'Journalism is needed most' amid anti-press rhetoric, professors say

[jayschool2013]

Subhead:
As press freedoms face challenges, educators remind student journalists to stand firm and continue their work

Author:
Chatwan Mongkol on Substack
Mar 17, 2025

As President Donald Trump’s anti-media rhetoric turns into action, educators are reminding student journalists that this is when “journalism is needed most.”

SNIP

Scott Brinston, a journalism professor at Hofstra University, worries high school students who love English, journalism and writing might be dissuaded from the profession, thinking, “What’s the point?” That, he said, is his biggest fear.

“Of course, the point is that’s the moment when you’re digging in and saying this is the time where I have to fight harder as a journalist, as an investigator, as a writer,” Brinston said.

In his advanced reporting class, Brinston divided it into two parts: Covering government meetings and investigative reporting. The focus remains on challenging authority by asking tough questions.

END OF EXCERPTS

MY comment: Of course, Columbia University has advised its student-journalists to practice caution when writing about Gaza, Ukraine and other topics that could land them in the crosshairs of ICE or the so-called Department of Justice.

I teach journalism and advise the student news site at a private university in Maryland. My students have very little interest in rocking the boat, despite my encouragement to do just that. Of course, we don't have a journalism school, major or department, so virtually none of my students have an interest in pursuing journalism other than working in PR or social media for an athletic department of professional sports franchise.