100 years of news: the history of the Prairie
PAGE 3 Rebel with a cause: “The Rest of the Prairie�
PAGE 4 Challenges faced in the journalism industry
PAGE 12 The evolution of journalism to the digital age
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Illustration by Emilio Sanchez/ the Prairie
2 RESOURCES
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CRIME ON CAMPUS
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February 20, 2019
Misapplication financial property $100<$750, 1/15/2019, Stafford Hall
By Hannah Nelson Entertainment Editor
Theft $100<$750 from building, 1/17/2019, Centennial Hall DESIGNATED AREAS
Criminal Mischief $750<$2500, 1/18/2019, zone 16E parking
CROSSWALKS
Assault - physical contact, 1/19/2019, Activities Center
Agriculture Education Learning Lab
Criminal mischief $100<$750, 1/20/2019, zone 24 parking
Ag Complex Event Parking
Possession of marijuana, 1/21/2019, Guenther Hall Possession of marijuana, 1/23/2019, Conner Hall
AG COM PLE AREN A X
PIEHLSCHAEFFER PAVILION
Criminal mischief <$100, 1/21/2019, zone 15 parking
Criminal mischief $750<$2500, 1/24/2019, Amarillo Center Theft <$100 from building, 1/25/2019, Cross Hall Assault- bodily injury, 1/25/2019, McCaslin Hall Possession of marijuana, 1/30/2019, Shirley Hall Possession of marijuana, 1/30/2019, Stafford Hall NOTE: Occasional changes may occur that will cause some West Texas A&M University University Police Department
SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE Runs 7 a.m.–6 p.m., Monday–Friday and one evening shuttle bus from 6 p.m.–10 p.m., Monday–Thursday. There is no shuttle bus service between the long semesters.
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS University Police Department....................651-2300 Student Medical Services ............................651-3287 Family Medicine Center (24-hour care)...655-2104 Emergency (GIVE LOCATION)................................ 911 Parking Services..............................................651-2309
Forgery, 1/9/2019, Old Main Alcohol-minor in consumption/possesion of alcoholic beverage in vehicle, 1/12/2019, zone 32 parking
Criminal mischief $100<$750, 1/31/2019, Jones Hall Possession of marijuana, 2/3/2019, Jones Hall Online impersonation, 2/4/2019, Jones Hall Alcohol-minor in possession, 2/8/2019, Jones Hall
Theft <$100-all other, 1/14/2019, zone 16 parking
Burglary-no force entry, 2/8/2019, Shirley Hall
Invasive visual recording, 1/15/2019, Shirley Hall
Property damage-not vandalism, 2/9/2019, zone 24
Terroristic threat, 1/15/2019, Cousins Hall
Burglary of vehicle, 2/10/2019, zone 31
STAFF OF THE PRAIRIE
Adviser Dr. Nancy Garcia Editors Hannah Nelson Alyssa Gonzales Savannah Wesley
Reporters Jadeyn Arthur Allison Hurst Ben Jenkins Treyson Runyan Jeffrey Williams
Photographer Emilio Sanchez Advertising Manager Esteban Ponce
The Prairie is a student-operated news organization at West Texas A&M University. It functions to inform, educate and entertain readers accurately and responsibly. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the administration, faculty or staff. The Prairie verifies the legitimacy of the advertising appearing in The Prairie, but cannot be held liable for any advertising claim made in this publication. The Prairie has a circulation of 1,000 and is printed by The Pampa News. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. -- First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
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NEWS
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100 years of news: the history of the Prairie Alyssa Gonzales Sports Editor The first issue of the Prairie debuted nine years after the opening of what was then West Texas State Normal College on Oct. 20, 1919. At the time, the newspaper was a four page, bimonthly news source with very few pictures and a numerous amount of advertising for local businesses like East End Grocery and City Meat Market. As listed on the first print issue, the first editorial staff of The Prairie included Gracie Penrod as editor-in-chief, Edna Dyche as assistant editor, Kenneth Burns as business manager, Juanita Beall as the art editor, Lizzie Kate Smith as the society editor, and Dan Sanders as the exchange editor. Along with that, Frank Lohn and Alma Guenther were credited with being athletic representatives and Annie Beene was listed for being the fine arts representative. The Prairie was initially
Photo Courtesy of the Special Collections & Univerity Archives Unit, Cornette Library. The first issue was published in Oct. of 1919.
