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Student media provides criticism, discussion |
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Thursday, 24 April 2008 |
An integral part of any thriving university is its equally strong student media outlets.
After being on The Appalachian’s staff for nearly four years, this fact has become obvious; however, what may not be as obvious is that for an environment of success to be set, it must come from the top down.
Universities have a responsibility to emphasize and encourage student media.
Amidst recent controversies that have arisen on Appalachian State University’s campus, I have begun to rethink the overall role of student media outlets – especially a campus newspaper – in a university culture.
Though I’m far from a media expert, I will tell you what I do know about a student-run newspaper.
In no way is a newspaper an extension of a university’s public relations tactics.
Though some issues do overlap, a campus newspaper must fulfill its role as a watchdog.
This overall mission is especially tough at a collegiate level, given
the interior secrecy and, many times, a lack of mutual respect between
a student reporter and his interviewee.
Despite some barriers that inevitably arise when a student journalist
attempts to investigate a university’s doings, the overall goal of
keeping the university’s actions in check should not be forgotten.
Activities ranging from Student Government Association meetings to a
purported noose in a professor’s office to a football game, must all be
covered with the same vitality and criticism.
The watchdog role of a newspaper goes many times without mention, but
it is when issues and events are actually overturned and uncovered that
a newspaper’s true power is visible.
When a full-page letter to the editor that had every right and reason
to run in The Appalachian facilitates discussion on an issue many hoped
would just die, that’s when a student newspaper thrives.
This is also when a university’s administration needs to make a choice.
It can act in a manner that fosters a student newspaper’s growth.
It can be truthful and transparent to not only the media outlets, but also to the entire student population.
It can respect the noble goals of young journalists.
Or it can’t – or rather - won’t.
Because when it really boils down to it, the main role of a student newspaper is education.
Everyone on staff – from intern news writer to editor-in-chief – is learning something new every day.
Personally, 90 percent of the journalism knowledge I am leaving
Appalachian with is directly due to my involvement with The Appalachian.
It’s hard to mimic the daily, hands-on learning that occurs within the confines of the newspaper office in a classroom setting.
Furthermore, the support of a university’s faculty and staff to promote
this learning is paramount; and a key lesson taught to students of
higher education is to question authority.
On the same hand, supporting news outlets that seek a similar goal should also be a responsibility.
So as graduation looms closer on the horizon of my college career, I
thank Appalachian State for renewing faith in my future profession.
The power of journalism at this level can only be a precursor to its possibility on a national scene.
Chris Zaluski, a senior journalism and electronic media/broadcasting major from North Canton, Ohio, is the Associate Editor for Online Operations.
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