Campus

Journalism
LESSON 1
 Campus Journalism

It is a publication, either mimeographed or

printed, put out by staff members whose names appear
in the masthead or editorial box.
 Functions of
Campus Newspaper
Overview
1. Information Function
2. Opinion Function
3. Education Function
4. Watchdog Function
5. Laboratory Function
6. Documentation Function
7. Entertainment Function
8. Developmental Function
Information Function
Informs readers about events that happened, are
happening, and will be happening—news
function.
Information can also come from feature articles,
editorials, etc.
Examples: COVID-19 cases, plans of political parties for
the 2022 elections, the establishing of a ‘Council of
Presidents’ in the school.
Opinion Function
Gives interpretation of news through editorials and
columns.
Newspapers usually discuss a ‘banner headline’ or a
significant event of that day or the previous day.
Examples: Student journalists’ reactions or
comments on the DOH, Philhealth, and COA issue;
Student journalists’ opinion on the establishment
of ‘Council of Presidents’.
Education Function
Educates the students (for campus newspaper) and
even the community.
Topics which are not usually discussed inside
classrooms can be tackled in campus newspapers.
Examples: How to apply for a DOST scholarship,
explanation on the function of the ‘Council of
Presidents’
Watchdog Function
Guards the students’ rights.
Campus newspapers serve as the ‘eye’ of the readers
by informing, or sometimes, exposing matters that
students need to know.

Examples: Tuition fee increase—why?, why the

Council of Presidents’ proposal was rejected
Laboratory Function

Serves as a teaching tool for ‘budding journalists.”

Students can readily apply/exercise the different
kinds of journalistic writing.
Documentation Function
Records events that has happened in the school for
the years that passed.
Not only important events, but students’ notable
achievements, are recorded for future generations.
Many historical facts have been confirmed and
researched through old newspapers.
Examples: Sportsfest champions through the years,
President of the Philippines personally visiting the
school
Entertainment Function
Keeps readers company, like an interesting book.
This can be seen in human interest stories in
feature articles, even in science and sports
features.
Examples: tricycle driver who returned the
laptop of a teacher, feature article about the
school guard who has been in the school for 30
years
Developmental Function
Connects the individuals to the community and
the community to society in a broader sense.
In connection to its information, education, and even
watchdog functions, a campus newspaper can involve
people in matters that would greatly impact the
community and the country.
Examples: student journalist writing about and
fighting for the need for a robotics laboratory in the
school, article about mangrove restoration program
in town
Reference

Cruz, C.J. (2010). Campus journalism and school

paper advising (2nd edition). Rex Book Store, Inc.