I’m Philip A. Thompsen, Ph.D. I’m a college professor, scholar of media and communication technology, advisor of student media, and voice talent. I currently hold the position of Professor of Media in the Department of Communication Studies at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Prior to my academic career, I was a professional broadcaster, working at over 20 radio and television stations. I continue to remain active as a voice talent, doing occasional voiceover work, working as a public address announcer, and reading the names of graduating students at our commencement ceremonies.
A few highlights about me…
- I regularly teach a course in broadcast performance, a large lecture course on mass communication, and other courses in media and communication technology.
- I’ve advised all of the student media groups on campus, including student news service The Quad, student radio WCUR, student video magazine WCU Weekly, and student television WCU Studios.
- I’m a scholar of media and communication technology. I’ve published numerous articles and book chapters, and have regularly presented my scholarship on panels at academic conferences and conventions. For a complete list of publications, please see my vita.
- I’m author of the broadcast performance textbook On Air: Effective Announcing, published by Cognella Press.
- I have been an active member of the Broadcast Education Association for over 30 years, and have served as Chair of that organization’s Student Media Adviser Division.
- I’m an active member of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia.
- I’ve completed fellowships at KYW Television and NewsRadio in Philadelphia, C-SPAN in Washington, DC, and the Time Warner MediaLab.
- I have served as a communication technology consultant for a number of businesses and organizations, including Ikea, Genesis Health Care, and WKTO.
- I regularly read the names of graduating students at commencement, and have served as the public address announcer at other university ceremonies.