#SaveStudentNewsrooms Day started in 2018 to bring awareness to challenges student-run newspapers face across the country. Today, amid the COVID-19 outbreak, I want to say thank you to our East Tennessean staff for their hard work in these past weeks.
All news reporting has changed drastically since around mid-March, and you’ve likely seen many broadcast journalists reporting from their homes rather than TV stations. The East Tennessean is no different. We’ve had to change the ways in which we report as we adapt to this time of social-distancing.
I am always incredibly proud of our staff, but their dedication to journalism throughout this time has been exceptionally inspiring. They have volunteered their time and energy to continue sharing stories despite their own struggles caused by the virus.
While they are accustomed to interviewing people face-to-face and attending events and meetings, they now use Zoom and phone calls to gather information. It’s not ideal, but they’re making it work just like all journalists have had to in the past weeks.
Journalism is tough. The current circumstances make it tougher. Our student journalists will emerge the toughest.
To our staff who have continued reporting throughout this challenging time, thank you. You all inspire me daily. Especially on today, #SaveStudentNewsrooms Day, you are a reminder of why campus newspapers are vital. You are the future of news media, and that is a comfort.
Finally, I want to share a few of the many incredible stories we’ve shared relating to COVID-19:
- ‘University prepares for coronavirus, possible move to online coursework only,’ March 11
- ‘Classes moved online due to COVID-19,’ March 12
- ‘Community testing site off to successful start,’ March 18
- ‘#BackTheBucs movement promotes athletics, ETSU Pride,’ March 18
- ‘Returning home in crisis,’ March 20
- ‘ETSU partners with community to create face shields,’ March 28
- ‘SGA candidates answer town hall questions, prepare for voting,’ April 3
- ‘ETSU student shares experience recovering from COVID-19,’ April 18
- ‘ETSU facilities part of regional COVID-19 emergency plan,’ April 23
If you’re reading this, thank you for supporting the East Tennessean.