Not only will television news channels continue their rise in popularity in 2003, but so will the “crisis of the moment” coverage on cable news channels that reached its height after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, says Dr. Gary Copeland, professor of communication and information sciences at The University of Alabama.
Dr. Walter Enders, whose research into the connection between economic conditions and terrorist activity has garnered national attention, says Americans can expect a reduction in the number of terrorists incident directed against the United States in the coming years, but the attacks that do occur will likely be more deadly.
There will probably be few surprises or outlandish trends in 2003 – just great wearable clothes, a reflection of the conservative mood of the designers and the country in general, says Dr. Marcy Koontz, assistant professor of clothing, textiles and interior design in The University of Alabama College of Human Environmental Sciences.
The Alabama Legislature will continue to argue over the need for taxes and will remain as indecisive as ever, while new federal legislation will make it difficult for school districts to meet the new standards and to continue funding the number of teacher positions currently financed within the state of Alabama, predicts Dr. John Dolly, dean of The University of Alabama Capstone College of Education.
With estimates showing the number of Americans 65 and older doubling by the year 2030, changes in health care will have to be made, and we will see some movement in that direction in 2003, predicts Dr. Lucinda Roff, UA professor of social work.
The consolidation of ownership will continue to drive the media industry in 2003, says Dr. Loy Singleton, professor and chair of the telecommunication and film department at The University of Alabama.
An American attack on Iraq will likely cause a drop in the stock market, a decline that will continue as long as the war goes on or if there is an increase in terrorist attacks on the United States, a University of Alabama finance professor predicts.
Healthy, low-calorie, conveniently packaged foods, snacks and beverages — requiring minimal or no preparation — will guide food trends for the coming year, predicts Dr. Ralph Lane, UA professor of nutrition and hospitality management.
Dr. Leonard Zumpano, professor of finance and director of the Alabama Real Estate Research and Education Center, says home buyers can look for mortgage rates to increase next year … if the economy continues to recover and the competition for loan money increases.
Changes in the department store industry will accelerate next year, says Dr. Robert Robicheaux, Bruno Professor of Retail Marketing and director of the Hess Institute for Retailing Development at The University of Alabama.