By: carriewells

carriewells — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 02:09:02 +0000

I can’t speak to the coverage at other colleges but at the University of Maryland, I think we do a pretty good job of covering the economy. But the stories highlighted are different from those in Murley’s column.
The Diamondback has covered the budget crisis in the state and how it will affect the university, specifically in regard to tuition, new programs and building plans. They’ve covered the endowment, which has fallen by almost a quarter. A huge redevelopment plan in the city is on hold because of the economy. The effects of the stimulus plan and trends like graduate loan repayment have been localized.
At least half the stories have some kind of economic angle.
I agree that the no jobs for grads stories are cliche, even though some are necessary. But my question for you would be, are these stories that address university issues what student reporters should be focusing on, or should they expand to issues like TARP, tax rates or credit card interest rates?
Your theories are somewhat true but don’t show the whole picture. Economic stories with lots of numbers can be hard for a newbie reporter, but they aren’t impossible and can be learned pretty quickly. And the economy is extremely relevant for many students. I think the problem with coverage might be a failure of a beat reporter to cover their beat properly and a failure of their editor to recognize it.
Back to Murley’s column, I think the “who do you know?” part might be a little off. Stories on how does this affect YOU would be better. College students aren’t insulated and there are tons of angles.

Comments on: College Media’s Economy Coverage Lower than the Dow

By: carriewells