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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.