COMMENTARY: Dr. Larry Burriss, a journalism professor at MTSU, recently reflected on his father’s sarcastic advice, “When in wonder or in doubt, run in circles scream and shout.” In today’s commentary, Burriss connected his father’s words with outdated government programs like the atomic bomb drills of his childhood near Washington, D.C., and the CONELRAD radio alert system of the 1950s and 60s…

What is CONELRAD (Control of Electromagnetic Radiation) was a Cold War-era emergency broadcasting system active from 1951 to 1963. Established by President Harry S. Truman, its purpose was to prevent enemy aircraft from using radio signals as navigational aids during a national emergency. When activated, radio and TV stations either went off the air or switched to pre-set frequencies, 640 or 1240 kHz, to broadcast civil defense instructions and government alerts.

The system aimed to reassure citizens and support Cold War policies by promoting the idea that a nuclear attack was survivable. From 1953 to 1963, all AM radios sold in the U.S. were required to include the CONELRAD frequencies on their dials. CONELRAD was eventually replaced by the Emergency Broadcast System in 1963, which was later succeeded by the Emergency Alert System in 1997.

• Hear past commentaries by Dr. Burriss HERE, or scroll down to learn more about the professor's role at the university and his accomplishments.

About Dr. Burriss - Dr. Larry Burriss is a highly accomplished professor of journalism with extensive experience in both academia and professional media. He teaches introductory journalism courses, media law, and quantitative research methods at the graduate level. His academic credentials are impressive, holding five degrees:

• B.A. in Broadcast Journalism – The Ohio State University
• M.A. in Journalism – The Ohio State University
• M.A. in Human Relations – University of Oklahoma
• Ph.D. in Journalism – Ohio University
• J.D. – Concord Law School

Dr. Burriss has a distinguished career in print and broadcast news, public relations, and academic research. He has published extensively in both scholarly and popular publications, covering topics such as presidential press conferences, NASA photography, radio news, adolescent social media use, legal research, and even studies on Middle Earth.

In addition to his teaching and research, Dr. Burriss has held numerous leadership roles, including director of the School of Journalism, dean of the College of Mass Communication, and president of the MTSU Faculty Senate. His contributions to the state include being appointed by Governor Phil Bredesen to serve on the Tennessee Board of Regents.

A decorated professional, Dr. Burriss has won first place in the Tennessee Associated Press Radio Contest nine times. He also has a distinguished military background, serving as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force. His active-duty service included deployments to Mali, Somalia, Bosnia, Central America, Europe, and the Pentagon.

Dr. Burriss continues to inspire students and colleagues with his vast knowledge, experience, and dedication to the field of journalism and media studies.