Aerial image of Tennessee Tech University's campus in Cookeville, Tenn. TTU is defending its hiring of journalism professor Kyle Barnett. Felix Mizioznikov/Shutterstock
Tennessee Tech University is defending its hiring of a publisher who has managed and written for "pink slime" news websites bankrolled by conservative political action committees and accused of "pay-for-play" journalism.
Raw Story exclusively reported Thursday that Tennessee Tech had hired Kyle Barnett to teach journalism classes during the school's spring 2024 semester.
On Friday morning, Jonathan Frank, director of news and public relations for Tennessee Tech, sent a statement from Scott Christen, associate professor of communication studies and interim chair of the Department of Communication at Tennessee Tech, after not replying to Raw Story's multiple requests for comment on Wednesday and Thursday.
"I appreciate the diligent work of my colleagues on the hiring committee who reached a decision to offer appointment to Mr. Kyle Barnett as a lecturer in our communication department next semester," Christen said. "Mr. Barnett is a Louisiana Press Association award-winning communicator who brings more than 15 years of experience to his role, ranging from his time as a reporter and producer for Clear Channel Media (now iHeartMedia), to his roles as lecturer at Grambling State University and professor of journalism at Oklahoma City Community College."
Barnett, who is publicly cited as a publisher and general manager associated with publications run by Metric Media — a network of more than 1,300 local “pay-for-play” media websites that is reportedly funded by conservative and special interest PACs to push political agendas — is slated to teach three undergraduate journalism classes at Tennessee Tech University for the upcoming semester.
An online course catalog from Tennessee Tech — a public university with a student body of just over 10,000, according to its website — lists Barnett as the instructor for “mass comm/changing society,” “multimedia storytelling” and “advanced reporting.”
The Tennessee Tech Journalism Program website says that a journalism degree allows students to gain skills in "research, critical thinking, and effective communication."
"These skills enable journalists to gather and analyze information, ask probing questions, and present accurate and engaging news stories to the public. Secondly, a journalism degree offers a solid foundation in media ethics and professional standards, equipping graduates with the knowledge and tools to navigate the complex ethical considerations that arise in journalism. This ensures that journalists are equipped to report news responsibly and with integrity," the website says.
Bee Goodman, managing editor at The Oracle student newspaper, emailed a statement to Raw Story on Friday morning.
"The communication department is aware of the situation and are working to resolve this matter," Goodman said. "I wholeheartedly believe the professors and faculty in my department are dedicated to doing what is best for the students. The Oracle is a student operated newspaper and I know that it is good hands under our faculty advisor. The department is taking notes that students are impacted here and are working to see that we get the best deal."
Goodman continued, "What may come is the decision of higher up Tech officials. The department instructors and faculty are working with them to see that the right decision is made that will not harm the students, student led media outlets, and the education provided to us."
"I've spoken with faculty members, and they are working to make sure students are taken care of. This department is close and treat each other like family, this is something making me so proud to be a part of it. They have promised to take care of students and our education, I believe that," Goodman said.
The statement continued, "We are also aware of the importance of this matter and the need to be transparent with our community. But before we can do that, we must complete our due diligence to make the correct decisions. The faculty protects students of every race, color, sexuality, gender identity and political beliefs and would never purposely bring harm to any student or person."
Barnett did not respond to Raw Story’s requests for comment.
Read the original investigation: ‘Too preposterous to be real’: College hires ‘pink slime’ publisher as journalism prof