EP111 Leah Clapman, Executive Director of PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs – TV Matters
Misha Tenenbaum recently interviewed Leah Clapman, executive director of PBS NewsHour’s Student Reporting Labs (SRL), on the TV Matters podcast. SRL supports student journalists through a video production and storytelling curriculum, training events like the Summer and Winter Student Academies, internships at local PBS stations, and rapid response call-outs from the national newsroom to gather youth perspectives on issues that affect young people’s lives. Leah graduated from Princeton University and resides in Washington, DC.
The Mission and Growth of Student Reporting Labs
SRL was founded in 2009 by Leah Clapman with a clear mission: “We wanted to transform how teenagers were portrayed in the news media,” she explained, “and create opportunities for journalism outlets to collaborate with schools and students to co-create news stories.”
The program has grown dramatically since its inception, with over 6,000 educators in the US and abroad, “It’s been amazing to see the growth and the impact that SRL has had,” Leah remarked.
The Storymaker Platform
Through its Storymaker platform, SRL provides a wealth of resources for students and educators. “Storymaker is our one-stop shop,” Leah explained. “It has lesson plans, tutorials, a space for students to submit pitches and content, and so much more.”
The platform empowers students to take ownership of their learning and journalistic pursuits and offers teachers resources to teach journalism in class. “It’s exciting to see students using Storymaker to develop their ideas and bring their stories to life,” Leah noted.
Beyond the Platform: Workshops, Internships, and Rapid Response
SRL’s offerings extend far beyond the Storymaker platform. The program provides teacher workshops, equipping educators with the tools and knowledge to guide their students in their journalistic endeavors.
Additionally, SRL offers internship opportunities at local PBS stations, giving students invaluable hands-on experience in the field. “These internships provide students with a chance to work alongside professional journalists and gain real-world experience,” Leah emphasized.
SRL also actively engages with current events through rapid response calls-out from the National Newsroom. “We gather youth perspectives on issues that directly affect their lives,” Leah explained. “This not only gives students a voice but also provides valuable insights for journalists covering these important topics.”
The Connection to PBS NewsHour
SRL’s close affiliation with PBS NewsHour, the nightly news program for the PBS network, provides students with a unique opportunity. “Having their work published on the PBS NewsHour website is a huge accomplishment for students,” Leah noted. “It gives them a national audience of around 2 million people, which is an incredible platform for their voices to be heard.”
The Benefits of Student Reporting Labs
Student Reporting Labs offers students a multitude of benefits, as Leah Clapman highlights:
- Gaining experience in journalism: “Students learn the skills of interviewing, writing, editing, and producing news stories, giving them a strong foundation in journalism principles.”
- Having their work published: “Seeing their stories published on PBS NewsHour and local news outlets is incredibly rewarding for students. It provides them with a sense of accomplishment and a platform to share their perspectives with the world.”
- Developing critical thinking skills: “Through the research and analysis involved in journalism, students learn to form their own opinions on important issues and think critically about the world around them.”
- Building empathy and understanding: “By reporting on diverse topics and perspectives, students learn to see the world through different lenses and develop empathy for others.”
How to Get Involved with Student Reporting Labs
SRL is a free program for schools and teachers. “The best way to get involved is to register in Storymaker and explore the vast array of resources available,” Leah advises. “We also offer a variety of workshops and training opportunities to support educators and students in their journalistic endeavors.”
Why PBS Supports Student Reporting Labs
PBS believes that engaging young people with the news and helping them develop critical thinking skills is crucial. As Leah Clapman states, “SRL provides a platform for students to share their voices and learn about the world around them. It’s an investment in the future of informed and engaged citizens.”
In Conclusion
Student Reporting Labs is a valuable program that empowers students to learn about journalism, develop critical thinking skills, and have their voices heard. The program’s close affiliation with PBS NewsHour provides students with a unique opportunity to reach a national audience. If you are a teacher or a student interested in learning more about journalism, I encourage you to check out Student Reporting Labs.
