University students took a dive into the journalism world to better understand fake news and the importance of critiquing power in today’s society.
January 31, 2025
Elizabeth Huggins
University Student
In January 2025, a professor and his students delved into deep conversation and collaborated on new ideas, putting journalism into their own perspectives.
In a journalism class at the University of New England, Professor Jesse Miller tasked students with writing on a deadline while focusing on the basics. Miller, a former employee at The Record Newspaper in Troy, New York, brings his own knowledge and experience to the class. Sydney Bishop, a sophomore Sports Management major, is a diligent student who has much to say about technology’s impact on news and how not all sources can be trusted.
Most University students cannot remember a time without the internet and would rather read news off their phones than in a newspaper. Credibility assures certainty among society and being aware of fake news sources provides authority for viewers. Bishop is aware of these technological influences and shared her personal opinion on this issue. “Trust is hard to keep with AI and fake news sources.”
Within seconds of this statement, Miller chimed in. “Reputation Matters,” he said. A short but powerful statement that got students turning heads.
Introduction to Journalism is one of many courses at the University of New England. Miller uses an open teaching style where students think collaboratively about issues within the news industry. He stresses that news is everywhere, and like it or not, some of it is fake. Bishop advocates for a world without fake news, sharing her daily journal playbacks with the class. Miller continues giving students a first-hand look at how journalism impacts the rest of the world and how power and authority can be a barrier for feedback. He left his students questioning, “If we can’t critique power, can we actually live in a free society?”
College Students Dive into the Importance of Journalism
University students discuss how critical journalism is to maintaining a free society and protecting citizens.
February 1, 2025
Jadyn Stevens
University of New England Student
In January 2025, an Introduction to Journalism class at University of New England met for their weekly session to share their ideas on the importance of journalism.
The class was led by Associate Teaching Professor of Writing and Communications, Jesse Miller. Professor Miller instructed his students to read The Elements of Journalism by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel, and come prepared with interesting parts. The essay details elements of journalism including its responsibility to tell the truth, watch over citizens, and be a source that people can trust.
Sophomore sports management student, Sydney Bishop (she/her) found the section on trust to be particularly interesting. Bishop understands how technology plays a big role in the way people consume information. With this form of consumption, the challenges of reliability arise. AI has overtaken technology and makes it hard to determine if information is true or not. Bishop describes the idea that “trust is hard to retain.”
The students attending this Introduction to Journalism class at UNE come from a variety of majors, but chose this class to learn about journalism practices. Students came prepared with notes of sections from the essay to be discussed with their peers. Discussions are a critical part of the class as it helps students understand the material read.
The class pivoted from the idea of trust and into the responsibility journalists have to protect and inform. Students chimed in sharing their opinions on how journalists have to critique those in power to watch over citizens. Journalism is about holding the people in power accountable and giving voice to the people. Professor Miller shared his view on the matter. “If we can’t critique power, do we really live in a free society?”
Whether it’s trust or the ability to critique power, journalists have an important job. The students may not have realized how critical journalism is, but their views may have changed after experiencing powerful discussions like this one.
College Students Define the Importance of Journalism
University students immersed themselves in the journalism realm to learn about hard news and how journalists protect citizens through their articles.
January 31, 2025
Abby Anthony
University Student
In January 2025, an Introduction to Journalism class at the University of New England met to collaborate and express their ideas on the important aspects of journalism, guided by their professor.
This class is led by Jesse Miller who is the Associate Teaching Professor of Writing and Communications at the University of New England. Professor Miller assigned his students the task of reading The Elements of Journalism by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosentiel and addressing elements of the text that interested them. This article delved into important elements of journalism including the obligation to tell the truth, loyalty to citizens, relevance of news, and the importance of the truth.
The first major class discussion was about the importance of the truth. Sophomore sports management student, Sydney Bishop (she/her) found this section extremely important. Bishop touched on the role of technology and how that affects the readers. This often disrupts how readers consume information and how reliable it is. This led to Bishop’s idea that “trust is hard to retain.” The use of artificial intelligence has taken a toll on the truthfulness of articles. This also relates to the discussion about the watchdog and how they help keep articles truthful even with the impact of technology.
This class aims to educate students on the history of journalism while applying those practices in different scenarios. This course is heavily discussion-based due to the nature of the art of journalism. It allows the students to get their ideas out in the open while receiving constructive criticism from fellow students to help develop the idea further. Since this is an introduction class it has a variety of majors that also bring different perspectives on the topics at hand while bringing their interests and opinions on the reading material.
As the class discussion continued, it changed to the reporting of topics. Without having a record of an event happening, it would be difficult to believe it truly accrued. Professor Miller explained, “If we don’t have that report, did it happen.” This also goes back to the previous discussion about the importance of trust in your news source. Although it was reported, did it happen?
