Idea File Fall 2024

Picture This | 9

J ust say, “Where do I go to get my credentials?” Don’t say anything else. Don’t say ANYTHING else. Act like you’ve done this a million times before. Remember, he said that 18 to 24-year-olds will determine the outcome of this election. That’s why you are here. That’s why a journalism teacher is here. I kept telling myself this as I turned off Route 1 in Chester, Virginia, pulled into the Brightpoint Community College (formerly John Tyler Community College) campus and rolled down my window to speak to a line of state troopers and police. When I heard then-Senator Barack Obama would stop nearby to campaign in the summer of 2008, I knew this would be worth checking out. It fit all of the criteria for our Prince George High School media team. The location was 15 minutes from our school, and Obama wanted to talk to students about choosing a community college education for their future. He also knew that social media would impact election messaging in 2008. This was the beginning for my students. My first work covering Obama blossomed into coverage of more candidates, local elections, the work of our General Assembly and the New Voices legislation in our state. Yes, campaign rallies can be a little overwhelming for students, but they provide an excellent opportunity for journalists to gain experience following issues that impact them. If the purpose of being a student is to become an informed citizen, then your staff should find a way to cover these issues in your publications.

PHOTOGRAPHING THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Photo by Edmund D. Fountain/Newscom