The Power of Reporting Community News

The Power of Reporting Community News is a compilation of media writing and reporting that highlights the importance of local journalism in traditional media. This project includes five original news articles focused on the Greenville and Slippery Rock area. The work produced for this project stemmed from early, detailed planning of interviews, intensive background research, fact-checking, and correctly conveying the story in a visually pleasing way. The stories covered a range of community topics, including local paranormal history and current issues affecting schools and families. The reporting process emphasized ethical storytelling and the responsibility writers have when representing real people. Two stories from the project were published in Greenville’s newspaper, The Record Argus. The historical feature, Not Afraid of History, was published on the front page on Halloween day. The story explored Greenville’s haunted folklore and the way locals continue to keep the town’s past alive. Reporting for this story included visiting the Greenville Manor, a historic site known for its paranormal reputation, and an interview with filmmaker Tony Reames. The second published story, Greenville Junior/Senior High School Enforces New Electronic Device Policy, reported on a new cell phone ban affecting students and staff. This story emphasized the role of local journalism in covering timely community change. This semester-long compilation of storytelling demonstrates the power of community reporting to connect residents, preserve history, and provide meaningful coverage beyond major headlines.