Although this was a short excerpt into the importance of journalism, it allowed the students to see the importance of relaying truthful information and keeping the trust of your readers. Teaching students these fundamentals now allows them to create trustworthy work going into their careers and the importance of discussion.
College Students Discuss the Important Elements of Journalism
University students pick apart the important aspects of journalism, the underling parts that make journalism unique and important.
January 31, 2026
Sydney Bishop
University Student
In late January of 2026, an Introduction to Journalism class at the University of New England (UNE) students with their professor discuss an article “The Elements of Journalism?” by Kovach and Rosenstiel.
The professor, Jessie Miller the Associate Teaching Professor of Writing and Communication, led the class through a discussion about the important aspects of the article, gaging the students understanding. Firstly, discussing the various points within the article and what it brought about, being a journalist and reporting on what is happening. As stated by Professor Miller “Reporting is Choice,” the choice is there for those who seek to discuss the world. This led to a discussion about what the students found interesting about the text.
This led me, Sydney Bishop, to talk about an aspect of the reading that I found interest. Specifically, how trust within the author of the articles is important and once you have that trust it is hard to keep. This is especially due to the rise of AI and fake or incorrect articles. This continues throw-out that class with other students discussing their ideas and opinions about journalism. One of the commonly spoken aspects of journalism was how journalists help keep people in power in check, as stated by Jadyn Stevens (She/Her), who is a sophomore studying Psychology “Important to hold people accountable”. Journalists are the Watchdogs for the people and community.
This brings another aspect to journalism which is making sure that things are accurate. This ensures that there is not anything being spread that is true or has substance backing. While reporting is important, making sure it is true is important, the journalist helps write history in their own way. It is written through society and not just those in power. This helps to minimize the possibility of redacted information.
This was a snippet of what journalism is, it a load the students to think about what aspect of journalism are important and needed to ensure that their possible readers will expect and the standards they should hold themselves to.
College Students Break Down the Values of Journalism
UNE students reflect on the role’s journalism plays as a safeguard to a free society and its potential threats
February 3, 2025
Natalie DeGreenia
University Student
In January 2025, an Introduction to Journalism class at the University of New England met and discussed their ideas on various important aspects of journalism.
Before the class Professor Jesse Miller assigned his students to read The Elements of Journalism by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel and come ready with questions and ideas on the essay. The significance of the essay comes out in topics of journalism being a means of public debate and monitoring of the world and its obligation to truth.
Miller guided the class with probing questions that made the students part of the conversation and not only looking at the core values of journalism but also the underlying nuances and its critical value to society.
A highlight in the class discussion came from a sophomore sports management student, Sydney Bishop (she/her), on the news media acting as a checks and balances for the systems that govern the nation. Her words, “to hold people accountable” reflect on a metaphor from the essay that journalists are ‘watchdogs’ of society. The class talked about a passage from the essay that it is a core principle of journalism to examen and track all aspects of society, seen and unseen, for the knowledge and progression of the public. Making the truth so accessible, they said, is a cornerstone of a free society.
The conversation then turned to worries and questions of trustworthiness and censorship in the news- if events are not accurately reported on or being suppressed can a journalist fulfill their job? Miller was able to reply with, then there would be a “question of tyranny” if a journalist’s role was compromised. This comment was able to relate to later topics of AI usage and fake news sources and the philosophical debate on who the real suppressors are and how they damage the idea of a free society. The class reflected on these ideas of untrustworthiness with the threat of AI.
Students Discuss Important Elements of Good Journalism
University of New England students taking Intro to Journalism dive into the essential elements of good journalism.
February 3, 2025
Anthony Lacaprucia
University of New England Student
On January 31st, University of New England Professor Jesse Miller led a student discussion on The Elements of Journalism as named by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel.
Tuesday, January 28th, Intro to Journalism students were assigned to read the article The Elements of Journalism by Kovach and Rosenstiel for homework. The article touches on ten elements common to good journalism drawn from Kovach and Rosenstiel’s book. Students then came to class the following Friday ready to share and discuss interesting points they found in the reading.
One of the first elements discussed was Journalism must serve as an independent monitor of power. Many students found the watchdog aspect of journalism to be highly interesting and important. When talking about keeping power in check, Professor Miller questions “If it is not reported, did it really happen?” This sparked more ideas surrounding the idea of watchdog journalism. Freshman communications and media arts major, Lizzie Brytowski (she/her), adds “Journalism is a powerful tool that makes sure those in power don’t abuse their powers.”
