The Faculty of Information & Media Studies (FIMS) at Western University is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about media, communications and information technologies. Across our various programs, we foster two key capacities in our students: the ability to think critically about the world in which we live, and the skill and confidence to make an intervention in the communities and lifeworlds we inhabit. To that end, we are proud to showcase the outstanding student and faculty work happening here at FIMS.
Recent highlights of creative and scholarly work
Western’s new downtown site
Two FIMS-affiliated proposals for a community video studio and community-engaged learning (CEL) hub in Western’s newly acquired downtown London building at 450 Talbot St. were featured in the Western News article, “Western’s downtown site to bolster community connections,” published on May 10, 2022.
Views from Italy: MLIS Profile
MLIS student Meghan O’Neill was profiled for the FIMS news piece, “Views from Italy: MLIS student Meghan O’Neill’s traineeship at the European University Institute Library,” published on May 11, 2022.
Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter
Professor Anabel Quan-Haase joined the CTV News Channel, The Alan Carter Radio Program on AM640 and CHED Mid-Morning with Shaye Ganam on 630 CHED on April 26, 2022 to discuss Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter and the implications for the platform and its users.
Misinformation & Viral Deception posters
The end-of-course case study projects by the Winter 2022 students of FIMS 9328: Misinformation & Viral Deception are now available to view in an interactive digital Sway site: Misinformation and Disinformation Case Studies: How to Curb the Infodemic?
Remarkable Books Digital Exhibit
The Remarkable Books digital exhibit showcases LIS 9675: History of the Book & Book Preservation Basics Winter 2022 students’ final projects, exploring books that are renowned throughout history for their content and structure.
LIS 9004 Research Showcase
The Winter 2022 students of LIS 9004: Research Methods and Statistics invite you to check out their end-of-term virtual poster session on Sway, featuring diverse projects that explore libraries, librarianship, and more.
How digital communication has changed
Professor Anabel Quan-Haase joined CBC Afternoon Drive to discuss her research on how comfort levels with digital communication have changed during the pandemic on May 11, 2022.
Cree author questions why book removed
Associate Professor & MLIS Program Chair Heather Hill was quoted in the CBC News Toronto article “Cree author questions why Durham District School Board removed his book from shelves,” published on May 1, 2022.
Western grads at Oscars 2022
MIT alumna Liz Trinnear (BA’10) interviewed fellow Western graduate Simu Liu (HBA’11) and gave a shoutout to Western during Etalk’s red carpet interview at the Oscars on March 27, 2022.
CODA’s Oscars win
Media Studies PhD candidate Billie Anderson published the article, “Despite its Oscar win, CODA is still a film that depicts deafness as a burden,” in The Conversation Canada on March 30, 2022. The article was also republished by Western News.
Hannah Alper’s Formula for Change
First-year MIT student & environmental activist Hannah Alper is featured in the Western video, “The Formula for Changing the World – Hannah Alper, Activist & Influencer,” uploaded to YouTube on March 28, 2022.
The Chalatenango Massacres
“The Chalatenango Massacres,” a documentary project produced by FIMS instructor Juan Bello, was selected for the Festival international du film d’histoire de Montréal [Montreal International History Film Festival – FIFHM]. The online program will be available starting May 18, 2022.
From Remote Stars at Museum London
Assistant Professor & Canada Research Chair in Art, Culture and Global Relations (Tier 2) Sarah E.K. Smith’s exhibition From Remote Stars: Buckminster Fuller, London, Speculative Futures at Museum London was reviewed on Akimbo on March 31, 2022.
Canada’s new bill supporting news media
Professor Anabel Quan-Haase was quoted in The New York Times article, “Canada Introduces Bill Requiring Online Giants to Share Revenues with Publishers,” published on April 5, 2022.
MMJC student a 2022 Donaldson Scholar
MMJC student Griffin Jaeger is featured in the FIMS News piece, “MMJC student Griffin Jaeger named 2022 Joan Donaldson CBC News Scholar,” published on March 23, 2022.
Patrick Brown’s defamation lawsuit
Media Studies PhD candidate Percy Sherwood joined Global News AM900 CHML’s Hamilton Today with Scott Thompson on March 9, 2022 to discuss the defamation lawsuit between CTV News and Patrick Brown.
Do libraries need social workers on staff?
Associate Professor and Chair of the MLIS program Heather Hill was quoted in the CBC News article, “Do libraries need social workers on staff? Some librarians say yes” published on March 16, 2022.
