcast Journalism Capstone Experience: An Updated Overview

This study updates the current state of Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC)-accredited journalism and mass communication broadcast capstone programs, building on the foundational 2012 study by Tanner, Forde, Besley, and Weir. It examines significant practices and adaptations to major media technologies within broadcast journalism capstone courses. Through a survey of capstone faculty in 70 U.S. ACEJMC-accredited programs, the findings reveal notable changes within broadcast and journalism capstones, including a reduction in the number of programs offering a broadcast capstone course and a theory-practice divide in capstone education. The study also offers actionable insights to inform pedagogical practices in broadcast journalism and mass communication capstone education.