James K. Hertog was awarded his doctorate in Mass Communications from the University of Minnesota in 1990. He received his M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Wisconsin in 1981 and his B.A. in Journalism from the University of Minnesota in 1979.

He has taught at the University of Kentucky since 1989, emphasizing strategic communications and mass communication theory and research and, more recently, telecommunications.

His research has emphasized the study of press coverage of political protest and minor political parties, and the influence of business on public policy.