The Calgary Journal stands out as a unique community news service in Alberta’s largest city. Run by students from Mount Royal University’s Journalism & Digital Media program, it offers a fresh perspective on local stories that often slip through the cracks of mainstream media.
At its core, the Journal serves two crucial purposes:
- It provides Calgary residents with in-depth, locally-focused news coverage.
- It offers budding journalists hands-on experience in real-world reporting.
This dual mission makes the Calgary Journal a valuable training ground for future reporters and a key source of local news. As these student journalists cover various topics, they often explore the world of online casinos, a growing industry that requires careful and ethical reporting.
Ethical Reporting in the Age of Online Gambling
As online casinos become more popular, ethical reporting on this topic is crucial. The Calgary Journal’s student journalists must navigate the complexities of this lucrative yet controversial industry. They aim to investigate thoroughly while reporting fairly, ensuring that stories about online gambling are accurate and responsible.
With the growing number of Alberta online casino platforms, it’s essential to understand where users can engage in safe and responsible experiences. These platforms not only offer a range of options for those seeking entertainment but also ensure that players have access to secure environments that prioritize their protection and fair practices. Knowing how to identify reliable platforms can make all the difference, as it ensures a more enjoyable and secure experience for participants. By providing trustworthy information, journalists contribute to informed decisions, helping the public stay aware of the latest trends and practices in online gambling.
Their Story: From Print to Digital
The Calgary Journal has come a long way since its inception. Originally a print publication, it served southwest Calgary neighbourhoods like Glamorgan, Altadore, and Marda Loop. You’d find the monthly paper on newsstands across the city, bringing student-written stories directly to readers’ hands.
But times change, and so has the Journal. Recognizing the shift in media consumption habits, it has embraced the digital age. Now, the Calgary Journal primarily publishes online, reaching a wider audience and allowing for more frequent updates. This move reflects the evolving nature of journalism and prepares students for the realities of modern newsrooms.
Meet the Student Journalists Behind the News
Mount Royal University’s Journalism program forms the backbone of the Calgary Journal. Fourth-year students take on various editorial roles, gaining practical experience that complements their classroom learning.
The Winter 2024 editorial team showcases the diverse talents within the program:
- Newsletter Editors: Crafting engaging email content
- News Editors: Overseeing breaking and in-depth stories
- Photo Editors: Capturing the visual essence of Calgary
- Environment Editor: Focusing on sustainability and climate issues
- Treaty 7 Editor: Covering Indigenous perspectives and stories
- Sports Editor: Bringing local athletics to the forefront
- Arts and Entertainment Editor: Highlighting Calgary’s cultural scene
- Video Editor: Creating compelling visual stories
- Social Media Editor: Engaging with readers across platforms
- Podcast Editor: Producing audio content for various shows
These roles offer students a taste of different journalism specialties. They learn to manage deadlines, work collaboratively, and hone their storytelling skills – all while serving the Calgary community.
What Stories Does The Calgary Journal Cover?
The Calgary Journal prides itself on uncovering stories you won’t find elsewhere. Its coverage spans various topics, ensuring a well-rounded view of life in Calgary:
Local News
The Calgary Journal focuses on local news that impacts the community directly. From municipal politics to community events, it covers stories that matter to Calgarians.
Arts & Entertainment
This section explores Calgary’s vibrant arts scene, including reviews of local theater productions, music events, and cultural festivals. It highlights the creativity and diversity within the city.
Sports
The sports section provides in-depth coverage of local sports teams and events, offering insights and updates on everything from university athletics to community leagues.
Environment
Environmental reporting is a key focus, with stories on sustainability, climate change, and local environmental initiatives. This coverage helps raise awareness about important ecological issues.
Treaty 7 Issues
The Calgary Journal dedicates a section to Treaty 7 issues, providing a platform for indigenous voices and covering stories related to the local indigenous communities. This ensures that these important perspectives are included in the public discourse.
Special Projects and Features
Special projects and feature stories delve deeper into significant issues, providing comprehensive coverage and analysis. These projects often involve collaboration among students and faculty, resulting in high-quality investigative journalism.
How to Read The Calgary Journal
Gone are the days of waiting for a monthly print edition. The Calgary Journal now offers multiple ways to consume its content:
Website: The Journal’s website serves as its primary platform. Here, you’ll find the latest stories, arranged by topic, for easy navigation.
Newsletters: For those who prefer their news delivered directly, the Journal offers email newsletters. These curated digests bring the most important stories straight to your inbox.
Podcasts: The Journal has embraced audio storytelling with several podcast offerings:
- The Green Podcast: Focusing on environmental issues
- Diverse City: Exploring Calgary’s multicultural makeup
- Calgary Canvas: Painting a picture of the city’s arts scene
- Calgary Journal Podcast: Covering a range of local topics
These varied formats ensure that readers can consume Calgary Journal content in whatever way suits them best.
Get Involved: Supporting Student Journalism
The Calgary Journal thrives on community engagement. Its primary audience includes residents of Calgary, particularly those interested in hyperlocal news and supporting emerging journalists.
For readers who want to support the Journal’s mission, there are several options:
- Financial contributions: The Journal offers a way for readers to “Fund our student journalism” directly through their website.
- Feedback: Readers are encouraged to reach out to editors with questions, concerns, or story ideas.
- Sharing: By sharing Journal stories on social media, readers help expand the publication’s reach.
This support not only keeps the Journal running but also provides valuable encouragement to the student journalists honing their craft.
Who’s Behind the Scenes? Faculty and Staff
While students form the core of the Calgary Journal’s operations, they’re not alone. Faculty members play crucial roles in guiding and supporting the publication:
- Brad Simm serves as the Production Manager, overseeing the technical aspects of publishing.
- Archie McLean, an associate professor of journalism and digital media, provides academic oversight.
These experienced professionals ensure that the Journal maintains high journalistic standards while allowing students the freedom to learn and grow.
The Calgary Journal’s Impact on Local Media
The Journal’s influence extends beyond its readership. It’s described as an “award-winning” publication, suggesting recognition from journalism organizations. While specific awards aren’t mentioned, this accolade speaks to the quality of work produced by student journalists.
Moreover, the Journal serves as a training ground for future media professionals. Many students go on to internships and careers in journalism, bringing the skills honed at the Journal to newsrooms across Canada.
By focusing on stories often overlooked by larger media outlets, the Calgary Journal also fills an important niche in local news coverage. It provides a platform for voices and perspectives that might otherwise go unheard.
Stay Connected: Follow and Subscribe
Keeping up with the Calgary Journal is easy:
- Visit their website regularly for the latest stories.
- Sign up for email newsletters to get curated content delivered to your inbox.
- Follow their social media accounts for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses.
- Subscribe to their podcasts on your favourite podcast app.
By engaging with the Calgary Journal across these platforms, readers not only stay informed about their city but also support the next generation of journalists as they learn and grow.
Summing up, the Calgary Journal offers a unique blend of community news and student journalism. It serves as both a valuable information source for Calgarians and a crucial training ground for future media professionals. By supporting the Journal, readers invest in the future of local journalism while staying connected to the pulse of their city.