As the discussion continued, various other journalistic elements were highlighted. Conversation eventually landed on how journalists must maintain independence from those they cover. Sophomore communications and media arts major, Casey Jordan (he/him), highlights “Journalistic independence is an important part of journalism because it keeps the story credible.” The class also discussed how trust for journalists has to be earned. Additionally, how it is hard to keep.
As Friday’s class neared its end, the dialogue slowly fizzled out. Students were left with lots to think about and Professor Miller’s focus began to shift ahead for what was to come in the next week of class.
College students breakdown the important parts of Journalism
February 3, 2025
Quinnly Raducha
University Student
During a spring 2025 Intro to Journalism class, students break down different sections of what journalism is and defines their importance.
The class had been led by Associate Teaching Professor of Writing and Communications, Jesse Miller. Students came to class with two important elements about “The Elements of Journalism?”- Kovach and Rosenstiel. This essay discussed many topics regarding the role of a journalist, roles that consist of the loyalty journalists hold to citizens, and telling the truth without letting their own opinion sway the facts.
An important element of the importance of truth was brought up by Sophomore, Sydney Bishop, a sports management major. Most students in the class don’t remember a time where the news wasn’t just right on their phone. But, with the rise of AI and fake news that can spread across social media it is more important than ever to report on the facts and tell the truth. As journalists it is important to owe the truth to citizens and let them be able to know who they can trust, and as said by Bishop “trust is hard to retain”.
A second discussion started about how journalists have another important role in keeping people informed and protected. When journalists put out hard news, they are to make sure what they are putting out will give people a little bit of what they already know, what they need to know, and what is to come in the future. Lizzie Brytowski, a freshman communications major notes “it is also important to get different versions of the ‘truth’ in a story” this discusses getting citizens involved to keep others informed.
Overall, the role of the Journalist contains much more than just the importance of truth and keeping people informed and protected, these university students were left thinking about how many roles a journalist takes on and what the most important roles are. But, one thing these students left knowing was the power journalists can hold to keep others informed.
College Students Learn the Importance of Trust in Journalism
University students dove into a lively discussion about the responsibility journalists carry to create and maintain a trustworthy relationship with readers by providing reliable sources
January 31, 2025
Cameron Stickney
University Students
In January 2025, an Introduction to Journalism class at the University of New England held a lively discussion on what it means to have reliable sources in a journalist’s work.
The class, led by Professor Jesse Miller – the Associate Teaching Professor of Writing and Communications at UNE, was instructed to read articles “The Elements of Journalism” by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel which highlighted some of the details of the elements of journalism which included a responsibility to tell the truth, be a source that readers can trust, and to watch over the people.
Professor Miller discussed with his students about providing credible sources for readers. What it does is establish credibility and trust in the writer/reader relationship. Without providing these credible sources, it can “tarnish a journalism’s trust” that a reader has.
During this discussion, junior English and art major student Elizabeth Huggins (she/her) focused on a sentence in “The Elements of Journalism” and went on to explain to the class that she feels that the discipline of verification is what makes journalism different from other types of communication that is mentioned. Huggins advocated that “it is more important to be reliable than the first one to publish a story” which is what establishes and maintains that trusting relationship journalists have with their readers.
Huggins view on the matter Miller brought to light for the students gave a very insightful perspective during the discussion. Being an unbiased journalists that interviews people from both sides of the story not only gives a clear perspective for readers to form their own opinions, but that is what clears the path to credibility and it is reached when sources are produced with the product.
This was a small, yet important, part of that class discussion on “The Elements of Journalism” article. This small piece emphasizes the importance of establishing credibility.
Journalism Students Discuss the Ins and Outs of good Journalism
Students of Jesse Miller’s CMM 211 Journalism class construct thoughts and ideas about the nuances of journalism that can elevate their writing.
February 4, 2025
Casey Jordan
UNE Student
During class on Friday January 31’st students broke the ice on areas to focus on in their future writings, flipping what some previously knew about journalism on its head.
Students met in room 217 in Marcil hall to attend Professor Millers class on journalism. Miller, a former leader of UNE’s school newspaper “The Bolt” was adamant about the importance of the nut graph in journalism. Stating to his students during class, “If you are reading to learn the brain asks questions, the nut graph is there to answer those questions”. Further going into the substance of the nut graph. That being the who, what, when, where and the “deeper why” of the story. Being three to five paragraphs in and full of the answers the readers are looking for, the nut graph is hugely important to the reader.
Another powerful element of journalism that reaches a deeper level then the nut graph is the watchdog element.
Students shared their thoughts on this during another discussion lead by Professor Miller. The discussion covered the basis that journalism is the ability to critique power. Student Anthony Lacaprucia stated, “The watchdog element in journalism keeps an accurate record of those in power”. If we we are not able to report on powerful people, we would face tyranny. Thankfully, there is plenty of critique in journalism today as journalists job is to report on what they find, like it or not. Without the watchdog element in journalism, we would find ourselves in a less free society.
