Department of Communication, Journalism, and Public Relations

Wilson Hall, Room 316
371 Wilson Boulevard
Rochester, MI 48309-4486
(location map)
(248) 370-4120

General Department Questions:
CJPR

Kathleen Battles, Ph.D.

A head shot of Kathy Battles.

Professor & Chairperson
Office: 325 Wilson Hall
Phone: (248) 370-4277
Email: [email protected]

Kathy Battles (Ph.D., University of Iowa) is a professor with a specialization in media studies. Her research focuses on the role of broadcasting in the creation of cultural discourses and maintenance of cultural norms. A specialist in media history, her book, Calling All Cars, involves an exploration of the relationship between developments in policing and the radio crime dramas of the Depression era.  Her latest book, War of the Worlds to Social Media: Mediated Communication in Times of Crisis, was just released.   Dr. Battles also works on issues surrounding contemporary representations of gays and lesbians in the media, for which she received a grant from the GLAAD Center for the Study of Media and Society. The paper that resulted from this grant is published in the national communication journal, Critical Studies in Media Communication. She is currently at work on a book that explores sexual identity and the media.