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Abstract

This article investigates administrative support for paid media consulting within journalism education, situating consulting in the broader context of faculty professional development and institutional governance. Employing a national survey of heads of journalism and mass communication programs, the study maps policy provisions, administrative attitudes, and the prevalence of consulting among tenure track educators across public and private universities. Descriptive and inferential analyses reveal that most administrators view consulting as beneficial, actively encourage it, and implement policies emphasizing prior approval and disclosure, yet supportive policies do not necessarily increase consulting rates. Consulting is most common among senior, tenured professors, and more prevalent in private institutions. By documenting these patterns, this article deepens understanding of academic leadership, workforce retention, and the nexus between applied practice and curriculum in professional communication programs, providing a baseline for future policy assessment.

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