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Researchers Surprised After CIA World Factbook Vanishes from the Internet

Mar 05, 2026 at 08:49 pm by WGNS News

Commentary by Dr. Larry Burriss

Commentary - The CIA World Factbook was a popular reference guide that provided detailed information about more than 260 countries around the world. It started as a classified report in 1962, became public in 1975, and later moved online where it was regularly updated. Recently, the site was taken down without explanation, leaving many people surprised because it had long been a trusted and easy way to find global data. Dr. Larry Burriss, a professor of journalism at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, decided to weigh in on the mystery... You are one simple click away from a plethora of media commentaries by Dr. Burriss. To hear more of his thoughts and opinions, Click 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.

 

 

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