Worming my way into the classroom

Plus, more evidence for the importance of teaching influencer/creator journalism, a student journalist faces trial, and a bonkers investigation out of Western Kentucky.

Author

Barbara Allen
September 28, 2025

Biola University professor Dr. Michael Longinow, along with Dr. Anna Sinclair, assistant professor of public relations (seated) in the TV studio with some of their students.

“Are you absolutely positive you can identify maggots?"

This was the question I found myself asking a student in one of Michael Longinow's classrooms at Biola University last week.

Dr. Longinow was nice enough to host me on campus for classroom story pitches and student media meetings, though he might have second-guessed that decision once I opened my mouth in class.

I was impressed by the students I met at this small Christian college in La Mirada, California. We had some insightful conversations around their coverage of Charlie Kirk's death and funeral, and I enjoyed sitting in on a budget meeting in their newly combined student media organizations.

But it was the aforementioned story pitch that really got me going, because …

Get one month free!

Behind this paywall is a gold mine of tidbits to get you through your week in journalism education.

Already a paying subscriber? Sign In.

Inside this week's newsletter:

  • • More evidence about the importance of teaching influencer journalism.
  • • Great examples of exciting student media work.
  • • A shitty AI illustration because I can't afford an AP subscription.
  • • And much more!