Hendricks completes two books, presents research in Morocco

Dr. John Allen Hendricks, professor and chair of Stephen F. Austin State University's Department of Media and Communication, presented research in May at the Global Communication Association conference in Casablanca, Morocco, related to two books he recently completed.

NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Dr. John Allen Hendricks, professor and chair of Stephen F. Austin State University's Department of Media and Communication, presented research in May at the Global Communication Association conference in Casablanca, Morocco, related to two books he recently completed.

Hendricks co-edited the books and presentation with Dr. Dan Schill, professor in the School of Communication Studies and affiliate professor of political science at James Madison University. According to Hendricks, the conference serves as a vital platform for scholarly exchange, enabling researchers to engage in cross-cultural dialogue and contribute to the global discourse on media, politics and democracy.

"The Global Communication Association draws scholars from around the globe, creating an international forum for the sharing of ideas," Hendricks said. "The conference offered a valuable opportunity for me to present some of the key findings from these books and to engage with colleagues from diverse cultural and academic perspectives. Sharing this research on such a stage underscores the importance of understanding the role of media in politics and democracies, not just in the United States but within the broader global context."

The first of the two books published, "Media Messages in the 2022 Midterm Election: Division, Deniers, Dobbs, and the Donald," analyzes how social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, X and YouTube shaped voter experience in a fragmented and polarized information environment, and how campaigns and citizens leveraged those tools to reach diverse audiences. The book was published in April by Routledge.

The second, "Political Communication and Digital Advocacy: Strategies and Implications," explores how digital and social media have reshaped political discourse and civic engagement - addressing misinformation, partisan polarization and media consumption patterns. The book also considers the dynamics that fueled digital advocacy around the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol and the implications for future elections. The book is slated to be published in September.

"My research has consistently focused on the vital role media plays in society, particularly within the context of American politics," Hendricks said. "The work presented in these books builds upon and extends that emphasis. With nearly 250 million Americans actively engaged on platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok, it is essential to examine the influence these social media networks have on the political process in our nation. Combined with the heightened political polarization of the past decade, the research in these books is especially timely and relevant. I hope these books help provide greater insight into both the positive and negative influence of media on politics and democracy."

Hendricks, who is beginning his 17th year at SFA and 29th year as a professor, has authored or edited 15 books on political communication and the media industry.

For more information on SFA's Department of Media and Communication, visit sfasu.edu/media-communication.