What’s in your editorial policies,
board- and publication-level,
does make a difference
Sometimes adversity can be a blessing in disguise. At least that is the point SaraRose Martin, co-editor of Fauquier High School’s The Falconer published May 8.
The foundations of journalism:
policies, ethics and staff manuals
Mouse over the visual and click on numbers 1-4 for content.
Read MoreFighting censorship?
Here are ideas that can help
Because so many advisers have talked about prior review situations lately, and how to handle them, her is a link to an Student Press Law Center-Newspaper Association of America Foundation project that might offer some help.
Titled Press Freedom in Practice, besides reviewing basics of press law, it highlights adviser stories about how they overcame issues like prior review and other forms of censorship.
Sections of the pamphlet include strategies for success that include communication, setting high standards for students, letting students lead the fight against censorship and identifying allies in the fight.
We hope to update the project during the next year.
For additional materials, look here.
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Two important articles worth discussion, inclusion in j classes
Two articles published April 5 could add lively discussion in journalism classes as well as reinforce time-tested procedures of information checking.
One is a Columbia Journalism Review report on the Rolling Stone article on an alleged rape last July on the University of Virginia campus that Rolling Stone later retracted. The report has multiple segments with numerous links – all focused on how Rolling Stone failed its basic reporting obligations. All worthwhile to scholastic journalists for many reasons.
The second is a Washington Post article, also published April 5, about a Virginia high school journalist’s story censored by school administrators because The Post reports the principal said the article was too mature for publication and was concerned students would “be exposed to a new and dangerous drug without adult guidance.” The article itself is linked to the story, too.
The strength of both articles is their stress on substantive reporting of importance to readers and journalists alike. Student journalists can learn from both articles. In one case they can learn how any controversial article should be approached. In the other, they can learn about ways to stand up against censorship.
Read MoreHonor – and elevate – all programs
during Scholastic Journalism Week
by John Bowen
With Scholastic Journalism Week starting Feb. 22, it would serve us well to note SPLC executive Frank LoMonte’s words in this week’s Education Week.
LoMonte covers a number of points he suggests disrespect and trivialize high school journalism: mistreating female scholastic journalists, establishing the lowest, barely legal level of freedom for scholastic media and undermining the news-literacy obligation of a high school education.
As we rightfully celebrate our strengths in scholastic journalism next week, we should also heed LoMonte’s points so we help others reach the levels of scholastic journalism programs we honor.
Check out a story here about such a situation where the principal is quoted as saying, “The school paper here at school is mine to control.”
Examine LoMonte’s thoughts, compare with the comments of the principal, and commit ourselves to elevate all journalism programs as they strive to reach the uncensored educational quality of the ones we honor most.
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