About
Dr. Chris Roberts is an associate professor whose work centers on media ethics, professional responsibility and journalism education. He previously headed the department’s graduate studies program for nearly five years and continues to play an active leadership role through service on numerous departmental and university committees. He also chairs the Media Planning Board for the Office of Student Media, supporting student journalism and media governance.
In recognition of his impact as an educator and scholar, Dr. Roberts delivered the University of Alabama’s 10th Annual Last Lecture in April 2016.
Impact Beyond the University
Dr. Roberts is nationally recognized for his leadership in journalism ethics and public service. He is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists’ ethics committee and was part of the team that revised the organization’s Code of Ethics in 2014, one of the most influential ethical frameworks in American journalism.
In 2024, he received the Dorothy Bowles Award for Outstanding Public Service from the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC). He previously served four years on the AEJMC Board of Directors as head and vice head of the Council of Divisions and was elected to a three-year term on AEJMC’s Standing Committee on Teaching beginning in 2019. Software he developed during his service has saved taxpayers and AEJMC members thousands of dollars in travel costs.
Dr. Roberts is frequently quoted as a media ethics expert by national and regional outlets, including The New York Times, Politico, The Christian Science Monitor, NewsMax, and Alabama Media Group.
A Passion for Media Ethics and Teaching
Dr. Roberts is lead author of the second edition of “Doing Ethics in Media: Theories and Applications” (Routledge), building on his role as co-author of the first edition with Jay Black. He also maintains Doing Ethics In Media, a continuously updated resource affiliated with the book that supports educators, students, and professionals navigating ethical challenges in media practice.
Dr. Roberts teaching focuses ethical reasoning, professional accountability, and thoughtful decision-making. Through teaching, scholarship and national service, he prepares students to confront complex ethical questions and to uphold journalism’s responsibilities to the public.