They say we’re a dying breed. Journalists, that is, although technically speaking I am not one — I just work in the field. (Can you imagine an unlicensed doctor saying the same?) But one of the great things about journalism is that you can learn on the job. In fact, that used to be quite common, as there were very few journalism programs in the country.
Last month was the annual convention of the Colorado Press Association. Any of you in industry associations know that it’s fun to get together with your professional peers with whom you share an “insider” language and history. A big part of such conventions are the sponsors (and their attendant freebies!). Among the many sponsor tables I visited at this year’s convention was the University of Northern Colorado. You guessed it. As of the current academic year, it offers a journalism major.
A quick Google search shows that six higher education institutions in Colorado now offer journalism majors. I believe there was one when I was at in high school. That’s a sixfold increase!
Of course, the coursework has evolved and multimedia is a big part of the focus. The UNC program appears to value both traditional and new media: Students have the opportunity to work on the college newspaper and radio station — stalwarts of campus and professional journalism. They also have the opportunity of working in a creative agency, a reflection of the integration of new media.
So don’t dig that grave quite yet!
Shana Goldberg may be reached at shana@ijn.com
