Journalist, educator & author
April Brown is an award-winning journalist, an Assistant Professor of journalism at California State University, Los Angeles and author of the online interactive textbook “Introduction to Journalism: An Interactive Guide.”
“Why Detroit’s teachers are ‘sick’ of their inadequate schools.” • PBS NewsHour, February 9, 2016.
Journalist
April was a Special Correspondent and Coordinating Producer for the PBS NewsHour from 2011-2016, where she focused on education and foreign affairs, but also covered science, technology and innovation. Before that she was based in London, working for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Independent Television News (ITN), covering both British and international stories, including the first television interview with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. April has also worked as a freelance producer for ABC News and NBC News, been an Anchor and Reporter for the NBC affiliate KVOA, and a Reporter/Producer for the PBS station Arizona Public Media.
Educator
April is an award-winning educator with a Master’s degree in International Broadcast Journalism from Birmingham City University in the United Kingdom and a B.F.A from the University of Arizona. She is an Assistant Professor at California State University, Los Angeles, teaching broadcast journalism, writing and production classes. Before that she was an Assistant Professor of Practice at Northern Arizona University teaching ethics, introduction to journalism and public affairs reporting with an emphasis on the Freedom of Information Act and public records. April is also developing a course on investigative journalism and has been named “Professor of Influence” by an outstanding graduating senior. She has also been awarded a Certificate in Teaching Practices for Student Engagement and Success from the Association of College and University Educators.
“A Boy and His Dream” documentary
A.J. was diagnosed with autism as a child and didn't speak until he was nearly three years old. His first words were about an exotic car he saw in a parking lot. Since that day, his parents and teachers have introduced him to letters, colors, and the world with lessons linked with cars. Vehicles are at the center of his closest relationships.
This documentary explores the family's struggles in reaching and connecting with A.J. as a young child while discovering and trying to nurture his extraordinary intellect. A.J. candidly shares his feelings and challenges, revealing how similarities can peel away "otherness" and lead to understanding and acceptance. His parents and sisters give us a window into school and family life, including how A.J.'s new therapy dog, Lexie, helps him cope. He named her after his first car love - the SUV that kept him safe on the way home from the hospital.
Author
April has written “Introduction to Journalism: An Interactive Guide,” an online textbook available in the Top Hat Marketplace. It uses recent news events to illustrate the tenets of the profession and how it is practiced. The book features individual and classroom exercises, a brief history of the profession, and is regularly updated to feature trends and issues facing this evolving industry.
Perspectives on journalism interview series
As research for her “Introduction to Journalism: An Interactive Guide” online textbook, April has been interviewing professional journalists about why and how they got into the profession, their “pro tips” and lessons learned. This diverse group includes award-winners with experience in local, national and international coverage for television, radio and newspapers.