supervised under the English Department as the Communications department had not been established. At the end of the early issues, there was small, basic description of what The Prairie is. At the end of the very first issue, there is a brief piece written in first person that discusses the purpose and intentions of The Prairie. The description states “I shall try to please all of my friends. However, you must know that this undertaking is
beset with many difficulties...I shall try always to mete out ‘justice tempered with mercy.’ All this means I shall conduct myself with the best I know how.” The article goes on to explain that every reader has their own opinion, and further encourages the Prairie’s audience and patrons to give feedback and contribute suggestions that would better the quality and readership of the newspaper. In 1923, the Prairie
switched from a bimonthly to weekly published newspaper that would be issued every Tuesday. the Prairie also became a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association in that same year. The Prairie covered many historical events over the years. Perhaps one of the most significant being the burning down of the Main Building. Though the event had taken place five years prior to the first issue of The Prairie, the newspaper published an article that went into detail as to what occured on that Thursday morning on March 25, 1914. Even though the Prairie had its share of hard-hitting, influential stories, there were also many lighthearted pieces written over the years. In a July 26, 1920 issue, an article was written over the perspectives of two people that shared a first date together. Other stories over the years include a character that was introduced and known as “Billy Stiff.” The cartoon character appeared in many
issues and greeted readers on the editorial page. In another early issue, an advertisement to see 28th Vice President of the United States, Thomas R. Marshall speak in the Normal Auditorium for $1.50. The Prairie was also consistent with covering the many athletic teams and plays that students put on throughout the years. Regardless if the Prairie was covering the scores from the latest football game or advertising for an upcoming recital, the newspaper has served as a significant piece of history as a news outlet for the students of West Texas State Normal College, West Texas State Teachers College, West Texas State, and West Texas A&M University. Even though the Prairie has changed over time, it has remained a staple within the traditions of WTAMU. The Prairie has evolved throughout the years to report the news in a timely manner and will continue to distribute and serve the students of WTAMU.
Many thanks to the Special Collections and University Archives unit at the Cornette Library for providing the resources necessary for the development of this print issue.
4 FEATURE
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February 20, 2019
Rebel with a cause: “The Rest of the Prairie” Alyssa Gonzales Sports Editor
at the time, psychology Dr. Mary Gill and Dr. James professor and president of Calvi, “The Rest of The The Prairie has served as the faculty senate at the Prairie” was born. “The Prairie wasn’t really a voice and news source for time, Dr. Gary Byrd decided to voice his opinion on the doing what we thought they West Texas A&M University matter by submitting a should do...We didn’t expect for 100 years as of this cartoon to the Prairie that them to be The Washington year. There are countless Post or The New York Times articles and stories that have discussed the situation. “No one was discussing but we thought they ought been written and reported the issue and I wanted to to at least cover what was over the years. However, kind of make light of the going on in terms of why many don’t know of the situation,” said Byrd. “I there was controversy on alternative version of the Prairie that once circulated got together with an artist campus.” said Calvi, former to create the cartoon and political science professor for around campus. WTAMU. During the late 1980’s, submitted it to the editor.” Byrd became frustrated Although the circulation there was reportedly much with the lack of coverage of “The Rest of the Prairie” controversy surrounding WTAMU’s (then, West and news over the situation, resulted in a number of Texas State University) so he decided to take matters lawsuits and potentially President, Ed Roach. into his own hands. With threatened the jobs of the With the many changes the help of his colleagues, professors, Calvi expressed occuring at the time, much of faculty and staff became concerned and unsatisfied with the decisions that were being made by Roach such as censoring the Prairie’s content and using university funds for other purposes. “Faculty members accuse the president of committing atrocities and compare him to Hitler. The president accuses faculty members of conspiring with outside agitators to bring him down,” an article published in a 1988 issue of Texas Monthly described. With the common uncontentment circulating Photo Courtesy of the PPHM Research Center throughout the university The newspaper was in circulation during the late 1980s.
that he had no regrets when it came to being a part of the underground newspaper, Calvi also mentioned that he was proud he had the personal courage it took to stand up for what he felt was right. “Dr. Byrd was the one responsible for getting it printed and getting it distributed,” said Calvi. “I wrote a number of editorial pieces where I made specific criticisms of what Dr. Roach was doing at that particular time.” One published piece that Calvi remembers most is an editorial he wrote titled “Open Letter to Roach” in which he voiced his opinion on why the enrollment and morale of WTAMU was rapidly decreasing. “We worked on it on our own time, we would go about our day then work on it all night,” Byrd said. “Mary was the creative genius behind it all.” The name of the paper came from a popular radio show known as “The Rest of the Story,” hosted by Paul Harvey. The radio show would find news stories and go more in depth with the details. The logo for the paper took inspiration from the logo of the Prairie at the time.
“The logo for the Prairie was the outline of the top half of a buffalo so Mary had the idea of making the logo for ‘The Rest of the Prairie’ an outline of the bottom half of a buffalo,” said Byrd. The underground newspaper anonymously voiced the opinions and concerns of students, faculty, and staff. Articles that highlighted the bigger issues happening on campus and topics regarding Roach were also published anonymously. “The Rest of the Prairie” was in circulation for approximately eight issues, and though many now are unaware of its existence, it still served as a news outlet that voiced the opinions of those who felt that they weren’t being heard. The underground newspaper may have sparked a large amount of both local and national criticism and moved the students and faculty of WTAMU to choose sides. However, it ultimately fulfilled its purpose of reporting the news and encouraged students and staff to express their beliefs towards the important issues on campus.
February 20, 2019
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SPOTLIGHT
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Past photo editor reflections: Jennette Everett Treyson Runyan Reporter 100 years ago, five years after Old Main was rebuilt after the destructive “Eternal Flame” the Prairie was established. Since the newspaper was established, countless junior and senior writers have taken roles of active journalists and contributors while attending the university. A member of this roster is Jennette Everett. Everett attended West Texas A&M University from 1996 to 2001 to study broadcast journalism, and was the staff’s photo editor from 1998 to 2000. During this time, Everett photographed local events, public figures, and other pieces required for the paper’s publication. Carrie Roland, Everett’s former Prairie associate, spoke on her time with Everett. “College brings you together with an assortment of people,” Roland said. “Jennette’s friendship is one of two friendships that I have had the pleasure of maintaining for the last 20 years.” In addition to friends, Everett developed a skill set. She explained how she learned the importance of a good photo.
