Research (Vol. 54) — Joining a conversation at private schools

Lighting it up — Journalism as a conversation at the private university

By Matthew Salzano
and Joanne Lisosky
Pacific Lutheran University


Figure 1

Abstract — Student journalists at private universities do the hard work of turning the lights on in the darkened, pseudo-public spheres on their campus. Without a clear idea of who is obligated to be the teller of unsavory truths on the private university’s campus, student media must often take up the torch. Building on Jurgen Habermas’s and Alexander Kluge’s work on the “public sphere” and Doreen Marchionni’s “journalism as a conversation,” student media publications can be examined for their coorientation, informality, and interactivity. Using two stories from the student media of Pacific Lutheran University as a case study illustrates how a robust student journalism outlet is a vital component of initiating important conversations in the public sphere of the private university. This investigation includes suggestions for implementing these strategies at other private universities. Continue reading “Research (Vol. 54) — Joining a conversation at private schools”

Benchmark survey provides snapshots of college media

150 members provide information on budgets, locations and operations

Special to College Media Review

A benchmark survey of members of the national College Media Association provides snapshots of how student print, broadcast and web media operate, how they’re supported, where they’re located, and how many student and professional staff they employ, among other findings.

“Many of our members routinely ask questions on our listserv about school demographics. That prompted the board to recognize the need to compile this sort of information and make it available to our membership,” said Rachel McClelland, vice president for CMA Member Services.

The association conducted the online survey in April and early May 2017. A total of 150 respondents participated, but the goal is to gain a broader response with future surveys, McClelland said.

CMA President Kelley Lash said the survey helps the organization answer questions, track trends and make predictions, but it is not comprehensive.

Continue reading “Benchmark survey provides snapshots of college media”