It’s not something I’m particularly proud of, but I’ve been know complain on occasion that there are fewer journalists on the higher ed beat now than when I first started in this line of work more than a decade ago.
I found myself particularly disappointed and discouraged earlier this year when I learned The New York Times was shutting down its college admissions blog “The Choice,” – one of my absolute favorites. And when longtime higher ed reporter Justin Pope left the Associated Press for a campus gig…well, I still have a hard time talking about it.
But when I really thought about the changes in our industry, I realized that although some doors closed, some windows have opened—some very sophisticated, thoughtful, and even entertaining windows, for which I am extremely grateful as a higher ed PR professional, a consumer, a mother and education lover in general. I will always miss my old favorites, but I have come to rely on—and highly recommend—a few new ones as well, including:
– Politico’s “Morning Education”: Politico significantly ramped up their education policy reporting this summer, adding Pro coverage and hiring several new journalists, including Libby Nelson. Previously at Inside Higher Ed, Libby helped launch the Morning Education newsletter and now serves as its main author. Besides being jam-packed with everything you need to know about the day’s education news (via Politico and other outlets throughout the country), it’s witty, smart and downright funny sometimes. Sign up here.
– WGBH’s “On Campus”: Based in Boston, where there’s never a shortage of higher education stories, WGBH’s higher ed desk, which produces “On Campus” segments online and on air, is still in its infancy. Launched earlier this year and overseen by Kirk Carapezza, “On Campus” is public radio at its best, answering the big questions, reporting original stories, and putting things in context. It’s certainly filling a void in Massachusetts, where higher education coverage has been cut back, or done away with completely, by other outlets.
As always, I’d love to know what you’re reading these days, and am particularly interested in new things recently launched. Share your favorites in the comments section!
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