Join TBL in Celebrating Student Press Freedom Day

The Bottom Line joins student newspapers across the country today in advocating for the right to a free press and the ability to continue servicing the public with information vital to a successful democracy.

The Student Press Law Center, a non-profit advocacy group for the First Amendment, specializes in protecting the rights of student journalists. They are calling for grassroots support today – Student Press Freedom Day. 

The goal of the occasion is to recognize the tireless and important work of student journalists in their communities and to highlight the necessity of a free and independent press. 

This year’s theme, This is What Student Press Freedom Looks Like, is a celebration of the role of student journalists in breaking national stories, like Arizona State University’s coverage of Kurt Volker stepping down as the U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine following the whistleblower complaint involving President Trump.

Today is critical for many reasons. 

As of 2019, there are only 16 daily student newspapers in the United States. While many newsrooms are switching from a print-based to digital-only medium, it is a struggle for student news reports to receive the recognition they deserve. 

This loss mirrors a loss in professional newsrooms, too. From 2008 to 2017, newsroom employment in the United States dropped by 23 percent, according to the Pew Research Center. 

Nevertheless, student journalists assist in filling the gap created by this loss. We, as students, are capable of writing in-depth, long-form investigations. We are existential insiders to many of the issues that go under-reported. Indeed, last semester, The Bottom Line reported stories specific to our community that would have otherwise gone unnoticed if left to the city or regional media outlets. 

The student journalists at The Bottom Line wish to serve as an unbiased, objective news source and hope that our community benefits from our efforts.

On Student Press Freedom Day, we ask that you take the time to get to know your student newspaper. Visit our website, follow us on Facebook, and pick up a print copy on Wednesday mornings. 

The Bottom Line has served Frostburg State University for 72 years and we hope to serve you for another 72 more.