Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication

The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, often referred to as the Cronkite School, is one of the 24 independent schools at Arizona State University (ASU). Named in honor of the legendary broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite, the school is a premier institution for journalism and mass communication education, located at the downtown Phoenix campus.

History and Evolution

The school's origins date back to 1931 when ASU first began offering journalism courses. In 1949, it became the Division of Journalism under the English Department. Over the decades, the program expanded significantly:

• 1954: Introduction of radio and television journalism courses.
• 1957: Elevated to the Department of Mass Communication.
• 1974: Received national accreditation and moved into Stauffer Hall.
• 1981: Began offering master's degrees.
• 1984: Renamed the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Telecommunication.
• 2001: Renamed the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
• 2004: Achieved independent school status.

In 2008, the school moved to its current state-of-the-art facility in downtown Phoenix, a move that coincided with the expansion of its academic offerings, including the launch of its first doctoral program in 2011.

The Downtown Phoenix Campus

The Cronkite Building is a landmark of modern academic architecture. The six-story, 223,000 square foot LEED Silver building stands 110 feet tall and was completed in 2008. The facility cost $71 million to construct and houses not only classrooms and offices but also the studios of KAET, the Valley's PBS member station, which was later brought under the school's umbrella.

The building's design was recognized internationally, winning an International Architecture Award in 2010, which was exhibited at 'The City and The World' conference in Spain.

Faculty and Academic Approach

The Cronkite School distinguishes itself by blending traditional academic rigor with professional experience. While it employs tenured professors, it also heavily recruits professors of practice—veteran journalists who bring real-world expertise into the classroom. Notable faculty have included Leonard Downie Jr. (former Washington Post editor) and Dan Gillmor (renowned technology writer).

Cronkite News

A cornerstone of the student experience is Cronkite News, a professional news program produced by students. This initiative allows advanced journalism students to gain hands-on experience in a professional environment, distributing TV and print stories to various media outlets through the Cronkite News Service.