Media Commentary: How Pearl Harbor Changed American Media and Government Relations

Dec 12, 2025 at 07:00 pm by WGNS News


Media Commentary: With today’s media commentary, here is MTSU professor Larry Burriss…This week marks the 84th anniversary of the events following Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. While many people remember hearing radio broadcasts announcing the attack, fewer realize how deeply the event changed American media. With today’s media commentary, here is MTSU professor Larry Burriss.... Hear more from Dr. Burriss HERE

About Dr. Burriss - Dr. Larry Burriss is a highly accomplished professor of journalism with extensive experience in both academia and professional media. He teaches introductory journalism courses, media law, and quantitative research methods at the graduate level.

His academic credentials are impressive, holding five degrees:

Dr. Burriss has a distinguished career in print and broadcast news, public relations, and academic research. He has published extensively in both scholarly and popular publications, covering topics such as presidential press conferences, NASA photography, radio news, adolescent social media use, legal research, and even studies on Middle Earth.

In addition to his teaching and research, Dr. Burriss has held numerous leadership roles, including director of the School of Journalism, dean of the College of Mass Communication, and president of the MTSU Faculty Senate. His contributions to the state include being appointed by Governor Phil Bredesen to serve on the Tennessee Board of Regents.

A decorated professional, Dr. Burriss has won first place in the Tennessee Associated Press Radio Contest nine times. He also has a distinguished military background, serving as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force. His active-duty service included deployments to Mali, Somalia, Bosnia, Central America, Europe, and the Pentagon.

Dr. Burriss continues to inspire students and colleagues with his vast knowledge, experience, and dedication to the field of journalism and media studies.

 

Tags: American media history Byron Price AP December 7 1941 Frank Capra wartime films government media relations Hollywood war effort newsreels World War II Office of Censorship Pearl Harbor anniversary Pearl Harbor attack history Pearl Harbor survivors press freedom WWII radio news Pearl Harbor Walt Disney WWII wartime journalism World War II media WWII home front media
Sections: News