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INDUSTRY QUOTE Keith
Continued from page 2 during his tenure at UCA, including beginning reporting, advanced reporting, in-depth reporting, political reporting, editorial and review writing and interviewing.
Students earn a single journalism degree, but have a choice of focus from among broadcast, print and internet. An internship also is required for graduation. UCA normally has about 75 students working toward a journalism degree.
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Dr. Keith strongly believes in internships as a value for both students and local media. “I really want to encourage newspaper owners, publishers and editors to take advantage of the skills of our college journalists,” he said. “The students really need the experience. Pay them if you can, because they have bills to deal with, too, but the experience is what really matters.”
He thinks use of interns is an excellent way for newspapers to “get someone to fill in the gaps in their coverage.”
Professional journalists also have an opportunity, he points out, to assist high school and college students through visiting their classes and working with them in such areas as designing pages and improving their writing.
“I think it’s important to get our professionals connected with students to help build the next generation in our industry,” he said. And he knows a specific way to help make that happen. “Newspapers need to support and participate in the Arkansas Newspaper Foundation internship program.”
Dr. Keith said his students obviously are interested in achieving success in their industry and often have goals related to major outlets such as ESPN, CNN or the New York Times, but he also encourages them to focus on community journalism. “It is important to make a difference in your community,” he said.
He also believes a journalism degree can lead to success in myriad fields, because “you are a critical thinker, a problem-solver and are not afraid to talk to people.”
Dr. Keith believes the future of college newspapers is bright, often filling a critical need in many parts of the country. For
See Keith Page 4
