The news business may be changing, but reports of its death have been greatly exaggerated. Western Colorado University’s Top O’ The World student newspaper was one of 63 university-led journalism and reporting projects across the country recognized by the University of Vermont’s Center for Community News (CCN) for efforts to rebuild or revitalize local news outlets.
Last year, Western’s Journalist-In-Residence, the award-winning documentary filmmaker Julian Rubinstein, brought the university’s student newspaper, Top O’ The World, which was founded in 1921, back from an extended hiatus.
In their first issue, 20 students teamed up to produce articles about campus safety, successful programs, and sports as well as gather and share opinions about Western’s partnership with CU Boulder.
“Student reporting has emerged as one critical solution to the crisis facing local news,” CCN Director Richard Watts said. “The people running these news-academic partnerships are leading the next generation of courageous journalists, storytellers, and civic leaders. We are honored to help amplify their work.”
The recognition comes with a $1,000 grant, peer support, and coaching throughout the year to help Top O’ The World establish itself as a credible source of campus information.
“I’m honored to be recognized by UVM’s Center for Community News as a CCN Champion. This award underscores the importance of empowering students to engage with local issues through storytelling and journalism,” Rubinstein said. “Storytelling is a powerful tool for change, and I’m proud to support Western students as they develop the skills and work to become part of the local journalism ecosystem at a time when our community needs to fortify its efforts to understand the changing world we live in.”
Learn more about the Communication Arts Program.
Contact the department for more info.
Communication Arts
Author Credit: Seth Mensing
Photo Credit: Courtesy