Dispatches from the Place of Imminence
Professor Svitlana Matviyenko, a former FIMS instructor and a recent research collaborator with Professor Nick Dyer-Witheford, is publishing a war blog from inside Ukraine. She is currently in her home town of Kamianets-Podilskyi, writing about what she is experiencing first-hand.
Downtown London rent increases
Associate Professor Sam Trosow joined London Live with Mike Stubbs on AM980 to discuss how the increase in rent prices affects commercial buildings in downtown London on March 17, 2022.
Romayne Smith Fullerton awarded Faculty Scholar
Associate Professor Romayne Smith Fullerton has been awarded a Faculty Scholar appointment (2022-24) for her significant recent scholarly achievements.
Cinema in a Post-COVID World
Assistant Professor Selma Purac joined TVO’s The Agenda to discuss whether people will return to watch movies in cinemas post-pandemic on March 3, 2022.
CAP targets in-demand job skills
Western’s new Creative Arts & Production program, jointly offered by FIMS, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and the Don Wright Faculty of Music, was featured in the London Free Press article, “Creative solution: Western University program targets in-demand job skills,” published on March 5, 2022.
MMJC Student 2022 CBC Scholar
MMJC student Griffin Jaeger is one of this year’s recipients of the Joan Donaldson Scholarship, awarded by CBC News to aspiring journalists across Canada who have demonstrated strong potential for producing intelligent journalism.
Russia-Ukraine war on social media
Professor Sharon Sliwinski was quoted in the National Post article, “‘We want to see the source of terror’: Why we’re glued to social media as the Russia-Ukraine war unfolds,” published on March 2, 2022.
BHM tribute to Tracy Moore
Cityline aired a Black History Month tribute to Tracy Moore, MA’00 (Journalism), for her life and legacy in Canadian media on February 28, 2022.
MIT student receives Cansbridge Fellowship
MIT student Rubaina Singla is one of four Western students named to the 2022 cohort of The Cansbridge Fellowship program, and joins only 175 Canadian students selected to join the prestigious fellowship since its inception in 2011.
Reflections on Black Queerness
FIMS guest speaker Marisa Rosa Grant was interviewed by the Western Gazette ahead of their Black History Month talk, “Reflections on Black Queerness: Joy, History and Significance” hosted by FIMS and the Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion on February 23, 2022.
From Remote Stars exhibit at Museum London
Assistant Professor & Canada Research Chair in Art, Culture and Global Relations (Tier 2) Sarah Smith co-curated From Remote Stars: Buckminster Fuller, London, and Speculative Futures, a major exhibition at Museum London running until May 15, 2022.
‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ & Disability
Media Studies PhD student Billie Anderson discussed the depiction of disability in film in the Film Cred article, “‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ and Disability,” published March 3, 2022.
Ukraine’s fight for democracy
Media Studies graduate Kadie Ward (MA’07) discussed the events leading up to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Ukrainian citizens’ brave commitment to democratic values in the Western News article, “Expert Insight: Ukraine’s unwavering resolve to fight for democracy,” published February 25, 2022.
Canada Toughens Stance on Protests
Media Studies PhD candidate David Guignion was quoted in The New York Times article, “Canada Toughens Stance on Protests, Promising ‘Robust’ Police Response” published on February 11, 2022.
Creative Arts & Production program approved
The Creative Arts and Production (CAP) program, jointly offered by FIMS, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and the Don Wright Faculty of Music, gives undergraduate students the opportunity to explore creativity, creative practice and collaboration across a range of disciplines.
Switching careers post-pandemic
MIT graduate Antoinette Taranets (BA’16) was featured in the Toronto Star article, “Looking to switch careers? In a post-pandemic world, you may not need the training you think” published on February 14, 2022.
Is tech poisoning your relationship?
Associate Professor Jacquie Burkell was interviewed on the role technology plays in relationships for the Western Gazette article, “Is tech poisoning your relationship?” published on February 15, 2022.
Never Forgotten, the story of the On-To-Ottawa Trek
FIMS instructor Juan Bello produced the documentary Never Forgotten, which tells the story of the on the On-To-Ottawa Trek, a historical event of great repercussion in the history of organized labour movements in Canada.
FIMS Career Camp
More than 100 undergraduate students attended the virtual FIMS Career Camp from January 21 to 28 to help start planning for their meaningful future careers. The camp featured special guests and online sessions dedicated to building career development fundamentals.
What’s driving the protest convoy?
