The Student Press Law Center found that school districts in Iowa and West Virginia are not fully complying with state laws designed to protect student journalists, leaving some students vulnerable to illegal censorship despite existing legal safeguards. The findings come…
Fact-checking and source verification are two of the most important skills student journalists can learn. In an age where information moves fast—and misinformation moves even faster—students must know how to confirm what they read, hear, and see before publishing it.…
One of the most valuable skills student journalists can learn is how to give and receive feedback with professionalism and confidence. In the newsroom, feedback isn’t personal—it’s a tool for sharpening the story, protecting the publication’s credibility, and helping each…
It’s no surprise that young Americans (ages 18–29) consume far less news than older adults. But the gap is striking: a 2025 Pew Research study found that only 15% of young adults say they follow the news all or most…
Avoiding libel is one of the most critical skills student journalists must learn early. In a fast-paced newsroom where stories develop quickly, it’s easy for inexperienced reporters to make mistakes—especially when dealing with sensitive topics, rumors, or incomplete information. Teaching…
Training new student reporters doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. What most beginners need is structure and a clear path forward. A 30-day training plan creates that foundation by breaking the first month into focused weekly goals: newsroom basics, core reporting…
The Knight Foundation has announced a $25 million commitment to the AP Fund for Journalism, aimed at expanding access to reliable local news across the United States. The investment is designed to help The Associated Press provide non-biased, factual reporting…
Being sent to the principal’s office has always felt like walking toward doom—especially for students who are used to punishment instead of real accountability. This fear-based approach is what many students expect—but your newsroom doesn’t have to operate that way.…
You’ve probably been at this for a while; I’ve been at it for around six years, while some are stepping into this new atmosphere, and others have been at it for decades. How well do we blend personalities, skills, and…
As advisors, it’s our job to train up the next watchdogs. We encourage our students to ask tough questions with professionalism and tact. But what happens when a student journalist is punished for doing exactly that? In recent headlines, University…
