EP108: Ashley Adams, Executive Director of the AME Institute – TV Matters
This blog post dives into the world of student journalism, exploring its significance, the skills it hones, and the impact it can have. We’ll also touch on the challenges faced by student journalists and the crucial role advisors play.
The interview features Joe Humphrey, contest coordinator at the Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA) and assistant principal for student affairs at Sickles High School in Tampa, Florida. Joe, a former journalist himself, offers valuable insights from his experience as both a practitioner and an educator.
From Daily Newspaper Reporter to High School Journalism Champion
Joe began his career as a daily newspaper reporter, fueled by a passion for storytelling. He covered various beats, including crime, schools, and county government. However, a particularly impactful experience came when he followed a newly opened school’s drumline for an entire season. This project showcased the power of journalism, as Joe himself said, “to capture the essence of a community and its identity.”
Planting the Seeds of Journalism in Future Generations
While reporting on schools, Joe began seeing himself as a teacher, or perhaps an administrator. When he started teaching, Joe recognized the importance of nurturing student journalism. He became heavily involved with the FSPA, not only as a contest coordinator but also by taking students to national conventions and competitions. Witnessing their enthusiasm and growth solidified his belief, as he put it, “in the transformative power of journalism education.”
The FSPA: A Pillar of Student Media
The FSPA is an independent organization established in the mid-1940s, making it one of the older and stronger state press associations in the US. It offers a platform for student journalists from Florida to showcase their talents in various categories, including writing, photography, film production, and podcasting. The association has transitioned from traditional methods like mailing VHS tapes to a robust digital competition system, allowing for wider participation and efficient judging.
Why Student Journalism Matters
While Joe acknowledges that most student journalists won’t pursue journalism as a career, he emphasizes the invaluable transferable skills they acquire. These skills include communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity, all of which benefit students in any chosen path.
Furthermore, student journalism fosters a sense of ethical responsibility. Learning to analyze sources, question information, and strive for objectivity equips students to become discerning consumers of media in a world saturated with information.
The Moral Compass of Journalism
Joe highlights the importance of critical thinking and media literacy fostered by journalism education. He emphasizes that journalism teaches students to be skeptical of information and to actively investigate to find the truth. Joe went on to say, “In today’s world, with so much misinformation circulating online, it’s crucial that students can be discerning consumers of media.”
A Relaxed Charm and a Passion for Journalism
The interview sheds light on Joe’s genuine passion for journalism and his dedication to student journalists. His relaxed and approachable demeanor reflects the positive impact journalism can have on an individual.
Showcasing Student Talent: The FSPA Competitions
The FSPA offers a wide array of contests encompassing various media formats, reflecting the ever-evolving landscape of journalism. This inclusivity ensures that students with diverse skill sets have a platform to shine. Joe touched on this, saying, “The FSPA is all about recognizing and celebrating excellence in student journalism, no matter what form it takes.”
Beyond the FSPA: Recognizing Excellence in Student Journalism
While the FSPA is not affiliated with any national organization, Joe highlights the Journalism Education Association (JEA) as a valuable resource for advisors and students alike. He also serves as the current journalist of the year coordinator for JEA, underscoring his commitment to recognizing and celebrating excellence in student journalism across the country.
A Changing Media Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities
The conversation acknowledges the harsh realities of the professional journalism industry, with local news organizations facing financial hardships and consolidation. However, Joe emphasizes the resilience of student journalism.
Student media outlets, often operating online or through video broadcasts and podcasts, can adapt and thrive due to their smaller scale and reliance on internal resources rather than advertising dollars. Joe provided this encouraging outlook: “Student journalism has the potential to be even more important in this changing media landscape.”
Combating the Underestimation of Student Journalists
The question of whether student journalism truly matters is addressed, “Student journalists are journalist.” Joe contends that high-quality student media produced by well-trained journalists can have a significant impact. He cites examples of student-produced stories that sparked important conversations and even led to positive change within communities. Joe acknowledges the unfortunate tendency of some adults to dismiss student journalism. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the valuable skills these students are honing and the quality work they produce. He advocates for strong student journalism programs.
Giving Voice to the Issues that Matter
The interview highlights a positive trend in student journalism – a willingness to tackle personal and sensitive topics. Recent headlines on the FSPA website showcase this shift, with stories like “What Black Students Want Their Peers to Know” and “A Day in the Life on Campus Versus Online Student.” These titles demonstrate that student journalists are using their platform to address relevant and often underrepresented issues.