This class period brought lots of information to the table on how students can be better journalists. The discussion lead by Professor Miller engaged students to share their ideas and findings with one another. The melting pot of journalistic knowledge had something that every student could benefit from learning.
UNE takes on Bates and MMA at Bates Relays
The University of New England’s women’s swimming team headed to Bates on Friday January 31st to compete against MMA and Bates on their senior Night.
Jan 31, 2025
Maeve McDermott
Collegiate Swimmer for the University of New England
Swimmers that are on the University of New England’s team for the 2024-2025 season head off to Bates College in Massachusetts to compete against the team for their senior meet. Although Bates is in a different and faster section than UNE, UNE swimmers make it a competitive meet for them. This meet was not scored, so it is inconclusive who won.
This meet was not a normal dual meet. All of the races were relays, meaning 4 swimmers swam in one race. Most of these relays are not standard ss swimmers were able to swim 200 breaststroke relays or 400 IM relays. Another highlight of the meet was a 100 underwater relay, each member of the team swam a 25 underwater.
This season has been an eye opening season for the team and the school. Ending the season with a 8-1 record makes it the best record swim coach, Rich Hayes, has had since he has been hired, which is 11 years. Swimmers Adria Horton and Mic Hujus led the whole LEC conference with many top 10 times held by a multitude of swimmers.
UNE heads off to their last dual meet of the season tomorrow against WNE and Westfield before the LEC Champs.
Jaelen Jackson
Student
1-31-25
At approximately 2:00pm on January 31st Professor Jesse Miller’s journalism class dove into a conversation that’s lead directly to this piece.
The class began to discuss not only the given material for that day, but also connections to their own lives through it and understanding that although journalism is changing with technology, it’s still a pillar of society as we know it.
As the class began, there was a focus on the importance of urgency when it comes to the art of journalism. Professor Jesse Miller (he, him) goes on to say, “It’s not really news if it happened a long time ago.” This statement, although it seems obvious, made me realize the importance of writing with speed. Regardless of the length, the important thing is to get the right out on as soon as possible.
Later on in the class the discussion shifted to the role of journalism in society. Considering journalism is a main way of critiquing power and therefor exercising our freedom, it plays a key role in identifying what type of society you’re in. Additionally, journalism is the main way at least locally, that we communicate if something dangerous is underway. Elizabeth Huggins (she, her) a junior Art and English major at the University of New England said, “Journalist still need to cover stories that are hard to talk about in order to keep people safe.” This struck me because it really highlighted the absolute need for journalism in a functioning society.
Trust in Crisis: Journalism’s Fight for Truth and Integrity
In the Journalism class, on January 31st, in Marcil Hall at the University of New England (UNE), students were asked to discuss their insights from their reading The Elements of Journalism (Kovach and Rosenstein). One student, Sydney Bishop, highlighted the quote, “technology may change, but trust, when earned and nurtured, will endure.” Bishop said, “Trust and honesty are core values, easily lost when truth is compromised. The rise of AI-generated content further challenges the pursuit of truth.” Trust is earned through hard work and reporting the truth. It’s hard to maintain in the current media environment.
Another student went on to add opinions about verification and agreement. They mentioned that reputable news organizations reporting on the same event can help confirm information, building stronger confidence in the report’s accuracy. Accuracy and unbiased reporting are key to maintaining a good reputation. Individual perceptions of reality may vary, but an overall agreement from multiple sources supports the reliability of the information (think of climate change: a significant portion of scientists agree on its reality, despite outliers).
Another student, Jay, talked about journalism as a watchdog. He related the Elements of Journalism to one of their first readings on the history of journalism and stated, “It really applies to today… It’s important to hold people accountable, and if politicians are going to say or do something, keep them accountable.” Journalism acts as a watchdog, holding those in power accountable for work inconsistent with social views. This is important in a free society.
Jesse Miller (professor at UNE) emphasized the importance of independent journalism. He noted, “… an independent paper or independent news organization, you are not beholden to shareholders… to a billionaire who decides what can and cannot be published. You were reporting based on what the editors are trying to get to… this is that really messy intersection of politics, power, money, and democracy… and when journalists talk about freedom of the press, this is one of those big issues.” Freedom of the press is critical in navigating this.
The class ended by discussing libel vs. slander and feature articles vs breaking news. They talked about how libel is a published false statement that is defamatory, and slander is a spoken false statement, also defamatory. They discussed that feature articles focus on every accurate detail and often take longer to produce than breaking news.
