He took over for Professor Goldman this spring, and no shade to him, but those were some big shoes to fill. If I hadn't had her for the first couple weeks of class, I think I would've loved him. I did like him, though, and I enjoyed the class. Whereas Professor Goldman liked to bounce from person to person, asking for an opinion and then asking for the opposite opinion in an unrelenting but strangely exciting way, Professor Newton was more laid-back. Each lecture, we'd discuss the topic at hand in terms of hypotheticals (i.e. What if it had been your sister who was kidnapped? What if this scandal had happened to the president instead of Hulk Hogan? What if we had 4 hands and 100 fingers? Just kidding on that last one). These hypotheticals were fun to discuss, but when it came time for the exams, it would be more helpful to know only the facts and the implications of those facts rather than opinions about hypotheticals. Of course, all of this is based on him not being the original teacher for the class. I'm sure hypotheticals do help a lot for his own exams. Overall, it was a fun time. Just be thorough in your answers for the exams, and take copious notes. He offered the exams online through Canvas, so that helped!

Professor Newton is brilliant in his field. I would highly recommend anyone wanting to pursue a career journalism to take his courses. He’s very professional and always more than willing to go the extra mile to ensure student success!

This is my first quarter taking a course with Professor Newton while also working with him on a different matter. He’s a great Professor who is knowledgable and willing to help students succeed. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone!

I really enjoyed this class! The Professor was incredibly knowledgeable, well-spoken, and interesting. Even though I had to take it at 9:30AM, I actually looked forward to this class. The readings are manageable. You are graded on the midterm and final, which was a little stressful due to time constraints - online long answer questions. But, he was a very reasonable grader. Participation is encouraged, but Prof Newton isn't really strict about it. One of my favorite classes I've taken at UCLA by far. Selling the course book at 50% discount! - Contact me at **********

Professor is was one of the best professors I have had since being at UCLA.

He is every down to earth. He understands students and you can tell that he is really there for his students.

As far as the course goes, there is a midterm and final. Both are fairly straight forward. There are no surprises. Listen to his lectures. That is where most of his testing material will come from I feel like. The reading is a nice, easy read that will be helpful on the exams as a well.

Great class.

Newton is the best professor I have had in my three years here. He's engaging, highly approachable, extremely relaxed when speaking and very knowledgable. Basically, he's the kind of person that will keep you in your seat willingly for a three hour lecture.

There's a midterm and a final, both written, and both focused on his lectures. The reading is usually short and always enjoyable, and he comments on every single reading. Fantastic class.

Newton is one of the best professors in the department. His Comm 187 class is interesting every day. Exams are straight from the lectures and reading. Nothing overwhelming and your own perspective is allowed in conjunction with the material learned. This is a great class for any student to take - totally worth your time.

i took comm 187 (journalistic ethics)

jim is the kind of professor you'd want to get to know over a beer. you can tell he's a cool guy in the way he talks, presents himself, and knows his shit. his lectures were interesting, engaging, and entertaining since the topics are universally relatable and contemporary as well. his anecdotes on covering the oj simpson trial and the la riots make his professorship all the more credible. who better to learn the journalism industry from than the editor at large of the la times?

take him. his midterm and final are straightforward. no gimmicks. just a few questions you choose to answer in short essay format. kinda like the law classes you take in the comm department. relevant, useful, not too difficult, but you need a good sense of analysis.

Newton is one of the best professors in the Comm dept. His lectures and class are great. Class is college level but enjoyable and the material is easily absorbed b/c he makes it interesting. 2 exams, no surprises. Great class for Comm and non-Comm students.

My favorite teacher!

He has the most interesting topics, and since the midterm and final are short essay based and open-ended, I felt like I could really enjoy what he was teaching instead of being worried about my grade all of the time.

A must take!