While the high school’s journalism program may seem the same to onlookers, it has undergone serious changes. For the first time, print journalism has been joined with video production. This is a serious change that will change the program’s future, but what are the opinions of the staff currently?

Almost every member of the staff was initially nervous about the change, especially those who have been on print staff before. Despite their apprehension, they all remark that the change is positive due to broadening opportunities to communicate with people they never would have otherwise. Additionally, the combination of the two parts of our journalism program allows the staff to integrate within one another and encourages people on either side to get a taste of print/broadcast journalism respectively.

“I’m excited to explore new ways to engage our audience through both in-depth writing and visual storytelling,” Precious Cranor, reporter, 10, said.

Personally, I share much of what the staff says, but I have reservations toward shared priority and stress over the program. I feel that the staff will encounter challenges in teamwork due to some not understanding the other side’s responsibilities and goals; however, there are many positive parts that I would like to recognize. First of all, broadcast’s formal incorporation into our student publications program allows them to hold the same rights as print journalists. This allows them to be officially recognized by the state of Kansas as student journalists which grants them protection over their coverage and allows them to practice more enticing and hot-topic journalism. Another hope I have toward the program change is that print people will get new experience and expertise in video recording, as well as broadcasting and podcasting in general. This goes both ways, as people previously part of the video program can get exposure to formal writing and print journalism.

Overall, I think our journalism program will find a lot of success in the combination, especially looking farther into the future. This sentiment is one shared by the staff, and everyone feels positive about the change overall.