The communications industry is the heart of everyday life in Utah. Local publishers, journalists, broadcasters, marketers, and public relations specialists lend their talents and services to enrich the quality of life for residents and businesses. Students hoping to join this dynamic community connect with prominent Utah colleges to pursue majors in areas like mass communication, speech communication, journalism, new media, strategic communication, argumentation and conflict studies, and organizational communication. Communication majors in Utah ignite future career opportunities amidst exciting internships with the Ogden Outlaws, Eagle Condor Humanitarian, Viacom Media Networks, CATALYST Magazine, Chalk Arts Festival, and Fischer Productions.
Undergraduate Degrees in Communications – Choosing to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree with a major in communications will give you the qualifications you need to start a career in mass media and digital communications. Whether you’re interested in journalism and independent filmmaking, or marketing and public relations, the know-how needed to reach people with a targeted message starts with a degree in communications.
Master’s Degrees in Communications – No matter your professional background or undergraduate major, you could earn a master’s in communications to prepare for a career in any number of diverse areas that include journalism, public relations, marketing, digital media and more.
Publishing
Publishers are a strong driving force behind the diverse literary circles in Utah. Located in Salt Lake City, Classic Day & Peanut Butter Publishing is actually the oldest small, self-publishing business in the United States. DMT Publishing also sponsors small and medium sized self-publishers and companies in the capital city. Utah’s publishers are greatly influenced by the cultural implications of a large Mormon population. As such, Signature Books promotes Mormon and Western Americana works and Horizon Publishers produces manuscripts geared toward members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS). Readers more interested in exotic content look to Merkur Publishing, Inc.
Publishing Houses
- Little Zion Publishing House
- Ecko House Publishing
- WiDo Publishing
Resource for Publishing Majors
Journalism
Although newspaper subscriptions have been declining throughout the country, several papers in Utah have experienced increased readerships recently. According to the Newspaper Association of America, The Daily Herald, the Standard Examiner, and the Spectrum are all among state journals continuing to grow in popularity. In 2010, the Utah Press Association gave general excellence awards to the Sanpete Messenger, The Signpost, the Toole Transcript-Bulletin, and the Salt Lake Tribune, while the best news coverage awards went to the Southern Utah News, Vernal Express, and the Davis County Clipper.
Specialty Journals
- OKEspanol
- Intermountain Catholic
- Q Salt Lake
Newspapers with the Highest Circulation
- Salt Lake Tribune
- Deseret News
- Ogden Standard-Examiner
Resource for Journalism Majors
TV and Radio Broadcasting
According to the Utah Broadcasters Association, local TV and radio broadcasters are a huge influence in Utah, pumping $9.3 billion a year into the state’s economy. TV and radio broadcasting majors interested in interning with other music aficionados can soak in alternative jams with “The Kage” at KAGJ 89.5 FM, line dance to country hits with “KBull” at KUBL 93.3 FM, and kick back and relax to the soft sounds of smooth jazz with “The Breeze” at KBZN 97.9 FM. In Salt Lake City, KNRS 570 AM fills a talk radio niche for majors interested in a more intellectual format, while journalism majors in Cedar City may look to KNNZ 940 AM.
Sports Radio Stations
- KZNU 1450 AM
- KFNZ 1320 AM
- KJQS 1230 AM
- KOVO 960 AM
- KOAL 750 AM
Broadcasting majors interested in Spanish programming can find opportunities with KEJT-LP, while those who would like to participate in education may turn to KUEN. Graduates of communications programs around Salt Lake City may find their dream internship opportunity with KUTV (CBS), KTVX (ABC), KSL (NBC), KUED (PBS), or KSTU (FOX). Residents living in outer cities of St. George, Cedar City and Provo, Richfield, and Ogden may turn to KUTH, KUCW, KUES, KUPX, or KMYU.
Independent TV stations
- KJZZ
- KTMW
- KPNZ
Broadcasting Companies
- Newport Television
- Four Points Media Group
- Southwest Media
- ION Media Networks
- Liberman Broadcasting
Resource for Broadcasting Majors
Public Relations and Marketing
Public relations and marketing firms provide a one-stop shop for Utah businesses seeking guidance in advertising, public relations, interactive and digital media, marketing, and design. Prominent companies like the Salt Lake Marriott City Center and the Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau call on Cartwright Communications for consultation. Small businesses searching for distinction through marketing, web-hosting, e-commerce, and web-design get a helping hand from Innovation Simple in St. George.
Public Relations and Marketing Firms
- Penna Powers Brian Hayes
- Bennington Marketing Group
- PHP Kemist
- Wilkinson Ferrari & Company
- Targa Media
Resource for Public Relations and Marketing Majors