Before entering academia, Professor McDowell spent over two decades in commercial television, including management positions in promotion, programming, and creative services. After earning his doctorate in 1998 from the University of Florida, and teaching for several years at Southern Illinois University, he joined the faculty of University of Miami in 2001.

Concentrating primarily on media management and audience research issues, Professor McDowell has published research studies in several academic journals including The Journal of Media Economics, The International Journal of Media Management and The Journal of Media Business Studies. In addition, Professor McDowell has contributed individual book chapters to The Handbook of Media Management and Economics and Mass Communication Education. He has authored or co authored several books serving both academia and the media industry. These include Broadcasting in America: A Survey of Electronic Media, The Television Industry: A Complete Guide, Branding TV: Principles, Practices, and Troubleshooting Audience Research. He recently co edited Understanding Broadcast and Cable Finance. A Primer for the Non-Financial Manager.

Recent teaching duties have included courses in introduction to mass media, media research methods, mass media theory, media management, broadcast and cable sales, and freedom of expression & media ethics.

Walter McDowell
School of Communication
Frances L. Wolfson Building 2021
5100 Brunson Drive
Coral Gables, FL 33146
Phone: (305) 284-5201
Fax: (305) 284-5205
E-mail: wmcdowell@miami.edu