Emillio Sanchez/the Prairie The Prairie’s logo while Everett was the newspaper’s photo editor
“Focus on capturing the essence of the photo, ” Everett said. “And not just about taking a photo but really capturing what the photo is going to tell people.” The Prairie not only gives it’s staff opportunities and skills, but also gives a sense of community. “We’d be up there until 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning” Everett said. “Just trying to lay it all out and get it to the printer and know it was just that crazy time and you work together get it done right.’” To this day, Everett still finds humor in some of the projects she worked on while part of the Prairie staff. One of the writers had done a report on Stanley Marsh, a man that rarely allowed photos to be taken of him, but allowed the Prairie to do so. Everett was the one to take the photo. “He made me sit and watch like 20 minutes of a Clockwork Orange which
I’m sure you can know how weird that film is,” Everett said. “I should also mention that he was dressed in a white suit with a white top hat and a white cape during the whole show. Weirdest experience, but he wouldn’t let me leave. There were other people… This sounds like I’m making this up. They were dressed in Trojan outfits and they were…guarding the door.” She paused to laugh. “After about 20 minutes he turned off the TV and said ‘Okay I’ll let you take my picture’ and I took the picture” During Everett’s time, she and the rest of the staff found their skill interest and pursued it while they worked on their stories. “I really honed in on my photography skills while I was there.” Everett said. “I understand that words and journalism are important but sometimes a photo can be worth a thousand words” Everett’s time with the
Prairie also prepared her for her career. “I was the photo editor of the Prairie back in the day and I kind of fell in love with taking pictures. One of the things that I did for Destiny’s Child and Beyonce was take a lot of pictures.” Seven years later in late 2007, Everett moved to Austin to work for a company named All Access Today, that represented names like Little Wayne, Matchbox 20, Willie Nelson, Sugarland, and Beyoncé. She ran fan clubs, collected tickets, and of course, took photos. Everett’s work with All Access Today received recognition from coworkers like Kelli Morrow. “Jennette is one of the most hard working, dedicated, and caring people I have ever had the pleasure of working and being friends with,” Morrow said. All Access today, closed but Everett saw opportunity
and took it by making her own company Turn-Up Group. The biggest client housed by the business was Beyoncé. Morrow continued to work with Everett when she started the new company. “She has always placed the fans first, even if it means stepping out of our semi-moving runner van in the midst of pure chaos and traffic to make sure that everybody has the best possible experience,” Morrow said. “I met Jennette over a decade ago at my first job in the music industry where she began to pass down endless knowledge, guidance, and words of encouragement.” Everett’s career path changed directions when she decided to become a parent. In 2014, she closed her branch of the company and became a foster mother. She now works at a local charter school in Austin where she directs after school events. While Everett’s career has changed, her belief in the importance of stories hasn’t. “Enjoy the experiences,” Everett said. “Don’t think that it’s just a story that was assigned to you that you need to do. Remember the experience. Take in what you’re what you’re learning. Enjoy the ride.”
6 SPOTLIGHT
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February 20, 2019
The advisor with the infamous red ink pen
Allison Hurst Reporter School newspapers should be a place where aspiring journalists can learn from professionals while still being able to make decisions for themselves. This balance will likely be as a result of the advisor at the head. A fantastic example of an advisor who teaches and challenges his students is the one set by Dave Wohlfarth. Wohlfarth served as the advisor for the Prairie from 1991 to 2003. In addition to serving as the Prairie advisor, Wohlfarth also taught various courses in mass communication, all while still pursuing his love for newspaper. Wohlfarth stated that being the advisor for the Prairie, “allowed me to keep my hand in newspaper.” Wohlfarth came to WTAMU with 27 years of experience in the newsroom. This experience set him apart from other faculty and truly made an impression on his students at the Prairie and
Photo Courtesy of Molly Painter Pictured: back row left to right: Jennette Everett, Kasie Noble, Molly Painter, Angela Burchett, Kelly Ravestijn. Front row left to right: Pavan Lall, Matt Gleason, Matt Hutchison, and Dave Wohlfarth.
in the classroom. “Dave had an old school newsman wisdom that I really appreciated,” Meghan Mackey, who served as a reporter and opinions editor under Wohlfarth, said Wohlfarth carried this wisdom with him as a staple, but this was not the only thing that made him unique. One thing
that students often associated with Wohlfarth was the iconic red pen that he used to grade their work. Molly Painter, another one of Wohlfarth’s students and who served as the entertainment editor for the Prairie from 1998 to 2003 said of Dave and his red pen, “he was an intimidating force, sitting there bleeding all
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over our work as we walked past him into the building.” Wohlfarth was well aware of his reputation and with the red ink. “I was somewhat famous or infamous,” Wohlfarth said, “if you talk to my former students about the amount of red ink I used to use.” But even more than impactful
that the splash of red on their papers was the way that Wohlfarth chose to critique his students. “Dave’s edits not only critiqued our AP style, but he challenged our thinking and the way we told compelling stories.” Painter said. “He was never cruel in his critiques, but was always constructive and encouraging.” Since leaving WTAMU in 2008, Wohfarth has continued to pursue his love of journalism through freelance writing and recently co-authored a book as well. In the face of his success and time beyond WTAMU, Wohlfarth looks back at his time as an educator with joy. While he truly left an impact on his students, the students left an impact on him as well. “The most rewarding part was working with young people,” he said, “and assisting them wherever I could, while still letting them make the decisions.”
