Work

Reimagining Journalism Education: The Role of University-Led Student Reporting Programs

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: University-led student reporting programs respond to two connected challenges: The decline of local news and the need for more practice-based journalism education. Drawing on a 2025 World Journalism Education Congress (WJEC) syndicate discussion with 18 global educators, this article examines challenges in sustaining these programs, including declining student interest, partnership-building, funding, compensation, and faculty workload. The authors argue that sustainability requires institutional support, clear editorial structures, student incentives, and meaningful local media partnerships.

Source: Journalism & Mass Communication Educator

DOI: 10.1177/10776958261477963

Authors: Sima Bhowmik, Richard Watts, John Tomasic

Institutions: University of Vermont, University of Washington

Language: English

Topic: Journalism and Media Studies

Subfield: Communication

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400