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Campus Journalism Act of 1991

  • Title: The Act is known as the "Campus Journalism Act of 1991" (Republic Act 7079).

  • Objective: To provide development and promote campus journalism across educational institutions.

Key Information

WHEN?

  • Date: Signed into law on July 5, 1991 by President Corazon Aquino.

Declared Policy

  • To ensure campus press freedom.

  • To promote journalism and develop critical thinking skills among youth.

  • Implementation of programs that enhance journalistic skills.

Definitions

Educational Institutions

  • Definition: Comprises students, administration, faculty, and non-faculty personnel.

  • Student Publication: Printed materials independently published catering to student interests.

  • Student Journalist: A bona fide student currently enrolled and meeting standards of the editorial board.

Editorial Board & Policies

  • Editorial Board: Composed of experienced editors and journalists overseeing editorial content and ethical standards.

  • Editorial Policies: Guidelines for managing the student publication, aligning with existing laws and school policies.

Student Publication Management

  • Composition: A publication managed by students through an editorial board chosen via competitive examinations.

  • Funding: Sources may include school savings, subscriptions, donations, etc. Funds cannot be withheld by authorities.

  • Publication Adviser: Appointed by school administration from a list of recommendations, providing technical guidance only.

  • Staff Protection: Members must remain students, not subject to expulsion or suspension solely for their published work.

Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) Role

  • Organizes competitions and training for editors and writers, culminating in national conferences.

  • Collaborates with student journalists on regulatory guidelines for effective implementation of the Act.

Financial Aspects

  • Grants for promoting campus journalism are exempt from donor's or gift tax.

  • Initial budget: 5 million pesos allocated from DECS appropriations.

Implementation

  • The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation.

Roles in Editorial Board

  • Editor-in-Chief: Manages the editorial process, ensuring content quality and integrity.

  • Associate Editor: Assists EIC in editorial decisions.

  • Technical Adviser: Focuses on technical aspects of publication.

  • Site Manager: Oversees online presence and strategic planning.

  • Business Manager: Handles financial planning and operations.

  • Photojournalist: Captures stories visually.

  • Writer / Illustrator / Layout Artist: Contributes written content and enhances publication's design.

Challenges in Campus Journalism

Issues Faced

  • Censorship: Restrictions on student publications and freedom of expression.

  • Red-Tagging: Targeting certain publications as subversive by labeling them 'communist'.

  • Impact of Red-Tagging: Creates fear, discourages open discourse, and undermines press freedom.

Funding Challenges

Key Issues

  • Limited school budget allocations.

  • Dependence on student fees.

  • High printing and production costs.

  • Administrative censorship affecting publication content.

  • Lack of external advertising revenue.

Structure of a Campus Paper

Front Page

  • Serves as the face of the publication, highlighting significant stories.

  • Elements: Nameplate, Headline, Byline, Dateline, Index, etc.

News Page

  • Dedicated to factual reporting arranged by topics.

  • Key Elements: News articles, headlines, bylines, datelines, photos, and graphics.

Opinion Section

  • Encourages comment and analysis rather than just factual reporting.

  • Components: Editorials, Columns, Op-Ed pieces, Letters to the Editor, Cartoons.

Feature Page

  • Focus on in-depth stories and human-interest narratives.

  • Types include:

    • In-Depth Stories: Detailed explorations of events or issues.

    • Culture Pieces: Articles on cultural activities at school.

    • Achievements: Features on notable students and faculty.

Importance of Feature Pages

  • Engages readers on an emotional level.

  • Provides context and depth to news items.

  • Encourages creative expression in journalism.

Choosing a Topic

Key Considerations

  • Relevance: Focus on current happenings.

  • Interest: Select topics that resonate with the community.

  • Specificity: Ensure topics are narrow and compelling.

  • Controversy: Choose topics that can stimulate discussion.

  • Originality: Aim for unique angles and perspectives.

Pitching a Story

Do’s

  • Know your audience.

  • Ensure timeliness and relevance.

  • Be concise and engaging in your presentation.

  • Highlight the value of your story.

  • Confirm sources before pitching.

Don’ts

  • Avoid generic pitches.

  • Don’t be overly lengthy or vague.

  • Resist exaggeration or hyperbole in your narrative.

  • Don’t pitch to multiple outlets simultaneously without disclosure.

Researching and Sources

Types of Articles

  1. News Story: Basic report of events based on facts.

  2. Investigative Journalism: In-depth exploration uncovering new information.

  3. Human Interest Stories: Focusing on personal experiences and emotional narratives.

Sources

  • Human Sources: Witnesses, experts, and participants providing firsthand accounts.

  • Documentary Sources: Official records and archives used for factual verification.

Evaluating Credibility

  • Cross-check information via multiple sources.

  • Assess the nature of the source for bias.

  • Differentiate between fact and opinion in reporting.