Student Newspapers Struggle to Survive

By most estimates the vast majority of professional journalists got their start working on a high school or college newspaper. These incubators of journalism are essential to the future of a profession that is foundational to our democracy. But high school and college newspapers are struggling to survive in a world where production and distribution costs continue to climb while advertising revenue plummets. This is exactly the same problem faced by newspapers in cities and towns across America.

While we shouldn’t be surprised that market forces are leading to the closing and downsizing of newspapers around the country, we should take a moment to consider whether we need to protect college newspapers from their imminent demise. Are these laboratories necessary to grow the next generation of journalists and if so, how can we ensure their survival? If you’re not convinced, read a few of the essays and editorials here.

At CSU-Pueblo we believe that future journalists are worth every dollar spent CSU-Pueblo Today newspaperto provide them the opportunity to do the work of a journalist while still a student. To that end we support the CSU-Pueblo Today in print, and online, so that students have an opportunity to develop the skills necessary in the workplace. As evidence of our students success we offer the following.

Recently the Society of Professional Journalists announced winners in their Region 9 competition. I’ve listed the winners from CSU-Pueblo below:

  • Best All-Around Non Daily Student Newspaper
    Winner: CSU-Pueblo Today – by Staff of CSU-Pueblo Today, Colorado State University-Pueblo
  • General News Reporting (Small) 1-9,999 Students
    Winner: Harmon empowers those he is leading – by Chianna Schoenthaler, Colorado State University-Pueblo
  • Feature Writing (Small) 1-9,999 Students
    Winner: Making lasting relationships through obsession – by Alexandra Purcell, Colorado State University-Pueblo
  • Sports Writing (Small) 1-9,999 Students
    Winner: Celebrating 10 years with a win – by Chris Graham, Colorado State University-Pueblo
  • Feature Photography (Small) 1-9,999 Students
    Winner: Brues Ale House interior – by Wes Padgett, Colorado State University-Pueblo
    Finalist: Student Veterans of America students – by Jon Doose, Colorado State University-Pueblo
    Finalist: Photographer Kevin Malella – by Madison Hildebrand-Cozzolino, Colorado State University-Pueblo
  • Sports Photography (Small) 1-9,999 Students
    Winner: Celebrating 10 years with a win – by Avery Lewis, Colorado State University-Pueblo

Congratulations to the staff (and faculty advisors) of the CSU-Pueblo Today for their hard work and dedication. But we’re going to continue to need the support of the University, our alumni, and the community if we’re going to continue to provide these opportunities. SPJ has been at the forefront of advocating for student journalists and the future of the profession. This Wednesday isĀ #SaveStudentNewsrooms day and an opportunity for you to support student journalists.

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