February 20, 2019
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COMMUNITY
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What’s the word, WT? The First Amendment Jadeyn Arthur Reporter
College and high school students have the added pressure of being the “future world leaders”. With this title comes a lot of responsibility. It’s important to know what rights we have and the extent of those rights. We went on the streets to find out what West Texas A&M University students really know about the First Amendment and how they express their rights. Tyler Melville, a junior engineering technology major has a clear understanding of the first amendment. “It is the right to speak freely, freedom of the press, religious freedom, and the right to assemble peacefully,” Melville said. Melville is worried that the younger demographic may not be as educated on their rights and can easily be misinformed or taken advantage of in order to silence their opinions. “It is necessary for every U.S. citizen to know their rights because lack of knowledge or ignorance of these can result in the infringement of the person’s rights by authorities,” Melville said. “Authorities are known to challenge your knowledge of the law
by threatening legal action when they have no grounds to do so. It’s word play and intimidation to try and get you to censor your beliefs.” David Reyes, sophomore sports and exercise science major agrees with Melville and encourages students to read up on their rights and keep an open mind for others. “I think it is extremely important for people to know the extent of your rights so that they can defend themselves or their beliefs,” Reyes said. “There are many different views on many different subjects and everybody is going to have an opinion one way or another.” As our world becomes more connected through technology, there is a common trend of sharing thoughts on blogs and social media. Lauren Murphy, a sophomore animal science major, values the freedoms of social media and sees it as a great tool to hear other people’s outlooks. “I think it’s beneficial because it allows people to see post from others with same principles and views or even those with the opposite views of themselves,” Murphy said. “I think it shows expression of different opinions and that is what America is built on. A mixing pot of opinions.” WTAMU also recognizes
Photos provided by Carolyn Benitez (Pictured from left to right) David Reyes, Lauren Murphy, Tyler Melville.
their student’s rights to freedom of speech. On page five in the student Code of Life it is stated that “there shall be no University rule or administrative procedure that in any way abridges the rights of freedom of speech, press, expression, petition and peaceful assembly.” WTAMU allows community members and organizations to speak freely on campus. This recognizes not only the campus community’s right to free speech but the right to hear diverse subjects. Murphy, has seen the positive use of the first amendment on our very own campus. “I love seeing different groups and opinions all gathered on campus. Specifically, I remember a really cool campaign around the Jack B. Kelley Student Center where there were statues of trash dressed as
people urging students to cut down on their waste. Something you don’t always remember everyday can spark action if seen around campus,” Murphy said. Like Murphy, Reyes is appreciative that our campus is willing to accommodate the organizations that are wanting to peacefully assemble and be heard. “Yes, and I think it’s a great idea for the campus to have a place that us students can exercise our rights if we feel the need too,” Reyes said. “To me, I feel this gives the students a sense of relief in the fact that WT wants to give the student’s that opportunity to have their voice heard. I think many organizations utilize their rights to have their voices heard by their fellow students.” Whether you are expressing rights in peaceful assembly, in articles, through
your religion, or online it is important to fully understand your rights and protections. We are promised these rights under the constitution and it is fair and just for us to use them. Murphy certainly appreciates her rights and utilizes them whenever she has the chance. “I use my freedom of speech every day when sharing thoughts and opinions with friends, peers, and teachers. I can’t imagine not being able to express myself through speech especially if I was doing something as important as a protest,” Murphy said. “Everyone has the right to freedom of speech, assembly, press, and religion. We don’t all have to agree with everyone but we should never silence those who think or speech differently. It’s no one’s right to take away the rights of others.”
8 SPECIAL FEATURE Amberly Hildebrandt Reporter, 2015 Co-News Director, 2016
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February 20, 2019
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Matthew Watkins Sports Reporter/Editor, 2011-2013
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“My experience with The Prairie shaped who I am today. When I started as a reporter I was honored to see my byline. It was also amazing when The Canyon News shared some of my stories in their paper. When I became the Co-News Director for The Prairie, it was a first for the organization. I worked with another girl, Kaley Green and with 2 KWTS News Directors to provide news updates on KWTS 3 times a day. This was a first for The Prairie and it was great to be part of it and bring two great organizations together.”
Robyn Line Arts and Leisure Editor, 1996 News Editor, 1997 Associate Editor, 1997 Editor in Chief, 1998 -
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“The funny thing is I read my Senior article just last month & it all just rings so true still. The fellow peers & advisors were by far the best part. You made so many friendships & even went on trips together. Not only that but you were pushed to be better, to get out of your comfort zone, and had the freedom to be creative... but by always telling the news!!! Or for me, putting together a graphic to sell the story. A memory I will always keep in my mind is the TIPA trips. It was the moment to see how your work stood up to all types of schools. Compete with people your age that love the same thing you do. I remember many group dinners & tons of laughter.”