Media Studies PhD candidate David Guignion discussed misinformation as it relates to the trucking convoy movement on CBC News: The National on January 30, 2022.
Spotify and Joe Rogan vs. Neil Young
Associate Professor Norma Coates was interviewed about the controversy surrounding Spotify by CBC Afternoon Drive on February 7, 2022.
Confronting Hate with Grzegorz Kwiatkowski
Associate Professor Amanda Grzyb co-hosted a conversation with internationally acclaimed art-rock band Trupa Trupa’s Grzegorz Kwiatkowski, with City Lights Bookshop on January 26, 2022.
Western alumna wins Survivor
MIT graduate Erika Casupanan (BA’11) was profiled in the Western Gazette article for her reality show win, published on January 27, 2022.
How FIMS helped Erika on Survivor
MIT graduate Erika Casupanan (BA’11) was interviewed by fellow MIT grad Sarah Prince (BA’13) on her Survivor 41 win. In her interview, Casupanan mentions how the MIT program at Western University helped her on the TV show.
Challenging What’s Newsworthy
Journalist Kyle Edwards presented the 2022 Clissold Lecture, “Challenging What’s Newsworthy: Reporting on Indigenous Communities in a Post-COVID World” on January 20, 2022.
Conspiracy theorists twist evidence
Media Studies PhD candidate David Guignion published the article “‘Birtherism,’ Trump and anti-Black racism: Conspiracy theorists use evidence to maintain the status quo” in The Conversation Canada on January 16, 2022. The article was republished in National Post and Western News.
New Canada Research Chair at FIMS
Assistant Professor Sarah Smith has joined the Faculty as the Canada Research Chair in Art, Culture and Global Relations (Tier 2).
Mindfulness through meditation
HIS PhD candidate Tanaz Javan was interviewed about the benefits of meditation for the Western News article, “Cultivating mindfulness, compassion through meditation” published on January 19, 2022.
MIT alumna wins TV’s ‘Survivor’
MIT graduate Erika Casupanan (BA’11) outwitted, outplayed and outlasted her opponents to become the 41st winner of the TV series Survivor. Her win was detailed in the Western News article, “‘Survivor’ winner a Western grad” published on December 17, 2021.
The Machine That Feels
Assistant Professor Luke Stark was featured in the CBC film “The Machine That Feels” which aired November 19, 2021 on CBC Docs.
Alumna named to London’s 20 under 40
FIMS alumna Shobhita Sharma (BA’08, MA’09) was named to London, Ont.’s 20 Under 40 Class of 2021, which recognizes and celebrates the younger Londoners who are moving the city forward.
Youths & social media challenges
Professor Anabel Quan-Haase was interviewed for the CTV News article, “Youths caught on camera kicking in door for social media challenge” and Newstalk 1290 CJBK on November 23, 2021.
Discussing Oobah Butler, Internet Prankster
LIS PhD candidate Yimin Chen appeared as a commentator on an episode of The Opportunist podcast, “OOBAH BUTLER Part 1 of 1: Internet Prankster” published on November 16, 2021.
Remote Stars Podcast
Remote Stars Podcast explores a recently uncovered recording that artist Greg Curnoe made of futurist and architect R. Buckminster Fuller speaking in London, Ontario in 1968. It accompanies the exhibition “From Remote Stars: Buckminster Fuller, London, and Speculative Futures,” co-curated by Assistant Professor Sarah E.K. Smith, forthcoming at Museum London.
Facial Recognition & Canadian Youth
Assistant Professor Luke Stark published “Facial Recognition & Canadian Youth” for McGill’s Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy on November 8, 2021.
Gender skew in info for new parents
HIS PhD candidate Danica Facca was mentioned as a study co-author in the Western News article, “Study shows gender skew in digital info for new parents” published on November 24, 2021.
MIT student develops sustainable lingerie
Second-year MIT student Rubaina Singla was featured in the Western News article, “Sustainability underlying thread for student entrepreneur,” published on November 12, 2021.
Data Scores as Governance
The Data Justice Lab co-produced a new animation about uses of data analytics and practices of citizen scoring in the public sector based on their research project ‘Data Scores as Governance.’
Angela Sterritt named 2022 FIMS Asper Fellow
FIMS is pleased to announce that Angela Sterritt, an award-winning multimedia journalist, author and visual artist, has been named as the 2022 FIMS Asper Fellow. A member of the Gitxsan nation, Sterritt is based in Vancouver and has worked at the CBC since 2003.
