For many first-year and transfer students, this issue of The Hornet Tribune will be their introduction to the official student newspaper of Alabama State University.
For those who may not be aware, The Hornet Tribune, which began as the State Normal School Record, has been around since 1922, earning a distinction of being the oldest student organization established on the campus. And even though The Hilltop, Howard University’s official student newspaper, has laid claim for years that they are the oldest student newspaper, our historian and faculty member, Joseph Caver, did the research years ago and found that The Hornet Tribune is the oldest Black college newspaper in the country.
When the first managing editor of what is now The Hornet Tribune began his quest to publish news occurrences and news events, little did he know 102 years later that the State Normal School Record, which would be renamed The Hornet Tribune in 1962, would be one of the most decorated and award-winning student newspapers among Black colleges and universities.
So, why is this campus newspaper so valuable to the university and its students? There are five reasons.
First, it gives all students a platform that allows them to engage with the university community. Additionally, it empowers students to use their voices and express their ideas. The Hornet Tribune has a disclaimer statement that says the views printed in this medium are not the views of the university or its administrators. Therefore, since the university and the U.S. Constitution delegates students the power to express themselves freely, they should take advantage of this tool.
Second, The Hornet Tribune newsroom serves as a laboratory for students who are majoring in communications and mass media. It allows students to prepare for the media workforce by practicing their crafts before they sign up for internships or before they graduate. From reporting, editing, writing, photography, design to video production and social media, students gain amazing hands-on communication skills.
Third, students gain important management and ethical leadership skills in producing the paper and navigating challenging and sensitive stories that impact the campus community.
Fourth, the media is often referred to as the “fourth pillar of the state.” It is a foundational part of any community or landscape. For students and administrators to work together effectively, both need to be informed, not just about student dissatisfaction, but about the changes in the world.
Finally, the most important benefit is learning the role of public feedback and connection. Deadline pressures are consistent, yet having weekly multiple print deadlines, educates the importance of planning and preparation as well as how vital facts and structure are. Further, it is an opportunity to learn from mistakes from sources, spelling, format, etc. Student journalists learn to see stories everywhere and communicate them with diverse audiences.
The Hornet Tribune is an influential part of university life as well as providing a voice to the voiceless. It will average 12-16 pages each week. Make it a point to read it on Saturday mornings. The staff will be expanding to a mobile app very soon, and there is already an established a website (asuhornettribune.com) for student convenience. The Hornet Tribune is of great value to the entire university community. Never, never underestimate its power.