Real-World Learning of Public Affairs and Environmental Journalism

Abstract

Traditionally, journalism majors gain professional experience before graduation through internships, part-time or summer jobs, and campus media. Those avenues are often insufficient to adequately prepare them for the professional workplace and professional standards. This essay explores two of a journalism school’s practice-based programs that provide such preparation: Capital News Service, covering state government, politics, and public policy, and Great Lakes Echo, covering environmental news in eight states and two provinces.