Seven students from College of Western Idaho (CWI) were published this week on the award-winning independent journalism site, Project Censored. They are all students in Michelle Mahoney’s Introduction to Mass Media online course.
The assignment was to find an UNDER-reported story and research it. Students were instructed to find, evaluate, and summarize a news story from an independent news organization that has gone largely unnoticed by major corporate media outlets. The goal of this assignment was two-fold: to show students they have a voice in the vast media landscape and to expose them to independent news organizations.
“As we know, a free and open press is one of the cornerstones of our democracy. Our students have the power to effect change and become leaders of a media literate society. This work is vital and I am so proud of the diligent efforts students made on this project”, said Michelle Mahoney, Communication Department faculty member.
Here are URLs for the stories as posted:
“Kellyanne Conway: Making History?” Student Researcher: Diana Costanzo
“Thousands of NHS Patients in Harm’s Way; Considered Less Important than Financial Targets” Student Researcher: Johnathan Exparza
“21st Century Slavery in Sicily” Student Researcher: Sam Barrientos
“China Beating us in Green Energy” Student Researcher: Lily Adcock
“Half of Somolia’s Population may Feel Effects of Impending Third Famine” Student Researcher: Corey Starr
“Children Make up Half of the World’s Refugees” Student Researcher: Candace Huffman
“Rising Violence Against Immigrants in South Africa” Student Researcher: McKenzie Young
Project Censored educates students and the public about the importance of a truly free press for democratic self-government. Their goal is to expose and oppose news censorship and promote independent investigative journalism, media literacy, and critical thinking.
“Thanks to hundreds of students and professors at dozens of college and university campuses across the country, including the College of Western Idaho, Project Censored is able to hold corporate news media accountable when they fail to provide the public with the kind of news reporting we need to be informed, engaged community members and citizens,” said Andy Roth, Associate Director of Project Censored.