Professor Kurpius focuses his research and teaching on local television news and the connections between journalistic practice and democratic life. He teavhes broadcast journalism and public affairs reporting. He has a number of years of professional newsroom experience at commercial television stations. His experience ranges from production assistant to reporter to news director. In his teaching, Kurpius focuses on developing creative storytelling narratives that lead to more accurate reflections of the communities presented in the story. His research primarily studies civic journalism, hyper-local news, and local television news. He has also served as the director of the Office of Student Media at LSU. Professor Kurpius joined the faculty in 1997.