“WT played the University of Houston in the Astrodome We had one sideline pass to share between two of us so I only got to be on the sideline for half of the game. It was a once in a lifetime experience.”
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“We always had a great time. Our staff members were always like family and it was always team effort to get every issue out.”
Tori Stone Layout Designer
Mike Jones Photographer Reporter 1974-1978
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“The late nights, the camaraderie, and the singular purpose is what I will always remember. We had a fantastic time putting the newspaper together, and we had an even better adviser. My time at The Prairie taught me so much about how to work with others, how to work on a deadline, how to manage a project, and how to take constructive criticism.” Evan Grice Sports Editor, 2010-2011 “Being a member of The Prairie was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I didn’t even consider doing journalism at all in my life and then Frankie Sanchez messaged me just before the start of the 2010 Fall Semester and said he thought I’d make a great addition to the sports department. So just to humor him I went to the meeting, and then after the first week I fell in love with the whole process of it. I loved just how driven everyone was in the newsroom, I’ve stayed in contact with so many of those people I worked with including my advisor Dr. Butler Cain. I just remember being a part of the team and feeling like every week was a new adventure. It was something I’ve always been proud to be associated with.”
Illustration by Esteban Ponce
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SPECIAL FEATURE
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10 SPOTLIGHT
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February 20, 2019
Alumni reflect on their time with the Prairie
Jeffrey Williams Reporter 100 years: a drop in the bucket in the entire history of time. Within the years of its existence, the news organization has hosted many talented students and Prairie staff. In the spirit of the celebration, the staff reached out to many of the alumni from the years. Tammy Valentine is a class of 2009 graduate with a B.A. in mass communications, and later an M.B.A. in general business in 2018. She worked with the Prairie from the fall of 2008 to the fall of 2009. “The late nights working together to finalize our stories/page design layouts,” Valentine said when asked of what she remembers most working with the Prairie. “I remember laughing with my colleagues and actually looking forward to seeing my work come out in print.” When asked of the betterment of her career opportunities, Valentine said, “The weekly deadlines helped with prioritization of work tasks. The coordination and outreach for interviews also helped with being able to open up discussions with complete strangers. The group input
on story management also helped with understanding team dynamics to yield a better product week-afterweek.” College and intramural groups garner connections or future network opportunities. “I was the sports editor so naturally I also developed good relationships with all of the coaches, faculty, and athletes,” Valentine said. “The connections with fellow editors and reporters is something that I’ve carried with me post-college.” With some final advice for future journalists, Valentine said, “Listen first. Many folks just want to be heard. There’s so much power in being a good listener and
it will benefit you in many areas of life,” Valentine said. Tammy Valentine is now the president of LuckyTamm Digital Marketing. Next, from the class of 2014, english major Laci McGee. McGee was with the Prairie for two and a half years, and she reported on fine arts material and events. When asked about what she remembers most about the Prairie, McGee says, “Butler. Butler encouraging us to do the best we could and to remember our rights as reporters,” McGee said. “It helped me connect with people better. It made me unafraid to ask questions.” For a final quote, McGee adds, “Listen to others, learn
their stories so that you can tell them correctly, as they are meant to be told,” McGee said. “Read the works of other journalists to see what works and what doesn’t.” Laci McGee is now an IT Project Coordinator. Last, but certainly not least, from the class of 2017, with a B.F.A. in graphic design and a B.A. in 2018 in advertising and public relations with an emphasis in communication, Natalia Molina. When asked about her time with the Prairie, Molina remarks on “the fun staff we had and the trust our mentors and bosses had on us to get the work done without having to tell us
Photo courtesy: Tammy Valentine
Photo courtesy: Laci McGee
Photo courtesy: Natalia Molina
twice....My experience at the Prairie was outstanding. Not only did I have great bosses who later became my mentors and who I look up to but also I was able to build great connections and longlasting friends,” Molina said. “Being the photographer helped me learn more about photography, event photography specifically and the do’s and don’ts.” When asked about those connections, Molina said, “My bosses are now some of my great mentors and supporters. I look up to them a lot and have given me recommendation letters and amazing advice I wouldn’t have been able to get from anyone else.” Lastly, when asked for any further advice, Molina said, “Get involved. Create as many connections as possible because you never know if later in life you’ll need their advice or even a job, if you have an idea - go for it, don’t be scared, you never know until you try.” These are three of the many alumni from WTAMU and the Prairie. We are so thankful and appreciative to all of those who helped mold the Prairie into what it is today. From the Prairie staff, thank you. One century has never looked so good.
