I’m deeply honored to have been selected to receive the Charles H. Woolbert Research Award from the National Communication Association. The Woolbert Award is given to scholars whose published research has stood the test of time, having significantly influenced the study and practice of communication over the past decade or more. To be included among the scholars and educators who have received this award is both humbling and inspiring.

The work being recognized reframed the debate around selective exposure to political information. In a media landscape defined by choice, this research introduced to political communication the idea that while people do prefer opinion-reinforcing content, they do not systematically avoid exposure to opposing views. This distinction matters: avoiding challenges to one’s beliefs is far more damaging to democratic discourse than simply seeking reinforcement. The findings of this paper, which were based on a national survey conducted before the 2004 U.S. presidential election, suggest that Americans use online media to deepen their engagement with like-minded perspectives without entirely closing themselves off to alternative viewpoints.

I’m proud that this research continues to contribute to our understanding of political communication and media effects. I look forward to formally accepting the award at the NCA’s 111th Annual Convention this November in Denver.