ABOUT THE PRAIRIE NEWS 

The Prairie News (TPN) is the student-run online news publication at West Texas A&M University. Our vision is to establish a vibrant platform where student journalists can excel, creating impactful, high-quality journalism that serves and mirrors the WT community. Our mission is to inform, educate, and engage our readers through multimedia journalism that captures the voices and perspectives of both the campus and local communities. 

TPN has served the WT community since October 20, 1919, when four pages were published as the first edition of “The Prairie“ at what was then West Texas State Normal College. The English Department hosted the newspaper, and the staff consisted of an editor-in-chief, an assistant editor, a business manager, an art editor, a society editor, and an exchange editor. Some representatives would oversee works on athletics and fine arts. The Prairie joined the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA) in 1923, and the staff began publishing a weekly print issue. The Prairie debuted online at www.theprairienews.com website, with its first online story published in 2010. Social media pages followed, and publication dates for the print editions took on a once-monthly schedule. TPN celebrated its 100th anniversary on October 20, 2019, and distributed its last print issue, transitioning into a fully digital student news publication.

Archives of past printed issues can be found at the Cornette Library Special Collections and University Archives. The earliest print issues can now be found in WT’s digital repository and issues printed from 2010-2019 can be found here.

At TPN, we cover a wide range of topics that are relevant to WTAMU students: 

• Campus & Community News: Events, extracurricular activities, and other important happenings at WT and the surrounding communities. This section keeps the university community informed about what is happening on and around campus, from major announcements to student-led initiatives. 
• Feature, Lifestyle & Entertainment: Our articles provide reviews, previews, and feature stories on cultural events and trends, ensuring that students stay connected with the broader cultural landscape. 
• Sports: Game highlights, player profiles, and updates from WT athletics. This section keeps our readers informed about key moments from the sports world on campus.  
• Bilingual News: We offer news and features in both Spanish and English to serve our diverse community. This section ensures that non-English speaking members of the community have access to important news and information.  
• Essays and Columns: Insightful essays and opinion pieces on diverse topics. Dive into unique perspectives and thought-provoking commentary. Interested in sharing your voice? Contribute your own essays or columns to join the conversation! 
• Special Series: 
  • “Behind the Major”: In-depth features on WT students. This series provides insights into various fields of study and showcases the student’s experience. 
  • “Ask the Professor”: Faculty members answer questions and offer insights. This column provides academic advice and expert perspectives on a range of topics, making it a valuable resource for students. 
  • “Beyond the 9 to 5”: Features about the hobbies and personal interests of WT professors. This series showcases how faculty members balance their academic careers with their passions, giving readers a glimpse into their lives outside the university. 
  • “Student Organization Spotlight”: Student organizations making a difference at WT. Each feature highlights the mission, activities, and impact of a different group, offering insights into how students are shaping campus life and fostering community engagement. 

Ethical Standards 

All staff follow the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics. 

Editorial Independence 

We make editorial decisions independently from the university administration to ensure unbiased reporting. This policy safeguards the credibility and objectivity of our content. 

Conflict of Interest 

Staff disclose any potential conflicts of interest to maintain transparency and objectivity. This includes relationships, affiliations, or financial interests that could influence their work. 

Corrections and Retractions 

We correct any errors promptly and transparently. Our process for submitting corrections ensures accountability and accuracy in our reporting. Corrected articles will include a note at the bottom explaining the date and reason for the correction. This note will be in italics to clearly distinguish it from the rest of the content.

Plagiarism and Fabrication 

We have zero tolerance for plagiarism and fabrication, with strict disciplinary actions for violations. This policy upholds the integrity and originality of our work. 

Harassment and Discrimination 

We provide a safe environment, addressing any issues according to university policies. Our commitment to a respectful workplace fosters a positive and productive team culture. 

Hands-On Experience & Professional Development 

TPN is an educational platform where students gain hands-on experience in reporting, editing, photography, and digital media, preparing them for careers in media and communication. This practical experience is invaluable for developing the skills and confidence needed in the journalism field while keeping the WT community informed. We emphasize skills in communication, organization, leadership, and more. In addition, regular training sessions ensure staff members stay current with the latest trends and best practices in journalism. Additionally, students may have opportunities to attend conventions such as the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA) convention, the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), or College Media Association (CMA) conferences, providing valuable networking and learning experiences in the field. 

The TPN Newsroom Team 

Our team is made up of dedicated student journalists with specific roles: 

Leadership Staff

• Editor-in-Chief: Oversees the newspaper, ensuring quality and vision. Produces the “Ask the Professor” series. 
• Assistant/Associate Editor: Supports the Editor-in-Chief and manages special projects. Produces the “Behind the Major” series. 
• Video/Audio Editor: Creates and edits video and audio content. Produces the “Beyond the 9 to 5” series. 
• Social Media Manager: Manages social media platforms and engages with the audience. Produces the “Organization Spotlight” series. 

Reporters 

• Academics: Covers academic-related news and developments. 
• Campus News: Reports on events and stories from the campus community. 
• Sports: Provides coverage of athletic events and sports-related news. 
• Bilingual: Delivers news and features in Spanish. 

Other Positions

• Advertising Sales and Promotions: Handles advertisements and promotional activities to support revenue and visibility. 
• Graphic Designer: Creates visual content for the newspaper. 

Getting Involved 

There are several ways to join TPN: 

1. Course Enrollment: Enroll in MCOM 2345 (Principles of Journalism) and MCOM 2173 (Prairie Practicum) to gain journalism skills and experience. These courses provide foundational knowledge and practical skills in journalism. 
2. Paid Internships/Student Employment: We offer paid positions that provide hands-on experience and a chance to earn while learning. Check Handshake for open positions.  
3. Contributors: Faculty, staff, students, and community members can contribute content to our publication. This open invitation ensures a wide range of voices and experiences are represented.