As artificial intelligence grows and technology advances, and as newsrooms across the country experience shrinking staff and layoffs, Student Press Freedom Day has never been so important. The Northerner staff unapologetically supports this important day for student journalism. 

What is Student Press Freedom Day?  

Student Press Freedom Day is “a national day of action when we celebrate the contributions of student journalists and the need to support their independence without censorship or threat to their advisers,” according to the official Student Press Freedom Day website.

The day is celebrated by students across the country and seeks to recognize the importance of pursuing hard truths. The event emphasizes that students should not be punished or censored for conducting good reporting.

Student Press Freedom Day was created in 2017 and is promoted by the Student Press Law Center. The Washington D.C. law center defends the First Amendment rights of student journalists and provides a free legal advice hotline. The Northerner utilized the legal advice hotline while reporting in spring 2023. 

Why is it important?

The Northerner operates independently from NKU as a news organization. Being independently-run means that we are free from control or being censored by the university. 

Being independent plays a vital role in democracy and the First Amendment, which allows freedom of the press.

According to an October 2023 Gallup Poll, less than one-third (32%) of those surveyed felt “a great deal or fair amount” of confidence in fair, accurate reporting from the media. Being independent allows us to cover news that is fair and accurate. 

As long as there are student editors, the courts have ruled that schools are unable to require prior review of articles, confiscate copies of the publication, remove material, suspend editors or withdraw or reduce financial support, according to the Student Press Law Center.

The Northerner maintains all of these policies because we believe it is key for fair and responsible reporting. We want to be the publication you can turn to and trust for balanced and accurate journalism. 

How can we celebrate?

Read The Northerner by following us on social media @northernermedia, as well as signing up for our weekly newsletter which you can do here. 

In addition to our online presence, we also create a monthly magazine which you can always find scattered throughout campus. 

Have a story idea? Is there something we can do better? If so, we want to hear from you! Submit your tip or feedback here.

Above all else—support journalism. Support student journalism.