Commentary - Eighty-seven years after Orson Welles’ famous 1938 “War of the Worlds” broadcast frightened listeners into believing Earth was being invaded by aliens, the story still captures people’s imagination. Today, stage shows, books, and new versions of the drama keep the legend alive—even causing real panic when audiences mistake fiction for fact... The event reminds us that imagination is powerful, and sometimes we still fall for hoaxes, whether on TV, social media, or the internet. 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:

• B.A. in Broadcast Journalism – The Ohio State University
• M.A. in Journalism – The Ohio State University
• M.A. in Human Relations – University of Oklahoma
• Ph.D. in Journalism – Ohio University
• J.D. – Concord Law School

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.