Maria Popova is a Journalist, a Doctor of Science, and an Associate Professor in “Theory of Journalism and Media” in the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication in Sofia University “St. Kl. Ohridski”. She graduated from 22 High School “G.S. Rakovski” in Sofia and from the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication in Sofia University “St. Kl. Ohridski” as MSc in Journalism. She worked in the Bulgarian National Radio, “Culture Weekly” and “K Weekly”. She is the head of the Master's program “Lifestyle Journalism” and she is the head of profile specialization “Culture” in the Bachelor's program “Journalism”. She is an author of the books “The Virtual Man” (2005, 2012, 2021), “Introduction to the Journalism Theory” (2012, 2021), “The Media Man” (2019), and “Theoretical Aspects of Media” (2014). She is a co-author of the books “Reforms and Social Change” (2016), “The Media in Europe” (2012), “The Words of Media Transition” (2010), “The Digital Media” (2012), “The Journalistic Profession. Status and Dynamics in Bulgaria” (2010-2011), and she is a co-editor of the collective books “Journalists in Theory, Journalists in Practice” (2007-2011). Her research interests are in journalism, media, media theory, journalism theory, audience studies, internet theory, and art journalism.