THIS WEEK IN THE STUDENT PRESS REPORT:
Some of the best stories start with a FOIA request
Student reporters at Michigan State explain how public records helped them uncover misconduct and hidden decisions.
You never forget your first FOIA.
The curious excitement as you press send. The anxious weeks of waiting. The rush of triumph — hopefully — when you get a response.
And when you’re a student covering a major public university, the thrill of making an authority figure show their hand never gets old.
Good reporters maintain a diverse toolbox of methods and strategies. But for us, as journalists at The State News, Michigan State University’s independent student newspaper, there’s a clear favorite.
ALSO ON COLLEGEJOURNALISM.ORG
The Student Press Report
A national news desk focused on the challenges facing student media and the successes of student journalists. Published weekly. Free to read, free to republish.
The College Journalism Newsletter
A weekly curation of headlines, classroom tools, and resources designed to kick off your week in college journalism. Delivered to your inbox every Sunday.
Training and Consulting
Get results-driven training on-site or virtually — for student journalists, or engage with professional help to troubleshoot your biggest problems in college journalism education.