Student news outlets, including WKCR at Columbia University, have become go-to sources for information regarding protests at college campuses. These student journalists used their unique positions as members of the community to report on events like the recent raid of Hamilton Hall by the New York Police Department. Mainstream media reporters were restricted by Columbia, leading many online followers to rely on student journalists for updates. Despite juggling classes and finals, these students provided nonstop coverage amid breaking news impacting their communities, with WKCR experiencing high listenership and website crashes due to the demand for information.
The protests at Columbia University and other campuses across the country have centered around calls for divestment from all financial support of Israel. Nearly 100 people were arrested after the NYPD raided Hamilton Hall, following a request for assistance from Columbia University President Nemat “Minouche” Shafik. The occupation of Hamilton Hall harkened back to similar student activism in 1968 against the Vietnam War. WKCR was instrumental in providing live updates during that time as well. Despite facing obstacles in reporting, the student journalists at WKCR worked to share information with the public and disputed claims made by public officials, such as Mayor Eric Adams’ statement that the protesters were led by individuals not affiliated with the university.
The student journalists documented a lack of communication between the university and the community regarding police presence on campus for the rest of the academic year. They also shared the emotional and physical toll that covering the protests and the administration’s response had on them. Program director Georgia Dillane highlighted the challenges faced by the team in balancing the intense drive to report on the protests while recognizing their own limits. WKCR released a statement announcing a reduction in coverage for physical and emotional recuperation, while still remaining prepared to report on developments as necessary.
Columbia Journalism School Dean Jelani Cobb praised the work of the student journalists, acknowledging the dedication and efforts of these individuals in reporting on challenging and impactful events. The student journalists at WKCR worked tirelessly to provide live updates and insights during the raid of Hamilton Hall and faced difficulties in their reporting due to campus restrictions. Despite these challenges, the student journalists remained committed to their roles as reporters and sought to provide accurate and timely information to their audience. Their coverage of the protests and police response highlighted the importance of student news outlets in covering campus events and providing a unique perspective on unfolding stories.
