Broadcasting professors have followed Viera, Katie Couric, 'Today Show' and related trends

SAN FRANCISCO, September 12, 2006 -- Several faculty members in San Francisco State University's Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts (BECA) Department are available to comment to the media about Meredith Viera's much-anticipated Sept. 13 debut as a host on NBC's "Today Show." Viera replaces Katie Couric, now the lead anchor on the CBS Evening News.

Each of these professors studies trends and issues in the television industry and broadcast journalism, and has followed the recent changes involving Viera, Couric, the "Today Show" and CBS News.

For additional assistance locating an expert, contact the SF State Office of Public Affairs and Publications at (415) 338-1665 or pubcom@sfsu.edu or visit: www.sfsu.edu/~news/expert.htm.

Assistant Professor Melissa Camacho is an expert on feminist issues, cultural studies and mass media (with special expertise in television). Camacho's doctoral dissertation focused on feminist narratives in the popular television drama "Law and Order." Camacho can be reached at (415) 338-6526 (office) or mcamacho@sfsu.edu. She is available for interviews in Spanish in addition to English.

Associate Professor Miriam Smith is an expert on business, management and ethical aspects of the electronic media as well as Internet and intellectual property law. Before joining SF State, she practiced entertainment and business law in Los Angeles. Smith can be reached at (415) 338-1611 (office) or miriam@sfsu.edu.