Introduction
Lana Medina, PhD, is a regional Emmy award winning journalist, award winning researcher, and educator. Her work explores how social media algorithms, AI, and newsroom pressures shape local journalism and civic discourse. She has been recognized with two national awards from AEJMC's Media Ethics Division and the Clifford G. Christians Ethics Research Award from the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics. Before entering academia, she worked as a newspaper reporter and television news producer, experiences that continue to influence her teaching and mentorship. At the University of St. Thomas, Dr. Medina teaches a range of courses, guiding students to navigate our evolving digital media landscape with integrity and critical insight.