School Newspapers… Dead or Dying?

In her recent article, "BLACK AND WHITE AND FORGOTTEN ALL OVER?" Anna Phillips describes today's tragedy of the high school newspaper. She says that in years past, the issue was that it didn't get read. But at the majority of city high schools today, it doesn't even get produced.

The soaring cost of printing and paper, budget cuts in favor of more traditional school activities or emphasis on curriculum like English and math, staffing changes and in some instances the fact that principals who would rather not have "freedom of the press" happening on their turf, has put an end to a lot of school newspapers.

It is evidenced by the attendance, or lack thereof, at this year's Columbia Scholastic Press Association conference and competition. Since 1925 high school journalists have been attending to learn how to improve their newspapers from peers at schools across the country. In the past upwards of 85 schools from New York City have attended. This year it's more live five or six.

What a shame, that our young people have no outlet to share their thoughts, reflections on life, and their perspective on school events, sports and more at this critical time in their lives.

When BigDaddy.com was on the drawing board one of the things we discussed was an online newsletter or newspaper for each school. After this recent article it appears that it's more important now, than ever, to create an outlet for schools and students where they can share all those things that a traditional school newspaper would allow for.

Programming is underway now to create this new tool for students, parents and faculty where they can create an online newsletter or newspaper visible by all. Faculty advisors will have to be available to review and edit, but BigDaddy.com will provide the tools needed to make this happen if the school wants it. We'll update you as we get closer to launching that part of the BigDaddy.com site.

Watch for some great new changes later in the week.

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