David E. Carlson is an internationally recognized pioneer in interactive news media who served as the Executive Director of the Center for Media Innovation + Research and Cox/Palm Beach Post Professor of New Media Journalism at the University of Florida. His 25-year career spans roles from newspaper journalist to digital media innovator, having worked in positions ranging from reporter to managing editor at newspapers with circulations from 7,200 to 430,000. In 1993, he joined UF's faculty and established the Interactive Media Lab, creating one of the world's first journalism servers and developing groundbreaking projects like Sun.One and the Newswall. His contributions to journalism include authoring "The Online Timeline," consulting for major tech companies like Apple, Microsoft, and AOL, and becoming the first educator to serve as national president of the Society of Professional Journalists (2005-06). Beyond his digital media expertise, Carlson's background includes experience as an FM radio DJ in the 1970s and extensive knowledge of rock 'n' roll history. His distinguished career culminated in receiving the Wells Memorial Key, SPJ's highest honor, and his work in preserving digital media history has made him a crucial figure in documenting the evolution of online journalism