21
learn how the world works and
their place in it — the book will
help them be more civically
engaged.”
Paron and illustrator Javier
Güelfi had been bouncing the
idea of a comic book-style
journalism textbook for a few
years. Eventually, they both
decided it was “now or never”
— that people needed this
resource more than ever. Their
Kickstarter campaign reached
its US$17,000 goal in April. To
date, the campaign, which is
also sponsored by the Dow
Jones News Fund, has raised
US $18,606. Paron said the
project’s success shows how
many people now understand
the integral role that quality
journalism plays in democratic
societies.
“The project really tapped
into the zeitgeist,” Paron said.
“It was exciting to see how
many people not in the field
understood the importance of
journalism education.”
Set for an early 2018 release, A
NewsHound’s Guide to Student
Journalism will be available
in both softcover and ebook
format. Paron said the book’s
anticipated US$20 price point
— with bulk discounts available
— was key to making it as
accessible as possible. While it’s
geared toward a high school
audience, Paron explained it
could also be used by media
educators in middle schools and
community colleges. This post originally appeared on
the International Journalists’
Network (IJNet.org) and is
published in Adviser Update
with permission. IJNet delivers
the latest on global media
innovation, news apps and tools,
training opportunities and expert
advice for professional and citizen
journalists worldwide. IJNet is
produced by the International
Center for Journalists in seven
languages - Arabic, Chinese,
English, Persian, Portuguese,
Russian and Spanish.
“I have a high bar for teen
journalists because I know
they can reach it and shine
a spotlight on their school
community when no one else is
looking,” Paron said. Subscribe to IJNet’s free, weekly
newsletter. You can also follow
IJNet on Twitter or like IJNet on
Facebook.
For a sneak preview of the
book’s chapter on plagiarism
and fabrication, click here.
Main image courtesy of A
NewsHound’s Guide to Student
Journalism.