Facial recognition vs. privacy rights
Assistant Professor Luke Stark was interviewed for the article, “Canada’s laws need updating to protect against abuse from surveillance tech, watchdog says” published by CBC Radio’s Spark on October 8, 2021.
Book Award for FIMS Grad
Andrea Benoit (PhD’14, Media Studies) has been awarded the 2021 CBHA/ACHA Award for Best Book in Canadian Business History for her publication VIVA M·A·C: AIDS, Fashion, and the Philanthropic Practices of M·A·C Cosmetics (published in 2019 by University of Toronto Press).
MLIS grad named CEO of Calgary Public Library
Sarah Meilleur (MLIS’05) was featured in the article, “Fortney: Sarah Meilleur named first female CEO of Calgary Public Library,” published by the Calgary Herald on October 8, 2021.
‘Magical musical moments’ of Massey Hall
David McPherson (MA’98, Journalism) was featured in the Western News article, “Marking the ‘magical musical moments’ of Massey Hall,” published on October 14, 2021. His upcoming book, Massey Hall, will be released on November 2, 2021.
Why social media companies must be reined in
Associate Professor Jacquelyn Burkell co-authored the article, “Why Facebook and other social media companies need to be reined in,” published in The Conversation on October 18, 2021.
Canadians as a Cigarette Nation, 1930 to 1975
Associate Professor Daniel Robinson was interviewed on The Champlain Society’s Witness to Yesterday Podcast on October 8, 2021. He discussed how smoking became a habit by the early postwar period and the inspiration behind his new book Cigarette Nation: Business, Health, and Canadian Smokers, 1930-1975.
MMJC grad sharing Indigenous stories at CBC
Colm Cobb Howes (MMJC’21) was featured in the Western News article, “Work with Indigenous communities leads to media career for new grad,” published on October 19, 2021.
Chinese feminism on social media during COVID-19
Jinman Zhang, Media Studies PhD candidate, published an article titled “Feminist responses on Weibo aim to fight the misrepresentation of women during COVID-19 in China”, in The Conversation, on October 12, 2021.
Experts explain Drake’s album cover
Yimin Chen, LIS PHD candidate, was quoted in the article, “Perplexed by the Certified Lover Boy cover art? The experts explain,” published in CBC Arts on September 3, 2021.
High-profile teen activist joins FIMS
Hannah Alper, one of Canada’s youngest, and most outspoken, environmental and social activists, is among the first-year students who entered Western this fall. She joins FIMS’ Media, Information & Technoculture (MIT) program.
YouTube banning anti-vax info
Professor Anabel Quan-Haase was interviewed about YouTube’s latest move to ban anti-vaccine information on October 4, 2021 for CBC London Morning with Rebecca Zandbergen and Global News’ CHED Mid-Morning with Shaye Ganam.
MIT grad produces Netflix series
Jessica Nahmias (MIT’07) is the producer of Netflix’s new series, Motel Makeover, and was mentioned in the Western News article, “Western grads check in for Netflix debut,” published August 16, 2021.
FIMS welcomes new Indigenous faculty
Faculty member Sally Kewayosh and Assistant Professor Sofia Locklear were featured in the Western News article, “New faculty help raise Indigenous voices across campus,” published on September 3, 2021.
Rapper’s bad 360 record deal
Associate Professor Matt Stahl was interviewed by CBC Radio for the article, “Rapper Cadence Weapon says under a 360 record deal, he was ‘not personally making any money,'” published on July 10, 2021.
Taliban heroin in Afghanistan
FIMS Media Studies PhD candidate Giada Ferrucci describes how the Taliban are drug traffickers as much as they are self-described Islamist militiamen, in this Conversation article.
Vaccine mandates don’t violate Charter
Associate Professor Sam Trosow, jointly appointed to FIMS and the Faculty of Law, co-authored the article, “Canadian colleges and universities can mandate COVID-19 vaccination without violating Charter rights,” in The Conversation on August 25, 2021.
The Guardians of Sleep podcast
Freud described dreams as the ‘Guardians of Sleep.’ This new podcast by Museum of Dreams, hosted by FIMS Professor Sharon Sliwinski, explores our weird pandemic dreams.
The legalities of vaccines on campus
Associate Professor Samuel Trosow was interviewed about campus vaccine policies on CBC London Morning with Rebecca Zandbergen on August 25, 2021.
Can a computer read your emotions?
Assistant Professor Luke Stark was featured in an Instagram IGTV post, “How much would you trust a computer to tell how you’re feeling?” by The Guardian on August 5, 2021.