Information and Knowledge: Acclaimed Media Ecologist Jack Myers Offers Industry Insight in Theories of New Media Course

“Media surrounds us in all parts of our lives—and has become more pervasive,” says Jack Myers, a School of Information lecturer and instructor of ESOC 314: Theories of New Media, an engaging seminar offered to undergraduate students in Spring 2024. “Introducing students to media through the prism of its impact and influence is an everyday experience.”

In the Theories of New Media course, he says, “we’ll discover how people socially create and negotiate information in the digital age, particularly through gaming, digital labor, social media, online communities and online global culture.”

Myers, who joined the iSchool in 2023 after moving to Tucson from New York City, has a long and storied career in media and communications. While today he teaches and advises media companies, agencies and brands on advancing business growth through cultural and organizational change, he began his career in advertising sales and marketing for such companies as Metromedia Outdoor, ABC Radio, CBS-TV and UTV Cable. In the five decades since—conducting pioneering research and consulting internationally on the role of media and advertising across societies—he has become recognized as the nation’s leading media ecologist.

“Media ecology is more relevant and important to understand than ever,” he says. “Media and advertising businesses are confronting transformational technological and generational headwinds. How this digital ecosystem responds will dictate not only the future of their industry, but the future of media, communications and democracy for us all.”

In ESOC 314, Myers most values the opportunity to learn from students while introducing them to new ideas and understanding of media and its influence on cultures and society, politics, business and, ultimately, themselves.

But, he says, “Information by itself is not knowledge. Knowledge is gained through exploration and understanding multiple perspectives and insights.”

Myers’ firm, MyersBizNet, focuses on three areas of media and communications practice. The Myers Report, which celebrates 40 years of publishing in 2024, reports on technological, generational and economic insights and trends impacting the advertising, marketing and media industries. MediaVillage Knowledge Exchange is home to more than 100 educational and thought leadership websites serving the media, advertising and marketing community. Its free library at MeetingPrep.ai offers more than 20,000 articles, videos, interviews and profiles—including free daily content updates for those who subscribe. And the nonprofit MediaVillage Education Foundation supports professional talent development and media-related diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives. Myers also authors The Media Ecologist on Substack.

“As the iSchool expands our own ecosystem as UArizona’s newest college, we look to proven information professionals to provide the kind of industry insight that only they can,” says Interim Dean Catherine Brooks. “Jack Myers stands at the forefront of media and communications expertise, and the iSchool is honored to offer his essential perspective to students.”

“I’m excited for this new experience and opportunity,” he says. “I look forward to my role in the growth of the iSchool and the University of Arizona.”
 

Learn more about Jack Myers on his iSchool faculty page, or support faculty through endowments and other initiatives.