12 thoughts on “JOURNAL # 6”
Students Define Journalism In Their Own Words
University students took a dive into the journalism world to better understand fake news and the importance of critiquing power in today’s society.
January 31, 2025
Elizabeth Huggins
University Student
In January 2025, a professor and his students delved into deep conversation and collaborated on new ideas, putting journalism into their own perspectives.
In a journalism class at the University of New England, Professor Jesse Miller tasked students with writing on a deadline while focusing on the basics. Miller, a former employee at The Record Newspaper in Troy, New York, brings his own knowledge and experience to the class. Sydney Bishop, a sophomore Sports Management major, is a diligent student who has much to say about technology’s impact on news and how not all sources can be trusted.
Most University students cannot remember a time without the internet and would rather read news off their phones than in a newspaper. Credibility assures certainty among society and being aware of fake news sources provides authority for viewers. Bishop is aware of these technological influences and shared her personal opinion on this issue. “Trust is hard to keep with AI and fake news sources.”
Within seconds of this statement, Miller chimed in. “Reputation Matters,” he said. A short but powerful statement that got students turning heads.
Introduction to Journalism is one of many courses at the University of New England. Miller uses an open teaching style where students think collaboratively about issues within the news industry. He stresses that news is everywhere, and like it or not, some of it is fake. Bishop advocates for a world without fake news, sharing her daily journal playbacks with the class. Miller continues giving students a first-hand look at how journalism impacts the rest of the world and how power and authority can be a barrier for feedback. He left his students questioning, “If we can’t critique power, can we actually live in a free society?”
College Students Dive into the Importance of Journalism
University students discuss how critical journalism is to maintaining a free society and protecting citizens.
February 1, 2025
Jadyn Stevens
University of New England Student
In January 2025, an Introduction to Journalism class at University of New England met for their weekly session to share their ideas on the importance of journalism.
The class was led by Associate Teaching Professor of Writing and Communications, Jesse Miller. Professor Miller instructed his students to read The Elements of Journalism by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel, and come prepared with interesting parts. The essay details elements of journalism including its responsibility to tell the truth, watch over citizens, and be a source that people can trust.
Sophomore sports management student, Sydney Bishop (she/her) found the section on trust to be particularly interesting. Bishop understands how technology plays a big role in the way people consume information. With this form of consumption, the challenges of reliability arise. AI has overtaken technology and makes it hard to determine if information is true or not. Bishop describes the idea that “trust is hard to retain.”
The students attending this Introduction to Journalism class at UNE come from a variety of majors, but chose this class to learn about journalism practices. Students came prepared with notes of sections from the essay to be discussed with their peers. Discussions are a critical part of the class as it helps students understand the material read.
The class pivoted from the idea of trust and into the responsibility journalists have to protect and inform. Students chimed in sharing their opinions on how journalists have to critique those in power to watch over citizens. Journalism is about holding the people in power accountable and giving voice to the people. Professor Miller shared his view on the matter. “If we can’t critique power, do we really live in a free society?”
Whether it’s trust or the ability to critique power, journalists have an important job. The students may not have realized how critical journalism is, but their views may have changed after experiencing powerful discussions like this one.
College Students Define the Importance of Journalism
University students immersed themselves in the journalism realm to learn about hard news and how journalists protect citizens through their articles.
January 31, 2025
Abby Anthony
University Student
In January 2025, an Introduction to Journalism class at the University of New England met to collaborate and express their ideas on the important aspects of journalism, guided by their professor.
This class is led by Jesse Miller who is the Associate Teaching Professor of Writing and Communications at the University of New England. Professor Miller assigned his students the task of reading The Elements of Journalism by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosentiel and addressing elements of the text that interested them. This article delved into important elements of journalism including the obligation to tell the truth, loyalty to citizens, relevance of news, and the importance of the truth.
The first major class discussion was about the importance of the truth. Sophomore sports management student, Sydney Bishop (she/her) found this section extremely important. Bishop touched on the role of technology and how that affects the readers. This often disrupts how readers consume information and how reliable it is. This led to Bishop’s idea that “trust is hard to retain.” The use of artificial intelligence has taken a toll on the truthfulness of articles. This also relates to the discussion about the watchdog and how they help keep articles truthful even with the impact of technology.
This class aims to educate students on the history of journalism while applying those practices in different scenarios. This course is heavily discussion-based due to the nature of the art of journalism. It allows the students to get their ideas out in the open while receiving constructive criticism from fellow students to help develop the idea further. Since this is an introduction class it has a variety of majors that also bring different perspectives on the topics at hand while bringing their interests and opinions on the reading material.
As the class discussion continued, it changed to the reporting of topics. Without having a record of an event happening, it would be difficult to believe it truly accrued. Professor Miller explained, “If we don’t have that report, did it happen.” This also goes back to the previous discussion about the importance of trust in your news source. Although it was reported, did it happen?
