Why journalism matters
NSPA and Quill and Scroll offer the sweatshirt “Journalism Matters Now More than Ever,” but what does it mean? Why does journalism matter? Why is it more important than any time in recent history to make sure we cover our local communities? (Hint: many cuts to local journalism have occurred nationwide.) This is intended to be a starter discussion that could be continued.
Quill and Scroll Guiding Principles:
Truth, Learning, Leadership, Loyalty, Initiative, Integrity, Judgment
Materials:
Research: Addressing the decline of local news, rise of platforms, and spread of mis- and disinformation online
Article: The demise of local news
Step-by-step instructions:
- For the time allowed, as students why student journalism matters.
- Next, ask them why is it more important than any time in recent history to make sure we cover our local communities? (Hint: many cuts to local journalism have occurred nationwide.)
- How has the decline in local journalism added to misinformation and disinformation?
- Why is it important that we have journalism programs? What do they offer?
- How do student journalists get their news? How do members of the student body get their news? Can they identify the source of the information and assess the credibility?
- What can we do to help educate people on the importance of journalism?
- How do recent current events show this?
- Ask the students for three key takeaways from the discussion.
For those who can’t make it to either the fall or spring National High School Journalism Convention, Quill and Scroll sells these sweatshirts online.
