Research
My dissertation, Framing Psychosis: News Media, Stigma, and the Mechanisms of Public Response in Ghana, pairs a content analysis of ten years of Ghanaian news coverage with an experiment that tests how fear and empathy frames shape stigma and the willingness to recommend help. Related work covers maternal mental health in Accra, contraceptive access across Africa, and depression on short-video platforms.
Selected work
New Jersey public schools show pandemic recovery
Data story, Columbia University, 2022
Local News Ecosystem in Oregon
A scrolling map story that walks through the assessment's findings.
One-on-one with CPP presidential candidate Ivor Greenstreet
Election 2020 coverage, TV3, September 2020
Professional experience
- Research Assistant, Agora Journalism Center, University of OregonSummer 2024 and Spring 2026Built interactive maps of Oregon news outlets for the Local News and Information Ecosystem project and designed information graphics for the Florence Civic Information Assessment Report.
- Presenter and Anchor, Media General Ghana (TV3 and 3FM 92.7)2016 to 2021Anchored Midday News and News@10, hosted Hot Issues and Agenda, and led the team covering Ghana's 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections.
- News Editor, Joy News TV2012 to 2015Managed the news department and anchored the nightly current affairs program PM Express.
- PEPFAR Media Specialist, U.S. Embassy Accra2010 to 2012Coordinated public information for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief across five U.S. agencies.
- Senior Broadcast Journalist and News Editor, Joy FM2007 to 2010Reported on health, mental health, education, and governance; founding producer of the documentary series Hotline.
Recognition: TV Male Newscaster of the Year, RTP Awards, 2020. Meritorious Honor Award, U.S. Embassy Accra, 2011.
Education
- Ph.D., Communication and Media Studies, University of Oregonexpected 2027
- M.S., Data Journalism, Columbia University2022
- M.A., Journalism Studies, Cardiff University2005
Contact
Email: smanti@uoregon.edu or sma2263@columbia.edu
ORCID · Google Scholar · SOJC profile · CV (PDF)