Although this was a short excerpt into the importance of journalism, it allowed the students to see the importance of relaying truthful information and keeping the trust of your readers. Teaching students these fundamentals now allows them to create trustworthy work going into their careers and the importance of discussion.
College Students Discuss the Important Elements of Journalism
University students pick apart the important aspects of journalism, the underling parts that make journalism unique and important.
January 31, 2026
Sydney Bishop
University Student
In late January of 2026, an Introduction to Journalism class at the University of New England (UNE) students with their professor discuss an article “The Elements of Journalism?” by Kovach and Rosenstiel.
The professor, Jessie Miller the Associate Teaching Professor of Writing and Communication, led the class through a discussion about the important aspects of the article, gaging the students understanding. Firstly, discussing the various points within the article and what it brought about, being a journalist and reporting on what is happening. As stated by Professor Miller “Reporting is Choice,” the choice is there for those who seek to discuss the world. This led to a discussion about what the students found interesting about the text.
This led me, Sydney Bishop, to talk about an aspect of the reading that I found interest. Specifically, how trust within the author of the articles is important and once you have that trust it is hard to keep. This is especially due to the rise of AI and fake or incorrect articles. This continues throw-out that class with other students discussing their ideas and opinions about journalism. One of the commonly spoken aspects of journalism was how journalists help keep people in power in check, as stated by Jadyn Stevens (She/Her), who is a sophomore studying Psychology “Important to hold people accountable”. Journalists are the Watchdogs for the people and community.
This brings another aspect to journalism which is making sure that things are accurate. This ensures that there is not anything being spread that is true or has substance backing. While reporting is important, making sure it is true is important, the journalist helps write history in their own way. It is written through society and not just those in power. This helps to minimize the possibility of redacted information.
This was a snippet of what journalism is, it a load the students to think about what aspect of journalism are important and needed to ensure that their possible readers will expect and the standards they should hold themselves to.
College Students Break Down the Values of Journalism
UNE students reflect on the role’s journalism plays as a safeguard to a free society and its potential threats
February 3, 2025
Natalie DeGreenia
University Student
In January 2025, an Introduction to Journalism class at the University of New England met and discussed their ideas on various important aspects of journalism.
Before the class Professor Jesse Miller assigned his students to read The Elements of Journalism by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel and come ready with questions and ideas on the essay. The significance of the essay comes out in topics of journalism being a means of public debate and monitoring of the world and its obligation to truth.
Miller guided the class with probing questions that made the students part of the conversation and not only looking at the core values of journalism but also the underlying nuances and its critical value to society.
A highlight in the class discussion came from a sophomore sports management student, Sydney Bishop (she/her), on the news media acting as a checks and balances for the systems that govern the nation. Her words, “to hold people accountable” reflect on a metaphor from the essay that journalists are ‘watchdogs’ of society. The class talked about a passage from the essay that it is a core principle of journalism to examen and track all aspects of society, seen and unseen, for the knowledge and progression of the public. Making the truth so accessible, they said, is a cornerstone of a free society.
The conversation then turned to worries and questions of trustworthiness and censorship in the news- if events are not accurately reported on or being suppressed can a journalist fulfill their job? Miller was able to reply with, then there would be a “question of tyranny” if a journalist’s role was compromised. This comment was able to relate to later topics of AI usage and fake news sources and the philosophical debate on who the real suppressors are and how they damage the idea of a free society. The class reflected on these ideas of untrustworthiness with the threat of AI.
Students Discuss Important Elements of Good Journalism
University of New England students taking Intro to Journalism dive into the essential elements of good journalism.
February 3, 2025
Anthony Lacaprucia
University of New England Student
On January 31st, University of New England Professor Jesse Miller led a student discussion on The Elements of Journalism as named by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel.
Tuesday, January 28th, Intro to Journalism students were assigned to read the article The Elements of Journalism by Kovach and Rosenstiel for homework. The article touches on ten elements common to good journalism drawn from Kovach and Rosenstiel’s book. Students then came to class the following Friday ready to share and discuss interesting points they found in the reading.
One of the first elements discussed was Journalism must serve as an independent monitor of power. Many students found the watchdog aspect of journalism to be highly interesting and important. When talking about keeping power in check, Professor Miller questions “If it is not reported, did it really happen?” This sparked more ideas surrounding the idea of watchdog journalism. Freshman communications and media arts major, Lizzie Brytowski (she/her), adds “Journalism is a powerful tool that makes sure those in power don’t abuse their powers.”
