Walter S. McDowell is an assistant professor at the University of Miami. Before entering academia, he spent over two decades in television broadcasting, including a dozen years as director of marketing and creative services for ABC affiliate WFTV, Orlando. After earning his Ph.D. from the University of Florida, he taught media management courses for four years at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. In 2001, Dr. McDowell joined the faculty of the University of Miami School of Communication where he continues his media management teaching and research activities.