About
Dr. Michael Bruce is Chair of the Department of Journalism and Creative Media and a tenured Associate Professor. He also serves as Director of the University of Alabama’s Digital Media Center, where he oversees WVUA-TV and Alabama Public Radio, supporting hands-on media production and professional training for students.
Recruited to Alabama in 2011, Dr. Bruce played a key role in launching the undergraduate concentration in sports media.
Impact Beyond the University
Dr. Bruce is active as both a researcher and creative scholar, with work that bridges theory, practice, and professional media production. His research focuses on risk and crisis communication, with particular emphasis on Arab media and international contexts.
His creative scholarship includes feature-length and short-form video and television projects. Most recently, he and colleague Chandra Clark released the feature-length documentary Do Right: The Stallings Standard. An accomplished live television director, Dr. Bruce has more than 200 credits directing sporting events and live broadcasts, contributing to professional media practice and education.
A Commitment to Leadership and Media Practice
As a leader, educator and mentor, Dr. Bruce emphasizes experiential learning, professional standards, and innovation in media education. Through his work with WVUA-TV, Center for Public Television, Alabama Public Radio, and the Digital Media Center, he helps students develop technical expertise, editorial judgment, and real-world production experience.
Dr. Bruce is actively involved in professional and academic organizations, most notably the Broadcast Education Association (BEA). He served on the BEA Board of Directors for 10 years, including as President from 2017–2018, and currently serves as Chair of the Council of Communication Associations. His leadership reflects a commitment to advancing media education and strengthening the field internationally.