February 20, 2019
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SPOTLIGHT 11
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The ‘‘Apples’’ that changed WT journalism
Tova Kibal Contributor The nature of journalism has taken great strides in the last decades. Citizen journalism and real-time Twitter updates are common practice today, but West Texas A&M University’s digital news revolution began in 1986, when the first MacIntosh computers arrived for the journalism program. Then student Mary Olson Boswell remembers showing the Adobe programs to a graphic design faculty member. Boswell was part of the Prairie, and the staff had gotten familiar with the programs while doing newspaper layout. Soon after, the graphic design students were using the new computers too. ‘‘I don’t know that anyone actually taught me. It was just ‘okay here they are! Figure it out’,’’ Boswell said. Boswell began her journey at WTAMU in 1983, 10 years after completing high school in Iowa. Boswell started as an education major, but took an advertising class and was introduced to journalism and in turn the Prairie. The following semester, she was part of the staff. Back then, the paper printed twice a week and was pasted up using a waxer and exacto knife, but the
Photo Courtesy of Special Collections & University Archives Unit, Cornette Library. The editorial annoucing the computers, published in the Prairie on Sept. 18, 1986.
printing schedule had to be modified in 1986 when the Prairie received their first Macintosh computers. An editorial printed in Vol. 69, No. 3, on Thursday, Sept. 18, 1986, announced the new changes: ‘‘Technology has finally done it. Instead of man mastering computers, computers are mastering man at least, here at the Prairie, that is.’’
The editorial informed its readers that they had to print once a week instead of twice, to ensure the staff could spend time getting to know their new technology. The editorial ended with ‘‘once we tame the Apples, we’ll return to twice weekly schedule.’’ The ‘‘Apples’’ are the dominant tool in the current newsroom and the Prairie has since moved to a monthly
print publication but with an increasing presence online. Members of the Prairie have gone on many industry trips and conferences over the years. Boswell remembers visiting New York City with her co-workers, a trip that businessman T. Boone Pickens helped fund. The two and a half day long trip included a journalism conference, a visit to the New York Stock Exchange and a tour of the Twin Towers where the Wall Street Journal was housed, to name a few. ‘‘We saw more things in those two and a half days than probably most people see in two and a half weeks,’’ Boswell said. The real-life nature of the Prairie has provided its members with skills and experience that many have taken with them after leaving the university. ‘‘There were a lot of people on the Prairie staff during the three years I worked on it who went on and had careers related to their experience with the Prairie,’’ Boswell said. Larri Jo Starkey, senior editor at the American Quarter Horse Association journal, worked at the Prairie before the MacIntosh arrived and when the staff was still using typewriters. She was an agriculture major with a minor in journalism,
and explained that the experience she got at the newspaper helped her get to where she is today. ‘‘It was my first real office job, where you had to work side by side with other people,’’ Starkey said. Starkey explained that she was a reporter on the staff, but members would do ‘‘a little bit of everything’’ back then. After her time at WTAMU, she went on to work for a newspaper. She started as a weekend obituary clerk and ended as an assistant news editor. Starkey was eventually hired by the AQHA. The skills that members of the Prairie acquire ensure that they leave the program one step ahead. Students often showcase their skills at competitions and conferences, such as the annual Texas Intercollegiate Press Association convention. Similarly, during her time at WTAMU, Boswell and the staff attended a journalism conference in Huntsville, Texas where the group competed in live contests. ‘‘I competed in layout design...and I won it,’’ Boswell said. ‘‘... that just, to me, made such a strong statement to our University and our program at the time that, my gosh, we are doing things that are done in the real world.’’
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February 20, 2019
Challenges faced in the journalism industry
Savannah Wesley Features Editor
Today’s general public may be unaware of the challenges of journalism and the fact that professional journalists abide by a code of ethics that ensures a free exchange of accurate and fair information. “Most of the journalists I know care a great deal about accuracy and credibility and getting the story right,” Laurie Ezzell Brown, editor and publisher of the Canadian Record said. Trust in news media organizations has decreased due to past mistakes and being associated with other falsely informing media. Sometimes a journalist will ask for a quote and the source will not cooperate or accidentally, or even intentionally, give the journalist false information. Combining this with tight deadlines, and the quick spread of information on social media, journalists can unwittingly publish an inaccurate story. “It’s hard to build a reputation when there’s social media and anybody can put anything they want on social media. So you never know what to believe,” Joni Yara, editor for the Booker News said.
usually but were going to get this story right,” Brown said. “We’re going to take the time and get the facts right because that’s important to us and we can do things that they can’t do: we can we can find the heart of the story, we can give the story perspective that you know others can’t, we can give it a voice.” Newspapers that have only distributed their stories Savannah Wesley/The Prairie through print are being The technology required to use in the industry can be difficult to learn. forced to transition to online as a result of a decrease in Information spreads opinions openly is something services offered by printing quickly on social media and the public has a right to, it companies. Such changes it’s hard to keep up with can be an issue. can be difficult to adapt to, “I think our job as the demand. This leads to especially those who have journalists and reporters journalists is just to distinguish never used these programs publishing small snippets of between what is opinion and before and don’t know where what little information they what is news and our job to start. have and potentially getting is also to make sure that we “I think that’s just kind get accurate information and it wrong. of where things are going...I “[Social media] gives you report it,” Brown said. think that that’s probably Attempting to publish instant access to everything our end goal right now is and so for us weekly articles and stories within a just to be strictly online,” newspapers sometimes it is a timely manner so that the Yara said. “Even with all the full week after the fact before story is still relevant to the newspapers that still have we can publish it when social present news can be difficult. print copy right now it’s media publishes it right It takes time to gather becoming more and more away,” Yara said. “You know information and sources difficult to find somebody to people are past the story a that want to cooperate and print a newspaper.” week later and so it’s kind of who the journalist knows is Student journalists also honest. In order to have the hard for us to fight that.” face similar challenges. These There also lies the issue reliable news people want, students typically balance a of anyone can write about “instant news” is something course load with with many their opinion or something the public simply have to journalistic responsibilities happening, these people realize is not going to happen. in attempts to learn how the “We’re not going to beat being bloggers and “citizen industry works. This true for journalists”. While having [social media and larger those who are graduating the freedom to express news outlets] to [the story] within the next 10 years and
might not get the job their degree is intended for. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics states that the “overall employment of reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts is projected to decline 9 percent from 2016 to 2026. Declining advertising revenue in radio, newspapers, and television will have a negative impact on employment growth for these occupations.” This is an estimated loss of 45,000 jobs within the media communication industry in 10 years. Yes, the journalism industry is changing and newsrooms are shrinking, but journalism provides a set of unique skills which can create various opportunities. With that, there is still a sense of optimism as some small communities trust their local newspapers because the reporters in that town often share the same values. “But you know part of being in the news business is getting to know people and learning about the history of a community at least in my world...,” Brown said. “It’s a great business because if you’re not afraid to ask questions and you are curious and interested in people you never run out of information or stories.”
