Press coordinator Jim Dalglish, right, talks with Susie Barrera, left, a sophomore majoring in radio and television broadcasting at San Antonio College. The school’s journalism program is undergoing a reboot.
Salgo Weissmith/San Antonio Express-NewsRetired from the College of Journalism. The Ranger closed at the end of 2021. The Alamo College District then pledged to save the journalism program.
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Last fall, SAC began offering classes in news writing and editing. There are plans to expand offerings to include other courses in journalism and multimedia, as well as “majors in advertising and public relations,” and to enhance alignment with on-campus radio station KSYM and TVSA, a public access channel. SAC officials say there are now 90 students enrolled in journalism.
Maybe one day, we will be able to say that the best move Alamo Colleges could have made for their SAC journalism program was to hire a new SAC president, Nayden Gonzalez de Jesus, in January. Gonzalez de Jesús holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Pennsylvania State University, a master’s degree in student affairs services from Rowan University, and a doctorate from North Central University in industrial/organizational psychology.
“As a former journalism student and print, television and radio reporter, I know the importance of unbiased, fact-based media,” she told me via email. “When there is a commitment to truthful reporting on matters of importance to the community, it results in the production of award-winning journalism.” “.
Gonzalez de Jesús, who spoke about the journalism program on an insightful KSYM podcast in August, said that the merging of journalism/photography with the radio/TV/film program was created in response to the evolution of the industry and that “re-establishing journalism/photography” the program has been an important mission in San Antonio College.
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This may sound promising, but there is reason for journalistic skepticism, especially in light of the program’s budget. The program will need a significant investment in faculty, equipment, and marketing, and that must go beyond a few signs on campus. According to budget documents, between fiscal years 2020-2021 and 2022-2034, the budget for the Department of Journalism, Photography and Student Publishing decreased by approximately 55%, from $389,230 to $176,600. Dalglish, the only full-time faculty member, earns a salary of $53,174.
However, a recent class visit showed promise. Instructor Paul Alexander held his Radio and Television News class in the Longview Radio, Television and Film Building. The class of less than 20 students, mostly women and Hispanic, was engaged and excited to be there. They asked thoughtful questions to guest speaker, Bill Kakmis, radio performance coach and author, who presented the presentation via Zoom.
Susie Barrera, a sophomore radio and television broadcasting major, asked Kakmis a number of questions, including one that focused on authenticity and integrity. Barrera, a 39-year-old mother of four, spoke of her ambition to work as a journalist and her appreciation for the SAC program. “This is college-level education,” she said. “I learn from well-known experts in the field.”
Barrera will be one of the editors of “SAC Student News,” the new multi-platform online student publication launching in January.
Dalglish said SAC’s journalism program had been “re-established”. Alexander called it “activation.”
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Kevin Conlon, chair of SAC’s Department of Arts, Science and Technology who oversees the journalism program, called the program a “relaunch.”
“We hope that this next iteration, whatever form it takes, will create a sense of belonging, telling the stories of this community from a standpoint of equity and access,” Conlon said.
Whatever you describe it, I hope it thrives.
nancy.pryor-johnson@Express-News.net
After a long absence, student journalism is making a comeback at San Antonio College. With the recent launch of a new student-led publication, the campus is abuzz with excitement and anticipation for the return of a vital platform for student voices and perspectives. This resurgence in student journalism offers the opportunity for aspiring writers, editors, and photographers to showcase their talents and provide the college community with relevant and engaging news and stories. As student journalists gear up to cover campus events, issues, and opinions, the return of student journalism is sure to bring a fresh and dynamic perspective to the college experience.