The BECA Beat

Christopher Clemens, Jeff Jacoby, and Ashley Larson

Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts faculty at San Francisco State University think and talk about media every day — how it works, where it’s headed, and what it means for our students. We’re bringing those conversations to you here on The BECA Beat. becabeat.substack.com

Episodes

  1. Oct 20

    The BECA Beat S1 E3

    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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit becabeat.substack.com

    The BECA Beat S1 E3

  2. Oct 20

    The BECA Beat S1 E2

    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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit becabeat.substack.com

    The BECA Beat S1 E2

  3. Oct 20

    The BECA Beat S1 E1

    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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit becabeat.substack.com

    The BECA Beat S1 E1
  • 3 Episodes

About

Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts faculty at San Francisco State University think and talk about media every day — how it works, where it’s headed, and what it means for our students. We’re bringing those conversations to you here on The BECA Beat. becabeat.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Christopher Clemens, Jeff Jacoby, and Ashley Larson
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Clemens
  • Show Website
    The BECA Beat