The BECA Beat

How does media coverage shape the way we understand protests, social movements, and the people behind them?

In this episode of The BECA Beat, hosts Professors Jeff Jacoby and Christopher Clemens are joined by BECA Professor Ashley Larson and BECA alum Morgan Butler, to explore the power of media framing.

The conversation examines how journalists’ choices about language, imagery, and sources influence public perceptions of protest movements. Drawing on their research into coverage of Black Lives Matter and pro-Palestine campus encampments, Ashley and Morgan discuss how media narratives shape public understanding, reinforce or challenge power structures, and influence whose voices are heard.

From the distinction between framing and bias to the responsibilities of media creators, this episode encourages listeners to think critically about how news stories are constructed, and what those choices mean for our understanding of the world.

How is AI changing media production, and what should students know before entering the industry?

Dr. Ashley Larson joins colleagues Professor Jeff Jacoby and Dr. Christopher Clemens to explore AI in professional practice and the classroom. They discuss concerns about jobs, what “AI fluency” means, and how students can demonstrate creative judgment when using these tools.

The conversation then turns to teaching: how BECA faculty are rethinking assignments, setting expectations for ethical AI use, and helping students preserve their creative voices while working with AI.

What do university budget cuts mean for BECA students, and how is the department responding?

In our premiere episode, hosts Professors Christopher Clemens and Jeff Jacoby welcome BECA Department Chair Dr. Lena Zhang to discuss the challenges facing BECA at San Francisco State University. The conversation centers on students: protecting their paths to graduation, preserving valuable learning experiences, and preparing them for a changing media industry.

We also hear from BECA faculty about how they’re adapting their teaching amid larger classes and tighter budgets, and what makes this creative community worth being part of.