Modern Problems Facing Student Journalism

Date/Time
Date(s) - 09/24/2019
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

As newspaper circulation nationwide continues to decline, student publications increasingly seek to fill the gap left by for-profit newspaper companies by reporting on local issues beyond college campus. In recognition of student journalists’ dedication to reporting on their campuses and local communities, the Freedom Forum Institute, the Student Press Law Center, and the Newseum in Washington D.C. declared 2019 the “Year of the Student Journalist.”

However, student journalists and journalism education programs are under pressure, not only threatened with the same closure their larger counterparts face, but also by specialized issues related to newsgathering and reporting. Student journalists have fewer First Amendment protections and are often subject to censorship and prior review, restricted access, and budget constraints.

This panel will discuss the practical problems facing student journalism, including lack of access to information, economic sustainability, and the reporter’s privilege.

Panelists will include Hugh Stevens, renowned First Amendment lawyer who represented The Daily Tar Heel in front of the North Carolina Supreme Court; David Ardia, associate professor of law and faculty co-director of the UNC Center for Media Law and Policy; Erica Perel, general manager of The Daily Tar Heel, a former student journalist and newspaper advisor since 2008; and Maddy Arrowood, editor-in-chief of The Daily Tar Heel. The panel will be moderated by MA/JD student Isabela Palmieri.

Open to all students. Pizza will be served!