The Digital Newsroom

As a student in the Gallivan Program in Journalism, Ethics and Democracy, I took "The Digital Newsroom" course throughout the Spring 2021 semester.

"The Digital Newsroom" was a skill-based virtual class taught by Professor Victoria St. Martin, which focused on the development of reporting and technical skills that are necessary in contemporary newsrooms. Throughout the semester, I not only improved my writing abilities, but also learned how to utilize a wide array of multimedia elements to improve my coverage. In this way, I was able to further connect and engage with the audience.

Though the course itself was centered on acquiring writing, editing and producing skills, the most important lessons I gained from "The Digital Newsroom" transcend such professional abilities. Through our weekly discussions and the examples of Professor St. Martin and my peers, I learned to understand journalism as form of public service and student journalism as a vital component of any college community. Perhaps the biggest lesson was this: a good reporter uncovers the truth, but, a great one approaches their reporting with empathy and humility — treating sources not as means to an end, but as the human beings that they are. After this class, I aspire to always be a "human first, journalist second."

Classwork

Profile

In this assignment, we had to do a "Humans of New York"-style profile of a staff member at a student media organization focusing on what it’s like to be involved in campus media during the pandemic.

I interviewed junior Adriana Perez, The Observer's new Editor-in-Chief, who spoke about her unconventional rise to the top, her changed plans after the pandemic hit and the importance of student journalism:

Much like the year’s unprecedented nature, junior Adriana Perez’s rise towards becoming @ndsmcobserver editor-in-chief came with surprising twists of fate. Originally seeking to study abroad at Copenhagen, Denmark, the pandemic put a dent in Perez’s plans. Despite the setbacks, she said she found a unique opportunity to become more involved in the student newspaper.

“I then realized it was something I wanted to do, and it helped me find my purpose,” she said.

Perez began her career as part of the Archives team during her sophomore year. In spite of her “shyness,” she later ventured out of her comfort zone by becoming a Viewpoint department podcast host. By Fall 2020, Perez was also handling The Observer’s Twitter account as part of the social media team, writing a weekly story for the News department and working production — all while pursuing a major in political science and a minor in @nd_jed

Although not all student journalists usually participate in such a wide array of newspaper sections, Perez said they display an admirable and unique sense of responsibility and flexibility.

“Student journalists are so passionate about giving themselves fully,” Perez said. “I’m always impressed by the dedication they show, because it’s so hard to be involved and give it your all when you have so many things going on emotionally, socially, academically and in terms of life.”

As to how she has felt during her first days as The Observer’s leader, Perez admitted it was similar to how one feels after turning 21: “Everyone’s like ‘does it feel different?’ But only hours have passed. It kind of feels the same, but certainly with more responsibilities.”

TikTok

This assignment required a lot of creativity. Inspired by The Washington Post's ability to use this emerging social media platform, we were tasked with creating a TikTok about a news story we reported on.

Striving to emulate Dave Jorgensen's style, I produced a funny TikTok about the spike in COVID-19 cases Notre Dame saw in April and the way in which students often disregarded policies by packing into local bars (something likened to the Great Wildebeest Migration by a county health officer).

Video

For this assignment, we had to produce a video featuring a student journalist at work. By interviewing junior Evan McKenna, The Observer's Managing Editor, I crafted a visual love letter to student journalism.

Podcast

The class ventured into audio journalism for this assignment, as we were tasked with preparing an audio report on a piece of student journalism. I found the inspiration for mine after covering Notre Dame's first-ever Puerto Rico Week.

On this episode of Culture Corner, host María Luisa Paúl dives into Puerto Rico's identity, history and complexities. While most recognize the island for its beautiful beaches, grooving salsa and, most recently, natural disasters, Álvaro Carrillo, co-president of the Puerto Rican Student Association at the University of Notre Dame, says there is more to Puerto Rico. To highlight its resilience, innovation and contributions to the United States, Carrillo's club organized Puerto Week on campus.

Final Project

Our final assignment for the class was a group project, in which we had to create a video featuring a day in the lives of The Observer's student journalists.

The Observer has been a Notre Dame staple since it was established in 1966, and its memento-filled walls are a testament to its rich history. Since then, the paper has served to inform the tri-campus community and hold the university's administration accountable. However, its work has transcended the confines of campus. From the opinion on leggings of a Catholic mother of four sons to Notre Dame's handling of the pandemic, The Observer has also contributed to national news. 

Its student journalists strive to fulfill the promise and purpose of uncovering the truth and reporting it accurately, as they understand that the headlines of today can lead to the necessary changes of tomorrow.

My group interviewed Editor-in-Chief Adriana Perez, Managing Editor Evan McKenna and Graphics Editor Maggie Klaers to get to the bottom of some important questions: how is the paper produced? How has this process been affected by COVID-19? Why is this work important...and what oh what is that mysterious humming sound?

Social Media

Social media was another important component of the class. As such, we were expected to utilize Twitter, Instagram and TikTok on our behalf to be better reporters, writers and communicators.