Kent JMC


Non-journalism students reap benefits of working for student media
Kent State student media have long been considered solid ways to train young journalists by providing real life experience for what is taught in the classroom. But now some students say the experience of working for student media is just as valuable for non-journalism majors. Phil Eckenrode, junior political science major, has been working as an anchor for TV-2 since he tried out “on a whim” a year and a half ago. VIDEO: Phil Eckenrode talks about working on TV-2 Ryan Andrews talks about working on Stater “I didn’t really know anything about (journalism),” he said. “Now I have a lot of respect for the people who do it.” And now Eckenrode, who has wanted to be a lawyer since he was six years old, said he thinks the experience of anchoring will help him with his public speaking skills in the courtroom. “It really (has taken) the jitters off,” he said. Ryan Andrews, a graduate student in exercise physiology and nutrition, said he has created another career option for himself by working as a columnist and feature writer for the Daily Kent Stater.	“It’s been a great experience to see how a paper is run, instead of just seeing the finished product,” he said. And he argues that any activity that helps to improve a student’s writing is a worthwhile endeavor. And Stater adviser Carl Schierhorn said their involvement also helps student media at Kent State. Read more on how student media benefit Read more on how non-journalism students venture into student media to gain new experiences Return to JMC Homepage Story by Meghan Moravcik Videos by Carrie Young and Krista Gesaman