NEW CONCORD — Muskingum University is bringing the past into the present by re-launching the university's student-led newspaper as The Magenta Journal.
Originating in 1902, the paper was known as the Black and Magenta, representing the school colors. A century's worth of student journalists found their footing at the paper writing about local events and keeping students in the know.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and nearly everything shut down, the publication came to an unfortunate end. "Like everything else, the pandemic kind of helped it disappear," says editor-in-chief J.W. Dennison, an MU junior.
According to Dennison, once Professor Roelsgaard came on board, creating the digital successor to the Black and Magenta became a true priority. Roelsgaard is an associate professor of journalism and the faculty adviser for the paper. The Magenta Journal made its debut last month.
Appointing an editor-in-chief, Dennison, and a copy editor, Katelyn Lindsey, was a first for publication. While coverage will mainly focus on Muskingum University and student life, Dennison also stressed that coverage of national and state-wide issues will be included.
"When it comes to what stories we cover and how we cover things, she (Roelsgaard) has very much given the students the freedom to choose whatever they want to cover," Dennison said.
"Most state and national level things we can tie back to Muskingum University in some way, shape or form. For example, one of my earliest articles on the site is about the VA and the problems veterans have getting assistance from Veterans Affairs. That also affects Muskingum University because we are a Purple Star University for supporting our veterans," Dennison added.
A print writing and reporting class is being held this semester at the university and stories can be submitted for publication on the site. This gives budding journalists and writers real-world experience and a chance to up their grades.
“I believe in the importance of a free press, specifically a student-led free press that's not public relations, where the students have their own voice on campus to voice their own concerns,” Lindsey said in a press release.
Though there is no formal timeline for the publication, there are plans to continue building the Journal through the summer and into the fall. A print version is being considered, with Dennison and his team exploring the possibility of an end-of-year print edition highlighting the biggest and favorite stories of the year.
While corroboration with other campus organizations is still early, Dennison said they have reached out. "We have talked to First Circle, which is a student-led literary magazine where students publish poems and short stories and things like that. We want to collaborate on hosting events with them. I believe we've talked to Game Club and I want to do things with Orbit Media as well," noted Dennison who will take on the role of program director next year for Orbit radio station.
Dennison is excited about what the future holds for the Journal. The addition of a podcast and adding video to the site are just two of the ideas being floated around.
"We're a journalism publication, but we're not just for journalism majors. We're not just for writing majors. If you have a passion for video games, there is plenty of video game journalism out there and things like that; sports journalism. If you're in the science department and you want to write about projects going on on campus or developments that you think are really cool − we could find a place for you no matter what you want to write about. I think that's really exciting."
A pitch pot was held during the launch event where guests could pitch their story ideas into a pot to be looked over by Journal staff. Submissions for story ideas or suggestions can be sent to the Magenta Journal via its website, www.themagentajournal.com . To reach the editor, email dennison1@muskingum.edu.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Magenta Journal announced as the new digital Muskingum University news publication
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