As the discussion continued, various other journalistic elements were highlighted. Conversation eventually landed on how journalists must maintain independence from those they cover. Sophomore communications and media arts major, Casey Jordan (he/him), highlights “Journalistic independence is an important part of journalism because it keeps the story credible.” The class also discussed how trust for journalists has to be earned. Additionally, how it is hard to keep.
As Friday’s class neared its end, the dialogue slowly fizzled out. Students were left with lots to think about and Professor Miller’s focus began to shift ahead for what was to come in the next week of class.
College students breakdown the important parts of Journalism
February 3, 2025
Quinnly Raducha
University Student
During a spring 2025 Intro to Journalism class, students break down different sections of what journalism is and defines their importance.
The class had been led by Associate Teaching Professor of Writing and Communications, Jesse Miller. Students came to class with two important elements about “The Elements of Journalism?”- Kovach and Rosenstiel. This essay discussed many topics regarding the role of a journalist, roles that consist of the loyalty journalists hold to citizens, and telling the truth without letting their own opinion sway the facts.
An important element of the importance of truth was brought up by Sophomore, Sydney Bishop, a sports management major. Most students in the class don’t remember a time where the news wasn’t just right on their phone. But, with the rise of AI and fake news that can spread across social media it is more important than ever to report on the facts and tell the truth. As journalists it is important to owe the truth to citizens and let them be able to know who they can trust, and as said by Bishop “trust is hard to retain”.
A second discussion started about how journalists have another important role in keeping people informed and protected. When journalists put out hard news, they are to make sure what they are putting out will give people a little bit of what they already know, what they need to know, and what is to come in the future. Lizzie Brytowski, a freshman communications major notes “it is also important to get different versions of the ‘truth’ in a story” this discusses getting citizens involved to keep others informed.
Overall, the role of the Journalist contains much more than just the importance of truth and keeping people informed and protected, these university students were left thinking about how many roles a journalist takes on and what the most important roles are. But, one thing these students left knowing was the power journalists can hold to keep others informed.
College Students Learn the Importance of Trust in Journalism
University students dove into a lively discussion about the responsibility journalists carry to create and maintain a trustworthy relationship with readers by providing reliable sources
January 31, 2025
Cameron Stickney
University Students
In January 2025, an Introduction to Journalism class at the University of New England held a lively discussion on what it means to have reliable sources in a journalist’s work.
The class, led by Professor Jesse Miller – the Associate Teaching Professor of Writing and Communications at UNE, was instructed to read articles “The Elements of Journalism” by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel which highlighted some of the details of the elements of journalism which included a responsibility to tell the truth, be a source that readers can trust, and to watch over the people.
Professor Miller discussed with his students about providing credible sources for readers. What it does is establish credibility and trust in the writer/reader relationship. Without providing these credible sources, it can “tarnish a journalism’s trust” that a reader has.
During this discussion, junior English and art major student Elizabeth Huggins (she/her) focused on a sentence in “The Elements of Journalism” and went on to explain to the class that she feels that the discipline of verification is what makes journalism different from other types of communication that is mentioned. Huggins advocated that “it is more important to be reliable than the first one to publish a story” which is what establishes and maintains that trusting relationship journalists have with their readers.
Huggins view on the matter Miller brought to light for the students gave a very insightful perspective during the discussion. Being an unbiased journalists that interviews people from both sides of the story not only gives a clear perspective for readers to form their own opinions, but that is what clears the path to credibility and it is reached when sources are produced with the product.
This was a small, yet important, part of that class discussion on “The Elements of Journalism” article. This small piece emphasizes the importance of establishing credibility.
Journalism Students Discuss the Ins and Outs of good Journalism
Students of Jesse Miller’s CMM 211 Journalism class construct thoughts and ideas about the nuances of journalism that can elevate their writing.
February 4, 2025
Casey Jordan
UNE Student
During class on Friday January 31’st students broke the ice on areas to focus on in their future writings, flipping what some previously knew about journalism on its head.
Students met in room 217 in Marcil hall to attend Professor Millers class on journalism. Miller, a former leader of UNE’s school newspaper “The Bolt” was adamant about the importance of the nut graph in journalism. Stating to his students during class, “If you are reading to learn the brain asks questions, the nut graph is there to answer those questions”. Further going into the substance of the nut graph. That being the who, what, when, where and the “deeper why” of the story. Being three to five paragraphs in and full of the answers the readers are looking for, the nut graph is hugely important to the reader.
Another powerful element of journalism that reaches a deeper level then the nut graph is the watchdog element.
Students shared their thoughts on this during another discussion lead by Professor Miller. The discussion covered the basis that journalism is the ability to critique power. Student Anthony Lacaprucia stated, “The watchdog element in journalism keeps an accurate record of those in power”. If we we are not able to report on powerful people, we would face tyranny. Thankfully, there is plenty of critique in journalism today as journalists job is to report on what they find, like it or not. Without the watchdog element in journalism, we would find ourselves in a less free society.