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FEATURE 13
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The evolution of journalism to the digital age Hannah Nelson Entertainment Editor
Whether it’s on Facebook, on an app, or an alert on your smartphone, news is everywhere. With a click of a mouse we have everything at our fingertips. People are not relying on the evening news or print newspaper to get their information. One field that has completely changed with the rise of technology is journalism. Walter Howard has been in the broadcasting field for over 40 years and has worked at News Channel 10 in Amarillo for 38 years. He graduated from the University of Houston where he interned at a station before working for a short time at KGNC radio in Amarillo. In his time, he has seen the field experience change after change. “Obviously in 40 years, a lot can change in the broadcast industry. With the admin of technology, you see a lot more live work now then you did back then,” Howard said. “It is more of a situation where, it is a lot easier to cover news as it is happening these days than it was back in the day when we were just getting started with video tape.” Stories are not just told
in print stories anymore. Journalists are using other outlets to give people a full look into every story as soon as it is happening. People are wanting to receive the news on their time. The newest information is being looked at through platforms that are on demand. “It is more of an instant gratification now when it comes to news. You are wanting to find out information that’s happening in your community right now instead of waiting for a scheduled newscast,” Howard said. Sarah Self-Walbrick is the business reporter of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and teaches journalism classes at Texas Tech University. Self-Walbrick realizes that for journalism students today knowing how to write isn’t enough. Students have to be willing to dive into everything to keep up with the evolving field. “The top thing that those interested in journalism can do is learn everything, you really have to be a one-man band nowadays. You need to be able to do your own video, and you absolutely have to be able to write and take photos and get things online and posted on social media,” Self-Walbrick said. “I think
the key thing that aspiring journalist can do is just learn everything that they can.” For junior broadcast journalism student Halle Reid, she is used to journalism in a digital world. She gets the majority of her news from Twitter or Snapchat. In today’s world, she believes that most people her age are using the same outlets to get there information. “Journalism is definitely more digital today, in my opinion. What used to be printed or broadcasted through television is now on social media before it gets the chance to be written or spoken about it,” Reid said. “However, as someone who is interested in working in this field, I believe in going with the flow and using social media to my advantage. I’m very intrigued with digital news and how much social media is impacting our world today.” With the rise of digital media, the print world of journalism has been affected. This is one thing that this profession is having to adjust to, including the issue of decreasing newsroom sizes. Changes like this have forced journalists to reevaluate what they are covering for print issues. “Something that we are
trying to do at the AJ, that I am seeing nationally as well, is focusing on journalism that has impact. Yes, we want to cover those community events, and things like that, but we just all have to be more selective these days in what we are using manpower towards,” Self-Walbrick said. One concern that has risen since journalism has crossed over to other media is the amount of information available. For Self-Walbrick, she believes the rise of digital journalism creates a need for media literacy. People need to be aware if they are getting news from a quality source. “Obviously there are a lot of bad news sources out there. Media literacy is just key in making sure people are
Stock photo from Pixabay
consuming good responsible news,” Self-Walbrick said. Journalism is about telling the story, journalists are just finding out how to tell it in different ways. Social media and an online presence have increased the constant pace of news going out into the world. However, for Howard, he knows that news never stops and neither do journalists. “If you get into the journalism profession, it is not just a job it is a way of life. You never stop being a journalist. When you’re out and about, even if it is your day off or you are off the clock, you see a news event happen you are still going to want to get to the bottom of that news event,” Howard said.
