Lars Willnat

Lars Willnat is the John Ben Snow Endowed Research Professor at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.13 He is a distinguished scholar in the field of mass communications, with a focus on global journalism studies, media effects on political attitudes and behaviors, and comparative survey research.1

Academic Background and Career

Willnat holds a Ph.D. from Indiana University.2 Before joining Syracuse University, he served as the director of the School of Journalism and Media at the University of Kentucky.1 His academic career also includes teaching positions at Indiana University in Bloomington, George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.12

Research and Publications

Willnat's research portfolio is extensive and impactful:

• He is currently working on cross-national survey studies exploring public perceptions of news media in democracy, effects of political polarization on media perceptions, and the work of foreign correspondents.1
• He is analyzing the latest wave of The American Journalist project, a comprehensive study of U.S. journalists conducted every 10 years.1
• His work has been published in numerous prestigious journals, including Digital Journalism, Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, and the International Journal of Public Opinion Research.1
• Willnat has authored several books, including "The American Journalist in the Digital Age," which won the 2017 Sigma Delta Chi Award from the Society of Professional Journalists.1

Teaching and International Experience

At Syracuse University, Willnat teaches courses on political and global communication, media theory, and quantitative research methods.1 His international experience is extensive:

• He has lectured and conducted research in over 30 countries.1
• Willnat has served as a Fulbright Scholar in Malaysia and South Korea.1
• He has been a guest professor at leading universities in China, Hong Kong, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, and Switzerland.1

Professional Affiliations

Willnat serves on the editorial boards of several academic journals, including Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly and the Chinese Journal of Communication.1 His LinkedIn profile lists his specialties as Asian media, public opinion, media effects, and political & international communication.4