This class period brought lots of information to the table on how students can be better journalists. The discussion lead by Professor Miller engaged students to share their ideas and findings with one another. The melting pot of journalistic knowledge had something that every student could benefit from learning.
UNE takes on Bates and MMA at Bates Relays
The University of New England’s women’s swimming team headed to Bates on Friday January 31st to compete against MMA and Bates on their senior Night.
Jan 31, 2025
Maeve McDermott
Collegiate Swimmer for the University of New England
Swimmers that are on the University of New England’s team for the 2024-2025 season head off to Bates College in Massachusetts to compete against the team for their senior meet. Although Bates is in a different and faster section than UNE, UNE swimmers make it a competitive meet for them. This meet was not scored, so it is inconclusive who won.
This meet was not a normal dual meet. All of the races were relays, meaning 4 swimmers swam in one race. Most of these relays are not standard ss swimmers were able to swim 200 breaststroke relays or 400 IM relays. Another highlight of the meet was a 100 underwater relay, each member of the team swam a 25 underwater.
This season has been an eye opening season for the team and the school. Ending the season with a 8-1 record makes it the best record swim coach, Rich Hayes, has had since he has been hired, which is 11 years. Swimmers Adria Horton and Mic Hujus led the whole LEC conference with many top 10 times held by a multitude of swimmers.
UNE heads off to their last dual meet of the season tomorrow against WNE and Westfield before the LEC Champs.
Jaelen Jackson
Student
1-31-25
At approximately 2:00pm on January 31st Professor Jesse Miller’s journalism class dove into a conversation that’s lead directly to this piece.
The class began to discuss not only the given material for that day, but also connections to their own lives through it and understanding that although journalism is changing with technology, it’s still a pillar of society as we know it.
As the class began, there was a focus on the importance of urgency when it comes to the art of journalism. Professor Jesse Miller (he, him) goes on to say, “It’s not really news if it happened a long time ago.” This statement, although it seems obvious, made me realize the importance of writing with speed. Regardless of the length, the important thing is to get the right out on as soon as possible.
Later on in the class the discussion shifted to the role of journalism in society. Considering journalism is a main way of critiquing power and therefor exercising our freedom, it plays a key role in identifying what type of society you’re in. Additionally, journalism is the main way at least locally, that we communicate if something dangerous is underway. Elizabeth Huggins (she, her) a junior Art and English major at the University of New England said, “Journalist still need to cover stories that are hard to talk about in order to keep people safe.” This struck me because it really highlighted the absolute need for journalism in a functioning society.
Charlotte Wells
Trust in Crisis: Journalism’s Fight for Truth and Integrity
In the Journalism class, on January 31st, in Marcil Hall at the University of New England (UNE), students were asked to discuss their insights from their reading The Elements of Journalism (Kovach and Rosenstein). One student, Sydney Bishop, highlighted the quote, “technology may change, but trust, when earned and nurtured, will endure.” Bishop said, “Trust and honesty are core values, easily lost when truth is compromised. The rise of AI-generated content further challenges the pursuit of truth.” Trust is earned through hard work and reporting the truth. It’s hard to maintain in the current media environment.
Another student went on to add opinions about verification and agreement. They mentioned that reputable news organizations reporting on the same event can help confirm information, building stronger confidence in the report’s accuracy. Accuracy and unbiased reporting are key to maintaining a good reputation. Individual perceptions of reality may vary, but an overall agreement from multiple sources supports the reliability of the information (think of climate change: a significant portion of scientists agree on its reality, despite outliers).
Another student, Jay, talked about journalism as a watchdog. He related the Elements of Journalism to one of their first readings on the history of journalism and stated, “It really applies to today… It’s important to hold people accountable, and if politicians are going to say or do something, keep them accountable.” Journalism acts as a watchdog, holding those in power accountable for work inconsistent with social views. This is important in a free society.
Jesse Miller (professor at UNE) emphasized the importance of independent journalism. He noted, “… an independent paper or independent news organization, you are not beholden to shareholders… to a billionaire who decides what can and cannot be published. You were reporting based on what the editors are trying to get to… this is that really messy intersection of politics, power, money, and democracy… and when journalists talk about freedom of the press, this is one of those big issues.” Freedom of the press is critical in navigating this.
The class ended by discussing libel vs. slander and feature articles vs breaking news. They talked about how libel is a published false statement that is defamatory, and slander is a spoken false statement, also defamatory. They discussed that feature articles focus on every accurate detail and often take longer to produce than breaking news.