Biography of Brian Calfano
Brian Calfano is a distinguished journalist, professor, documentary filmmaker, and prolific author. His work focuses on historical content related to twentieth-century political and journalism issues
He serves as the first scholar-in-residence for Latakoo, a video management solutions software company that supports news divisions at NBC Universal, Nexstar, and Charter Spectrum. Additionally, he holds a courtesy appointment in the Department of Political Science at the University of North Texas (UNT).
An Esteemed Career in Journalism: Television & Radio
Brian has built a notable career in journalism, including roles as an anchor and political show host for KSNT 27 News In this capacity, he covered Kansas politics in markets such as Topeka, Wichita, and Kansas City. Nexstar Media Group, the largest owner of local television stations in the US, owns KSNT 27 News He was a reporter and producer for Spectrum News 1 Ohio for four years, creating a series on political and social topics He also served as a political analyst for Spectrum News 1 Ohio, providing studio commentary on breaking political news.
In Springfield, Missouri, he produced and anchored several programs for KOLR10. Among these was a one-hour special titled “Show Me Missouri,” which celebrated Missouri’s bicentennial Other notable projects include “Ozarks Tonight,” “Courageous Conversations: We the People,” and “Courageous Conversations: Our Constitution Made Easy,” a 16-part series he wrote about the US Constitution
For seven years, he hosted Morningline, a public affairs radio call-in show on News Talk 560AM KWTO, in Springfield During this time, he interviewed various public officials and participated as a media panelist in congressional debates for KOLR10 (CBS)
Recognized for His Documentary and Journalistic Work
Brian’s documentary, “Al Primo & His Eyewitness Revolution,” has earned widespread recognition and numerous awards The film explores the early days of television news, featuring behind-the-scenes stories from those who witnessed its transformation. It won Best Documentary at the 2024 Golden Nugget International Film Festival in London, Special Achievement in Documentary at the 2024 Cal Film Festival in Los Angeles, the Platinum Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 2024 Mindfield Film Festival in Albuquerque, Best Feature Documentary at the 2024 BEA Festival of Media Arts, and Best Documentary Director at the 2024 Triloka International Filmfare Awards. The documentary was also selected for distribution to PBS stations across the US.
His journalistic achievements include First Place in Education Issues Reporting (Ohio Society of Professional Journalists SPJ), Second Place in Government/Political Reporting (Ohio SPJ), EMMY nominations for Societal Concerns and News-Serious Feature reporting, Second Place in Best Enterprise Reporting (Ohio Associated Press Media Editors AP), and First Place in Human Rights/Minority Issues Reporting (Greater Cincinnati SPJ) He has also received the Diamond Award for Explanatory Reporting (Arkansas SPJ) and First Place in Investigative Reporting (Missouri Broadcasters Association MBA).
These accomplishments have enabled him to complete his book, US Political Reporting, for Routledge. He is also working on a long-form piece about a former New York news reporter and anchor
Academic Career
Brian has held significant roles in academia. From 2021 to 2024, he served as Head/Chair of the University of Cincinnati (UC) Department of Journalism He spearheaded several initiatives during his tenure, including creating the department’s first TV news studio, the Journomentary project to encourage faculty-student collaboration in documentary work, and the unit’s first TV producer course He also launched a student TV news operation that aired on local Cincinnati cable and established the department’s “professional affiliates” program to connect students with working journalists. In 2023, UC Journalism became Latakoo’s first education partner, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with video file management and editing
From 2014 to 2015, he was Interim Chair of the Department of Political Science at California State University Dominguez Hills His responsibilities included approving course substitutions, conducting faculty evaluations, and leading discussions on curriculum updates.
Brian R Calfano has taught media and political science at several institutions, including the University of Cincinnati, Missouri State University, California State University, Dominguez Hills & Los Angeles, Chatham University, and Texas A&M University He has also advised students extensively and served on numerous faculty advisory boards, committees, and councils He has received various grants and participated in multiple experimental and survey research projects He is a frequent panelist and presenter nationally and internationally at universities and other organizations.
He is a member of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), the Broadcast Educators Association (BEA), the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA)
Author Brian Calfano
In addition to his academic and journalistic work, Brian has authored several books and dozens of peer-reviewed journal articles. His writings cover media effects, religion and politics, and government responses to marginalized groups Alongside US Political Reporting, he works on TV Politics (Peter Lang), Rethinking & Saving Local TV News (Palgrave Macmillan), and other projects
On the Personal Side
Brian supports charitable organizations such as the ASPCA and Doctors Without Borders Born in New Jersey, he attended the University of North Texas and is an ordained deacon in the Presbyterian Church (USA)
He continues to make significant contributions to journalism, academia, and documentary filmmaking, impacting his fields of expertise.