As promising creative directors, media buyers, film editors, talk show hosts, speech writers, and lobbyists, communications majors are the media darlings of the Ocean State’s glittering future. Students that pursue degrees in mass media communications, advertising, public relations, and journalism through state colleges can compete for internships sponsored by local businesses like the Volunteer Center of Rhode Island, KVH Industries, and CELSNEWS, which are aimed at launching young careers.
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
When the Providence Journal published an article entitled “Update: Borders Closing All of Its Stores” disclosing the liquidation of the super chain’s locations at the Providence Place Mall, Cranston’s Garden City Center, and T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, independent booksellers and publishers throughout Rhode Island took a collective sigh of relief. With national publishing companies taking a notable market dive, local competitors such as Linden Park Publishers, Ltd. continue to prosper. Fenham Publishing, a small independent publishing house and B.E. Publishing, the mascot for local business, career, and technology education materials and textbooks will also likely enjoy longevity without the threat of corporate encroachment.
Independent Bookstores:
- Wakefield Books
- Curiosity and Mischief
- Spring Street Bookstore
Resource for Publishing Majors
New England Independent Booksellers Association
Journalism
Despite the surge of electronic readership, Rhode Islanders still revel in the time honored American pastime of absorbing news through the gateways of printed journalism. Residents and journalists alike connect through daily papers like the Providence Journal, weekly periodicals like the Charleston Press, and monthly circulars like the Rhode Island Monthly. The Portuguese Times and Nuevos Horizontes give voice to minority populations while the Senior Digest celebrates the elderly demographic. Other special interest journals include the Jewish Voice & Herald and Bay Windows.
Newspaper Groups:
- Rhode Island Media Group
- Sun Publishing Inc.
- Beacon Communications, Inc.
Local Magazines:
- Point Magazine
- Prime Time Magazine
- Motif Magazine
College Newspapers:
- The Anchor
- The College Hill Independent
- The Hawk’s Herald
College Radio:
- WDOM 91.3 FM
- WBSR 88.1 FM
- WXIN 90.7 FM
Resources for Journalism Majors
- Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
- New England Newspaper & Press Association
TV and Radio Broadcasting
Whether it’s weather, news, community events or music, Rhode Island broadcasters have been the go-to source of information for decades. Since the 1960s Rhode Island Public Broadcasting Station has instilled the virtues of educational programming to children and adults alike. Today, Rhode Island PBS-WSBE continues in this tradition with on-air shows like “The Thirteenth State,” “A Lively Experiment,” and “Rhode Island’s Amazing Women.”
Local TV Stations:
- CBS 12 – WPRI
- ABC 6 – WLNE
- NBC 10 – WJAR
Radio aficionadas revere local broadcasting companies like the Judson Group, Davidson Media Group, and Blount Communications Group through loyal patronage. According to Arbitron, a highly respected national radio ratings company, the three most popular music stations in Rhode Island as of 2010 include 92-ProFM “Today’s Top Hits,” Lite Rock 105 FM, and B-101 FM. Meanwhile, listeners with an affinity for AM radio can find sports programs on WSKO 790 AM, talk radio shows on WSAR 1480 AM, and Rhode Island Public Radio on WRNI 1290 AM and WXNI 1230 AM.
Resource for Broadcasting Majors
Rhode Island Broadcasters Association
Marketing and Public Relations
In May 2011, the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training declared 760 market research specialists, 700 analysts marketing managers, 1,110 public relations specialists, 240 public relations and fundraising managers were gainfully employed across the state. Although some professionals chance self-employment, many others are enticed by the clout of local firms. Both businesses and individuals rely on the expertise of all-purpose firms like Newberry Public Relations & Marketing, Inc., consumer and high technology firms like Matter Communications, and attorney-centric firms like Legal Marketing to further their public appeal.
Local PR Firms:
- Fleming & Company, Inc.
- Duffy & Shanley, Inc.
- Regan Communications Group
Resource for Marketing/Public Relations Majors