Dr. Paula Poindexter

Biography

Paula Poindexter is a Professor at the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Journalism and Media, part of the Moody College of Communication. With a Ph.D. in Newspaper and Television Journalism, she has extensive expertise in media studies focusing on audience engagement, content coverage, and ethical research methodologies. Prior to joining the academic faculty, Poindexter worked across both the editorial and business sectors of the news media industry. She has held leadership roles, including as a manager and executive in Los Angeles, where she spearheaded editorial research and developed innovative electronic publishing projects. Additionally, she directed programs to engage young audiences in news and increase newspaper readership. Her professional background includes roles as a reporter and producer at KPRC-TV, an NBC affiliate in Houston. Her research covers critical topics such as the representation of African-Americans, women, and youth in news, as well as the framing and interpretation of polling data, particularly during presidential elections.

Research Interests