The norm, interrupted

Plus, tackling the campus pisser (not literally — unsanitary!), a Duke Chronicle scoop, and coverage of Charlie Kirk.

Author

Barbara Allen
September 14, 2025

Ideogram

I was Zooming with two student journalists and their adviser when the news broke that Charlie Kirk had died.

We had been talking about a recent spate of swatting calls — false reports of on-campus shooters — that led student editors from the University of Tennessee's The Daily Beacon to reach out to other campus news outlets where similar hoaxes played out.

I wanted to talk to these student journalists to find out more about their thinking and their process in the hopes that my audience (that's you!) could find something applicable.

But fittingly, we quickly hopped off the call so they could manage this breaking news.

That thing about no free lunches?

Turns out it's true. So here I am with the tab.

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This week's newsletter includes:

  • • A spicy AEJMC/SPJ controversy
  • • A media literacy resource that doesn't require curriculum overhaul
  • • A suggestion for a classroom discussion on newsletters
  • • And much, much more ...