The local news industry is facing challenges, prompting a shift in journalism education. Instead of merely gaining experience through internships, students are now contributing to often under-staffed news outlets as part of their coursework. The University of Vermont has been at the forefront of this movement, with its Community News Service created to provide hands-on reporting opportunities for students while aiding local media partners. This initiative aims to fill the gaps in local coverage and supports struggling community papers, providing important stories that might otherwise go unreported.
The Community News Service provides edited copy to about 15 partnering local news outlets while posting the stories on its own website, meant to be shared.
Richard Watts created the Community News Service in 2019 to get journalism students into surrounding communities to report, amid declining internship opportunities.
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