COMS Student Selected to Represent SSU at CSU Student Research Competition
Communication and Media Studies senior Duncan Addicott has been selected to represent SSU at the California State University Student Research Competition (April 23-25 at San Jose State University). Addicott's research project, “Media Bias, Wildfire Coverage, and Ethical Accountability: The Eaton Fire as a Case Study,” examines how media coverage and emergency communication systems shape public understanding during environmental crises. The study, which is based on an assignment in COMS 302 (Media Ethics & Law), analyzes media coverage of the devastating Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. The 2025 tragedy killed 19 people and is considered the 2nd most destructive fire in California history. Addicott's research explores ethical questions related to delayed evacuation alerts, media framing, and accountability during disasters.