Workshop Highlights Importance of Rebuilding HBCU Student Media

Last month, Bowie State University hosted a journalism panel and workshop featuring industry professionals from across the region for a day of networking and hands-on skill building. The event also highlighted an industry changemaker whose mission is to rejuvenate student-run media at HBCUs nationwide.

“One of the most important aspects of our lives is access to information,” said Wesley Wright, executive director of the ReNews Project, a collaboration of press organizations and media companies dedicated to producing impactful student-led journalism.

He was invited to BSU by Jaden Perry, co-editor of The Spectrum student newspaper.

The workshop, held in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, brought media professionals to campus to provide industry insights to students in the Department of Communications who are learning how to connect with audiences using television, radio, print and web outlets.

 Wright, who also serves as assistant director of student media at Florida Atlantic University, offered his perspectives on the changing media landscape and shared valuable career advice.  

“If you’re considering journalism, you must read voraciously and be prepared to move for the right job. Journalism isn’t a dying industry, but it’s an often changing one, and you must be nimble. Students should have a published work before graduation to show a prospective employer.” 

He explained that only five or six HBCUs currently have strong campus media operations. At HBCUs and Hispanic-Serving Institutions without robust student-led media, university affairs often go uncovered and communications students miss out on crucial experience.

“BSU communications students are in an optimal position to help the campus community better understand what goes into funding decisions, especially given taxpayer dollars. As reporters, you should ask questions for the sake of  bringing your fellow students information they might not otherwise have.”

Perry, who is a senior Communications major, said, “We’ve received consistent support and encouragement from Wesley, so it’s great to finally have him and other seasoned storytellers come to campus to impart their journalistic knowledge to our student reporters.” 

Bowie State is committed to providing foundational instruction to future mass communication leaders by hosting practical training workshops to help students strengthen their reporting, interviewing and storytelling skills.

These opportunities allow participants to hone their craft in writing, news gathering and editing to connect with audiences as they prepare to enter the professional world.