An MTSU journalism expert analyzed two hot topics that have dominated media coverage for days in an interview with a Nashville television station.

Dr. Larry Burriss

Dr. Larry Burriss, a professor in MTSU’s School of Journalism, was the guest on “MorningLine with Nick Beres” Thursday, Dec. 4, on NewsChannel5+. You can view the archived conversation online here.

The winner of MTSU’s 2012 Career Achievement Award, Burriss teaches introductory quantitative research and media law courses. His research publications include studies of presidential press conferences, radio news and NASA photography, among other subjects.

Burriss has served as director of the School of Journalism, dean of the College of Mass Communication and president of the MTSU Faculty Senate.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and a master’s degree in journalism from The Ohio State University, a master’s degree in human relations from the University of Oklahoma, a doctorate in journalism from Ohio University and a law degree from Concord Law School.

Burriss discussed online comments by a former aide to Rep. Stephen Fincher, R-Tenn., about Sasha and Malia Obama’s behavior and attire at the annual presidential turkey-pardoning ceremony Nov. 26.

The criticism of President Obama’s daughters sparked a social media firestorm that ended with an apology from the aide and her eventual resignation.

Burriss also dissected the media coverage of and fallout from five St. Louis Rams players’ decision to display the “hands up, don’t shoot” sign just before their home game with the Oakland Raiders Nov. 30.

The players said they were showing solidarity with demonstrators upset with a grand jury’s decision not to indict a former Ferguson, Missouri, police officer for shooting and killing an African-American youth.

The St. Louis Police Officers Association issued a statement describing the gesture “tasteless, offensive and inflammatory” and called for the players to be punished.

Rams head coach Jeff Fisher and representatives of the National Football League’s corporate offices have said the players will not be punished. Fisher specifically has referred to the players’ First Amendment rights in answering reporters’ questions.

“MorningLine with Nick Beres” takes phone calls from the public during its initial airing at 615-737-7587 (737-PLUS).

NewsChannel5+ is available on Comcast 250, Charter 150 and digital 5.2. For more information, go to www.newschannel5.com.

— Gina K. Logue (gina.logue@mtsu.edu)

President Barack Obama, left, stands with daughters Sasha and Malia at a Nov. 26 White House ceremony “pardoning” a turkey before Thanksgiving. (Screen grab courtesy NBC News)

Elizabeth Lauten, former communications director for West Tennessee Congressman Stephen Fincher, is shown in a screen grab with her Nov. 27 Facebook post criticizing the behavior and clothing of the Obama daughters at a White House event.

Five members of the St. Louis Rams make the “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” gesture supporting demonstrators in suburban Ferguson, Missouri, as they enter the field at the Edward Jones Dome Nov. 30 for pregame introductions. (Screen grab courtesy NBC News)