Wayne State reaches key audiences via earned, owned and paid media, sets record for news coverage

Vice Provost for Student Success, Support, and Engagement Darryl Gardner speaks with WDET about academic supports and graduation rates.

University Relations offers free media training

More than 2,000 stories featured or mentioned Wayne State University in media outlets around the globe during fiscal year 2024. The local and national news coverage offers an opportunity for the university to connect with the public - including its own campus community and other key audiences like parents, potential students, legislators, business and community leaders, researchers, and scholars - while elevating faculty expertise and Wayne State's overall reputation.

The estimated advertising value of 2024's stories is $10 million. Included in the overall number were 1,134 news stories focusing primarily or exclusively on the university - known as Tier I media placements. Since tracking media placements began in 2002, this year's Tier I total tops all previous years, representing a 10% increase over 2023.

In addition to leading media relations on behalf of the university, University Marketing and Communications in University Relations also works to tell Wayne State's story - and support enrollment, development and community engagement - through strategic, integrated marketing campaigns; paid advertising; and the management of the university's website and social media channels.

Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral NeurosciencesVaibhav Diwadkar speaks with WDIV's Paula Tutman about his research.

"As one of the nation's leading public research institutions, Wayne State University frequently has the opportunity to provide information and experts to the media on a wide range of topics. Engaging with the media is a great way to highlight the university's vast expertise and connect with the potential students and faculty, legislators, funders and the broader public," said Doug Kuiper, senior associate vice president of University Marketing and Communications. "This positive media coverage builds pride on campus, while also elevating Wayne State in the minds of broader audiences in our community and around the world."

To make the most of strategic opportunities to work with the media or create our own content, University Marketing and Communications offers free media training throughout the year. Media training is designed to equip faculty, students and experts with the skills to effectively deliver messages, represent WSU positively, and confidently engage with journalists. Contact Darrell Dawsey or Bill Roose to schedule a session for yourself or department.

All media inquiries - whether or not you are interested in commenting - should be directed to Matt Lockwood , associate vice president of university communications, or other University Marketing and Communications staff. The team can help evaluate opportunities for strategic fit, coordinate interviews, gather information and provide support before and after interviews.

Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy, president of Wayne State University, speaks with Fox 2 about the start of the fall semester and enrollment.

This year's story placements extend from Detroit area newspapers, television and radio to national media outlets such as New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, U.S. News & World Report, Fox News, CNN, CBS, NBC, ABC, Boston Globe and numerous international outlets. In addition to headlines about WSU's enrollment, record-breaking national rankings and campus growth, Wayne State experts contributed to local and national news coverage on topics including labor and union-related issues, supply chain disruptions, public and environmental health, artificial intelligence, politics and global conflicts, and more.

"This year's media coverage reflects our conscientious efforts to proactively pitch story ideas to media and respond effectively and strategically to reporters' inquiries," said Lockwood. "It also affirms that our efforts to tell Wayne State's story are resonating with the media and their audiences."

Stay up to date with the latest WSU news at today.wayne.edu. Connect with key social media channels at Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest and X.

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