To support student journalists as they produce more local news, various resources will need to be expanded as they adapt to the new challenges of reporting off-campus stories.
The Local News and Student Journalism White Paper identifies a set of resources in need of further development. With an improved tool kit, student journalists will be better supported and prepared to produce local news. Those resources are highlighted below. More research to come.
Legal Support
Student journalists who cover stories that extend beyond the bounds of their educational institution may open themselves up to potential legal trouble often in the form of libel lawsuits. Assurances of support from legal non-profits or law firms could help independent student publications take on bigger stories.
Funding
The goals of student journalism overlap with the missions of private philanthropists, corporate sponsors, and governments. Journalism training opens opportunities to fund the arts, civics education, and media literacy.
Outlet Partnerships
By partnering with a Beat Model training program, professional news organizations are able to utilize student journalists without some of the frequently associated costs.
Social Media Training
Social media training is an urgent need for student journalists and newspaper advisors alike. Trainings should focus on developing long-term distribution channels that generate online community engagement.
Professional Advisors
From retired journalists to journalists looking to volunteer, news industry professionals can support student journalists by serving as teachers, editors, or a first point of contact. With the proper financial support, this advising model can help revitalize local news coverage.
Topic Guides
Current article guides make no concerted effort to cover the full span of questions students may have. Furthermore, the patchwork nature of resources complicates the student experience in accessing them as they may have to bounce between websites and organizations to find what they are looking for.
Access to Courses
Many colleges, universities, and professional new organizations offer student journalists the chance to hone their craft in some form akin to a summer internship or study course, but can be difficult to access due to cost or selectivity.
Readership
One of the simplest and most effective ways to support student journalists is to read their work. Students want to write stories that get read. If no one reads their local news coverage, they will be less motivated to produce it.