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Wendy Melillo Associate Professor Journalism

Degrees
BA Print Journalism/International Relations, American University; MA History of Ideas, Johns Hopkins University; MA International Communications, American University

Bio
Wendy Melillo is a full-time professor of Journalism. She teaches in the School of Communication's Journalism division. Her research is focused on how strategic communication influences society and the media. Melillo was a reporter for The Washington Post, earning a Pulitzer Prize nomination and an award from the White House Correspondents' Association for her coverage of the United Way scandal. She spent nearly a decade covering political advertising and strategic communication planning for the business publication Adweek before joining SOC.


Her first book was published in 2013, . The book discusses the compelling - and sometimes controversial - story of the Ad Council and the campaigns that have become part of the nation’s collective memory.
See Also
For the Media
To request an interview for a news story, call AU Communications at 202-885-5950 or submit a request.

Teaching

Fall 2024

  • COMM-200 Writing for Communication

  • COMM-425 Advanced Reporting

Spring 2025

  • COMM-425 Advanced Reporting

  • COMM-462 Journalism Capstone

Scholarly, Creative & Professional Activities

Research Interests

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  • Public Service Advertising
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  • Marketing and Culture
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  • Public Communication
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  • Journalism

Honors, Awards, and Fellowships

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  • Raymond Clapper Memorial Association Congressional Award, The United Way Scandal, 1992
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  • Penney-Missouri Newspaper Awards, Health and Nutrition Reporting, 1986

Teaching

Selected Publications

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Media Appearances

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  • NBC4, February 2, 2009, Critique of the Super Bowl Ads

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  • CBS Evening News With Katie Couric, June 14, 2007, Review of the decision by Kellogg to no longer market some of its products like Pop Tarts to children

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AU Experts

Area of Expertise

Public service advertising and marketing, political advertising, strategic communication for business, public service messages

Additional Information

Wendy Melillo was a reporter for the Washington Post.During her tenure with the Post,she earned a Pulitizer Prize nomination and an award from the White House Correspondents' Association for her coverage of the United Way scandal. She spent nearly a decade covering political advertising and strategic communication planning for the business trade publication Adweek before joining the School of Communication.

For the Media

To request an interview for a news story, call AU Communications at 202-885-5950 or submit a request.

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