Smith celebrates the release of new book

Dr. Melissa Smith, professor of communication, Gibbons Chair of Journalism and director of the Kossen Center for Teaching and Learning at Mississippi University for Women, added a fourth book to her publication history with the release of “Political Marketing on Social and Mobile Media: Remaking the Paradigm?” earlier in the year.  

The book, released Sept. 10, explores how social and mobile media have been used in political campaigns, especially the 2024 presidential election, examining how social media are already being implemented as well as how these types of messaging platforms might be used in the future.

“We’ve all seen an increase in the amount of social media that is being used by political candidates and by those already in office,” Smith said. “It literally never stops for those who get elected. This book takes a look at several different aspects of how marketing now happens for those running for office, and in particular looks at how presidential candidates used digital media in the 2024 campaign.”

Smith is credited as editor of the book, as well as author of multiple chapters. Other chapter authors include: The W’s Dr. Barry P. Smith, Nune Grigoryan, Dr. Danielle R. Mehlman-Brightwell, Dr. Mark J. Piwinsky, Dr. Lacey Fulton, Dr. Sarah Everett, Dr. William F. Harlow and Umisha KC, graduate of The W’s Department of Communication and doctoral student at the University of Maryland.

Her previous publications include: “Campaign Finance Reform,” “Dark Money, Super PACs, and the 2012 election” and “Third Parties, Outsiders & Renegades: Modern Challenges to the Two-Party System in Presidential Elections.”

Smith has taught at the University for 14 years in the Department of Communication. Her research focuses on political communication, and she also serves as the faculty adviser for The Spectator, the student newspaper at The W.