Dr. Ashley Hopkins

Dr. Ashley Hopkins is an educator and former journalist with experience reporting on politics throughout Chicago and Miami. They received their bachelor’s degree in media arts and design with a concentration in print journalism from James Madison University, a master’s degree in journalism with a concentration in magazine writing from Northwestern University, and a Ph.D. in journalism from Ohio University. Before arriving at CSULB, Dr. Hopkins worked as a political reporter for Miami Today, a leading business publication in South Florida.

Dr. Hopkins has taught a wide range of journalism and communication courses, including news writing, media design, research methods, media and news literacy, media law and ethics, and social media and audience studies, with an emphasis on applied skills, critical analysis, and ethical decision-making.

Dr. Hopkins’ primary line of research examines how journalism organizations operate within social media platforms, focusing on content strategies, visibility practices, and patterns of audience engagement on platforms such as Instagram and Reddit. Using large-scale content analyses, their work investigates how journalistic norms—particularly reporting practices, framing, and interaction with audiences—adapt to platform-specific affordances and constraints. Complementing this work, Dr. Hopkins also conducts experimental research on information as a commodity and media effects, with particular emphasis on identity-relevant and politically contested coverage, including immigration, healthcare, and transgender representation in the media.

Office Location: LA4-105
Email Address: Ashley.Hopkins@csulb.edu