College media remains the news industry’s younger, cooler aunt

It’s hard to come out of this year without acknowledging the impactful work that independent college media outlets spearheaded: The Stanford Daily dethroning their university president, The Daily Tar Heel capturing the terror of a shooting lockdown, and The Daily Northwestern exposing a football hazing scandal. This work was incredible, and with the help of generous donors, should continue long after these student reporters graduate.

My prediction for 2024 is that this summer’s momentum drives philanthropic institutions and altruistic individuals to commit more financial support to college media outlets. There’s reason for optimism — note the $137,000 raised overall in this year’s cycle of annual fundraiser College Media Madness. But the disparity across different student outlets is stark. 35% of the donations went to The Daily Pennsylvanian and The Daily Northwestern, with the remaining 31 outlets splitting the remaining 65%.

So while this year was a high for some student journalists, others faced significant challenges.

Just this summer, Pennsylvania State University’s board of trustees approved a budget that will cut all of the PSU Collegian’s direct funding starting next academic year. When Gannett implemented company-wide cuts last December, the student journalists at FSView & Florida Flambeau at Florida State University lost at least three paid positions and had their print paper reduced by a third. If college media is supposed to be the training ground for hard-hitting journalism, students need support and resources from older generations to continue their work.

For campus newspapers at universities without journalism classes, working journalists can give their time by leading FOIA or data reporting workshops. Professional newsrooms can donate old equipment or sponsor academic year and summer internships. Professional industry associations like NABJ, ONA, IRE, and others are already on the right track by offering scholarships and reduced rates for membership, conventions, and award submission fees. It’s important to spread these resources equitably across the ecosystem as well, recognizing that some university papers are more supported and resourced than their counterparts.

Independent college newsrooms give student journalists the space and power to challenge the status quo. With additional support and mentorship from professional journalists, I’m sure the kids will be alright.