Students at the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media at Florida International University are increasingly seeing their reporting featured in prominent South Florida news outlets. The student-run Caplin News platform, which publishes daily stories produced by journalism majors, has become a source for local media to find well-reported articles.
CARTA Dean Brian Schriner commented on the program’s approach: “At the FIU Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media, our experiential curriculum powers Caplin News and is bolstered by strategic alliances that fuel excellence and prepare our students to lead, innovate and make an impact in a rapidly changing world.” Schriner noted efforts to create partnerships with area news organizations to enhance real-world learning experiences. “Our partnerships connect our talented students with industry leaders, expand creative and research opportunities and amplify the power of storytelling.”
In recent weeks, Miami Community News published 10 stories written by students. Emilie Gonzalez, an FIU alumna working as a newswriter at Miami Community News, said: “It’s been an honor to reconnect with Caplin so soon after graduating. Seeing my peers succeed and publish their stories makes me incredibly proud of how far this program has come.”
Students from classes taught by professors Denise Hruby and Alex Harris contributed environmental reporting pieces to The Miami Herald. Meanwhile, The Biscayne Times ran a three-part series profiling candidates in the current Miami mayoral race written by Sofia Baltodano and Cassandra Martinez. Baltodano stated: “It was hard work. But seeing it pay off was very rewarding, especially as a young journalist.”
Another student, Francesca Cagnana, spent three weeks on a story about challenges young people face finding jobs; her piece was picked up by WLRN’s online site. Cagnana remarked: “It was really exciting. After it was published, I sent it to my dad. He showed it to virtually everybody.”
Faculty mentorship from professors such as Gregg Birnbaum and Sergio Bustos continues to play an important role in providing experiential learning opportunities for students at the school.
“This is the best possible training for student journalists,” Birnbaum said. “From the start of the semester, my top goal has been to help students build the skills and confidence to step into any newsroom. Publishing in leading South Florida outlets proves they’re ready.”
Beyond Caplin News’ online publication, students also produce Caplin NewsBreak—a live broadcast delivering daily updates in both English and Spanish from bureaus located in Miami and Washington D.C.
