MediaMak with Dr. Shermak

Video Games: 'Crashier' than 1983 01.11.2026 36:43 ↓

How is an industry used by two-thirds of Americans and raking in record profits poised to crash? Dr. Shermak explores.

MediaMak - Paid, Earned and Faked - Week 11 FA 26 25.10.2026 42:34 ↓

Dr. Shermak discusses advertising and public relations with a specific focus on the 2026 Midterm Elections.

The Internet Revolution - Week 10 FA 26 17.10.2026 42:56 ↓

Dr. Shermak discusses the modern internet, which nobody owns, but we know who runs it.

Television: Movin' pictures on the teevee - FA 26 09.10.2026 50:26 ↓

Dr. Shermak describes how television has become a "state of mind" and explores the way ownership changes are shaping the industry.

Movies: The Show Must Go On - Week 7 FA 26 27.09.2026 44:00 ↓

Dr. Shermak discusses the movie industry after a surprisingly profitable summer and amid a potential major merger.

Music: If Video Killed the Radio Star, Streaming Frankenstein'd It 19.09.2026 54:27 ↓

Dr. Shermak discusses how music has changed in the last century...and french fries.

Magazines: Reading Playboy for the articles...no, seriously 06.09.2026 40:11 ↓

Dr. Shermak provides an overview of the magazine industry, from its history to its modern specialization. He also discusses his deep love for Costco.

Books with Dr. Troy Swanson - Week 3 FA 26 30.08.2026 1:05:29 ↓

Dr. Shermak welcomes his friend Dr. Troy Swanson to discuss books and modern information literacy.

Newspapers and the Need for Localization 23.08.2026 55:22 ↓

Dr. Shermak discusses the history and the future of newspapers in America.

MediaMak - Welcome - Week 1 FA 26 16.08.2026 47:25 ↓

Dr. Shermak sets the stage for the fall 2026 semester!

Media Mak - Week 6 SUM 26 - The Summer Walk-Off 08.07.2026 45:43 ↓

Dr. Shermak puts a bow on the summer 2026 session!

Media Mak - Week 5 SUM 26 - Who owns the truth 01.07.2026 46:49 ↓

Trust in the press is at an all-time low. How do we fix it? What's in place already?

Media Mak - Week 4 SUM 26 - Follow the money, not the ball 26.06.2026 53:14 ↓

Dr. Shermak introduces advertising and public relations through the lens of the World Cup.

Media Mak - TV: The Bull in the China Shop - Week 3 SUM 26 19.06.2026 51:38 ↓

Dr. Shermak explores television as the historical "bull in the China shop" of mass communication and how that has evolved into modern viewing.

Media Mak - Summer 26 - Week 2 - Words 12.06.2026 47:31 ↓

During an intense week of content, Dr. Shermak explores the way words have been transmitted to our eyes and ears over many centuries.

Media Mak - Week 1 Summer - Welcome to JOUR 200 05.06.2026 49:54 ↓

As summer gets underway, Dr. Shermak welcomes students and listeners to the six-week session.

Media Mak - Week 15 - Putting It All Together SP 26 18.05.2026 44:39 ↓

On the last episode of the semester, Dr. Shermak has some closing thoughts and a message for the future.

Media Mak - Week 14 - Legal Controls and Expression SP 26 09.05.2026 59:50 ↓

We've discussed the First Amendment and we will discuss it more on this episode - it is that important. Dr. Shermak will also dive into libel and attempt to tackle an interesting question: Does artificial intelligence have free speech protections?

Week 13 - Media and Democracy with Professor Zach Gass 04.05.2026 58:52 ↓

This episode of MediaMak features the show's first-ever guest: Cuesta Political Science Professor Zach Gass. We discuss the press, democracy, "fake news" and more.

Week 12 - Video Games - SP 26 24.04.2026 32:00 ↓

Video games are no longer a toy. They are a legitimate mass communication that is currently facing a crisis.

Media Mak - Week 10 - The Internet Revolution SP 26 12.04.2026 53:10 ↓

Dr. Shermak doesn't use the word "revolution" lightly. The internet brought one upon the mass communication world. Listen for more.

Week 9 - Television SP 26 04.04.2026 48:16 ↓

Dr. Shermak explains how television has changed rapidly in recent years and looks into some concerning new trends in local television news.

Week 8 - Movies SP 26 25.03.2026 47:26 ↓

Dr. Shermak isn't much of a movie guy, but he sure knows a lot about them. Come hear what he thinks about the past, present and future of an industry in flux.

Episode 6 - Music - SP 26 15.03.2026 57:00 ↓

Dr. Shermaks explains that if video killed the radio star, streaming turned music into Frankenstein.

Episode 5 - Radio - SP 26 09.03.2026 37:57 ↓

Did video kill the radio star? Dr. Shermak discusses on this Week 5 edition of Media Mak.