The Latest – Page 33

The importance of an independent and active press

by Matthew Smith Title The importance of an independent and active press Description Having a press that is independent and active enough to hold the government accountable has long been considered important for the proper functioning of a democracy. In fact, although the benefits of an active, adversarial press has come under fire, recently, many…

Forum status of student media: Quick Tip1

Policy If you’re developing a new policy, the Scholastic Press Rights Committee recommends using language something like this: [Name of publication] is a designated public forum for student expression. Student editors make all content decisions without prior review from school officials. Key points/action: In the post-Hazelwood world, it is more important than ever for student journalists…

The most important meeting

by Lindsay Coppens, adviser of The Harbinger, Algonquin Regional High School, Northborough, MA Keep them separated. That was my mentality when I first starting advising my high school’s newspaper. By “them” I meant the administration and the student editors. By separated I didn’t mean student reporters shouldn’t interview administration (they are often invaluable sources), but…

Second day concerns

by Lori Keekley It’s not the first day of school that has me worried. It’s the second. St. Louis Park’s first day involves some get-to-know-you activity, but we start content on the second. And this is why I’m worried. With the summer of fake news and recent news of the events of Charlottesville, Virginia, I…

Building foundations for great journalism

by Kristin Taylor Inevitably, my intro journalism students have one question: “When do we get to start writing?” Their impatience is understandable — they joined my class to become reporters, and they are eager to start that work — but I believe it is critically important to build a solid foundation in law and ethics…

Now’s the time to consider
applying for FAPFA recognition

by John Bowen, MJE As we start a new school year, JEA’s Scholastic Press Rights Committee hopes first and foremost on your list of things to do is to reaffirm your student media’s support for and adherence to the First Amendment and free expression. Your students can also continue to recognize the importance of First…

No license, no car

by Stan Zoller, MJE One of my favorite arguments, if one can have such an entity, is with other journalism educators regarding how they start their course. While in the midst of this discussion a number of years ago, one adviser told me she always starts with interviewing and then moves into journalistic history. And…

When international issues turn local

by Candace Bowen, MJE What kind of coverage has appeared in your student media about climate issues? No, not rehashing something from CNN about the trillion-ton chunk of ice that broke off Antarctica, though that is certainly a concern. And not repeating Time’s coverage of President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron discussing the causes…

They need the freedom
to make mistakes, too

by Lindsay Coppens, adviser of The Harbinger, Algonquin Regional High School, Northborough, MA Scholastic press freedom is a big responsibility, and true freedom comes when young journalists aren’t just free to do great journalism but also are free to make journalistic mistakes and learn from them. As teachers and advisers, we work hard to teach…

It’s the real thing: journalists at all levels
need to take the lead in offsetting secrecy

by Stan Zoller, MJE In 1968, Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye teamed up on a hit song, “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing, Baby.” While the romantic lyrics may tug at a person’s heartstrings, the message is a good one for journalism educators – there’s nothing like the real thing, baby. Real journalism. Real reporting….

Principals, presidents and getting along

by Candace Perkins Bowen, MJE The Washington Post headline asked, “Is media coverage of Trump too negative? You’re asking the wrong question.” That’s when I realized this could much more than a political statement. What if you replace the president’s name with the name of your school? Does that sound like something you may have…

Nevada makes 12. Who will be next?

Nevada became the latest state to pass New Voices legislation when Gov. Brian Sandoval signed SB 420 into law June 2. The law goes into effect Oct. 1. Nevada’s signing followed a similar signing a week earlier in Vermont, making 12 states protecting state legislation. Supporters of Nevada’s New Voices Facebook page posted, “Thank you, followers and supporters,…