14 OPINION
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February 20, 2019
Student Press Freedom and what that means
Everyone is aware of others wanting to express their right to free speech in protests, on social media and in the press however, not everyone might know what that entails. The freedom of speech is often used by those who wish to voice their opinion to those around them whether they agree or disagree. Many do this stating that those around them cannot do anything about stopping the speaker because of their First Amendment rights. This is simply not how our constitution works. The First Amendment protects the people from those funded or employed by the government from stopping citizens voicing their opinions, not fellow citizens. Now, if the opinion incites imminent lawless action, violates a person’s right to legal privacy, is a clear and immediate threat to national security or is what defines as a “true threat”, then the government can step in and take action. Those who support student press freedom want to increase awareness of freedom of the press at the high school and collegiate level. It is important that attainment of the truth, one of the values of free
speech, is practiced by high school and college news organizations and can be practiced in the future. In student press, one can argue we have two layers of protection. One protection from a government funded entity stopping free speech, such as a public university. The other protection is from government action stopping reporting by the press. On the other hand, these two layers of protection can also mean students in media have twice the amount of risk. The Prairie has a strong history of fighting for First Amendment rights. Through the publishing
of detailed and powerful editorials to creating an underground newspaper to get out from under the thumb of an oppressive university president, the Prairie staff, past and present, are adamant about maintaining and exercising freedom of the press. Dr. Gary Byrd has been faculty member of WTAMU since the 1980s when the university president at that time, was supposedly censoring and only approving stories he wanted in the paper. In retaliation of this alleged violation of the newspaper’s rights, Dr. Byrd, a professor
at WTAMU at the time, created a newspaper outside of the university president’s control. In this alternative newspaper, Byrd and other professors published and distribute the stories they had the right to publish [see page 4 for more information]. Some may argue public university news organizations take for granted the freedoms we have compared to other news organizations. A lot of student-run news organizations have the equipment they use provided to them by the university whilst professional organizations
Congress shall make no law... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press...” -First Amendment, U.S. Constitution #Student Press Freedom Illustration by the Prairie Staff
had to find and purchase their own equipment. Student press outlets are given the resources they use and do not experience the pressures those in the professional industry such as having enough money to pay for a living. Because of this, university news organizations may have their credibility called into question more often than professional news organizations. So it is important that studentrun news organizations show appreciation to their universities that provided the equipment and programs that are necessary in order to operate. However, that does not mean caving to the whims and censorship of those running our public universities, as shown by Dr. Byrd in the 1908s. Truth and the distribution of truth is an important characteristic of journalism and should be celebrated by all student journalists through honest reporting. The Prairie is a public forum for student public expression. Student Press Freedom Day is celebrated every Jan. 30. Join the conversation on social media using #StudentPressFreedom.
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FEATURE 15
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WTAMU Communication Week in full force Hannah Nelson Entertainment Editor The West Texas A&M Department of Communication will be hosting “COMM Factor”, a week-long collection of events for the 2019 Communication Week from Feb. 18-22. “I think celebrating COMM Week is very important. It is a whole week of festivities and networking opportunities. Personally, by February I am tired already of the semester, so this is just a way for us to all relax and enjoy the moment,” COMM Week committee member Kylee Douglass said.
Known as COMM Week, the collection of events brings together students, professors, staff, and alumni from the communication department. The annual spring event is a dedicated time to showcase the Department of Communication as well as its past and present students. For senior corporate communication major Morgan Monroe, she is looking forward to connecting with other communication students during the week. “I believe COMM Week brings the department together,” Monroe said. “We get to really celebrate our department and everything
the faculty does for us.” Events for the week include a game show, WTAMU Alumni Table Talk, the Prairie’s 100 year reception, Comic Book Character Dress-up Day/book drive and a “COMM Factor” competition. COMM week is planned and executed by a committee of students and advising faculty members. “It has been a huge group effort. I suggested a couple of themes for this year, as did others, and one of the last ones I pitched was a ‘Fear Factor’ theme but relating it with COMM. Henceforth, ‘COMM Factor’. I have also been in charge of getting door prizes for each event...,” Douglass said.
Photo Credit/Rik Anderson Select 2019 COMM Week Members (listed left to right): Jay Mudge, Sarah Huddleston, Kylee Douglass, Dr. Mary Liz Brooks, Alyssa Gonzales, Savannah Wesley.
For Douglass, she was excited when asked last semester to be a part of the COMM week committee. She has enjoyed participating in it in past years. She is eager for everything the committee has been working on to come together. “I think a very important one [event] is on Tuesday, Annette Simmons will be our keynote speaker and I look forward for what she has to say. The one that I think everyone looks forward to the most is the faculty competition and that is happening during lunch on Thursday,” Douglass said. Professors will be competing in challenges inspired by the “Fear Factor” show. At the end of the competition, students will have the ability to vote on who they believe won. This year’s theme is inspired by a special rendition of the “Fear Factor” competition featuring select professors throughout the department including Assistant Professor of Media Communication and COMM Week Committee Advisor Dr. Mary Liz Brooks. “A couple of things I am really excited about, of course, is the
“COMM Factor” faculty competition...What I am excited about it to see what these challenges are that students have come up for the professors to overcome,” Brooks said. “It is modeled after “Fear Factor” so we are going to have some sort of challenge and we have to get a committee of students to help cheer us on and keep us going during this event.” The week will end with breakfast for dinner with a “Fear Factor” twist inside the KWTS Live Lounge Thursday at 5:30. All students are welcome to all events happening during COMM Week and to spread the word using #COMMWeek2019. Prizes will also be given out during the week to students using the hashtag and coming to the events. “I am very honored that we have such faculty members that will put themselves out there for us. It is also amazing to see what the department is doing for us as well, they don’t have to do these things for us but it’s awesome to see that they are going the extra mile to let us have fun. It’s awesome being a comm. student knowing everyone always has your back,” Douglass said.
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