The Charger Bulletin, the student news source of the University of New Haven in West Haven, will publish a special edition, along with promoting student media online and on social media as part of a nationwide day of action April 25 to #SaveStudentNewsrooms.
Student journalists around the vountry will share editorials, host events to highlight the importance of editorial independence and to discuss issues that student newsrooms face through social media and savestudentnewsrooms.com.
“Student news organizations are a vital piece of the college community, and not only foster future journalists, but enhance the lives of all students that are enrolled,” said Glenn Rohrbacker, editor-in-chief of the Charger Bulletin. “We hope to provide that realization through this day of action.”
Over the years, student newsrooms have been a reliable source of local community news coverage. They play a critical role in covering local issues and allow up-and-coming journalists to grow in a learning lab environment while still obtaining hands-on knowledge.
Now, student journalists are asking the community to help support student newsrooms, which often suffer from a lack of financial stability. Some newsrooms fear becoming affiliated with their university will lead to censorship. Others, which are university-affiliated, face budget cuts. Some papers have been forced to drastically cut down circulation or fold.
The First Amendment protects the right of a free press in the U.S., and that includes student-run newsrooms.
On April 25, students will post editorials, show the inside of their newsrooms and highlight issues that have suppressed student newsrooms for years. Alumni will share testimonials of the importance of student newsrooms and editorial independence. Student newspapers that are able to receive donations will encourage people to contribute.
For more information, visit chargerbulletin.com or savestudentnewsrooms.com.