CONTRIBUTING TO TPN

The Prairie News (TPN) is dedicated to informing, educating, and engaging our readers through multimedia journalism that captures the voices and perspectives of both the West Texas A&M campus and local communities. We seek timely, original reporting that aligns with the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics and upholds our editorial standards.

At TPN, we cover a wide range of topics relevant to WT students:

• Campus & Community News: Events, extracurricular activities, and important happenings at WT and the surrounding communities. This section keeps the university community informed about campus life, major announcements, and student-led initiatives.
• Feature, Lifestyle & Entertainment: Reviews, previews, and feature stories on cultural events and trends, connecting students with the broader cultural landscape.
• Sports: Game highlights, player profiles, and updates from WT athletics, keeping readers informed about key moments in campus sports.
• Bilingual News: News and features in both Spanish and English, ensuring that non-English speaking members of our community have access to important information.
• Essays and Columns: Insightful essays and opinion pieces offering unique perspectives and thought-provoking commentary. Contribute your voice to join the conversation!
• Special Series:
  • “Behind the Major”: In-depth features on WT students, showcasing various fields of study and their experiences.
  • “Ask the Professor”: Faculty members answer questions and provide academic advice, offering expert perspectives on a range of topics.
  • “Beyond the 9 to 5”: Features on the hobbies and personal interests of WT professors, giving readers a glimpse into their lives outside the university.
  • “Student Organization Spotlight”: Highlights student organizations making a difference at WT, showcasing their missions, activities, and impacts on campus life.

Pitch Submission Guidelines

• Story Pitch: A good pitch should consist of a concise description of the piece you want to write, aiming for a couple of paragraphs. Include a clear explanation of the story’s idea, angle, and approach. Specify why the story is timely and significant to WT students, and why you are the best person to cover it. Detail any pre-reporting you’ve done and the sources you have access to, as diverse sourcing is crucial. Include a proposed headline and estimated word count.
• Personal Information: Tell us about you and your work. Include links to similar pieces you’ve previously published, if you have any.

Publication Considerations

• News Submissions: To increase the likelihood of publication, ensure your submission is objectively written, features multiple sources, and is free from spelling and grammar errors.
• Opinion Pieces: Should be well-researched with sources, clearly state your opinion, and be free from spelling and grammar errors.

Publication decisions are made at the discretion of The Prairie News editors. We appreciate your contributions and look forward to reviewing your work.

Send your pitch to [email protected]. Put all of the above information in the body of your email; do not include attachments.