Memphis, TN, September 23, 2025
News Summary
The University of Memphis Department of Journalism and Strategic Media successfully hosted the Tennessee High School Press Association Fall Workshop, attracting around 100 local high school students. The event featured diverse sessions on journalism topics like photography, sports reporting, and fact-checking, aimed at inspiring students to pursue careers in journalism. Participating schools included Bartlett, Germantown, Houston, White Station, and University High School. The university’s commitment to journalism education was showcased, along with its role in fostering young talent in the field.
Memphis, TN – The University of Memphis Department of Journalism and Strategic Media hosted the Tennessee High School Press Association Fall 2025 Workshop on Friday in the UC ballroom. Approximately 100 local high school students attended the workshop from five different schools: Bartlett, Germantown, Houston, White Station, and University High School.
The workshop featured three sessions led by University of Memphis journalism professors and local high school teachers on various journalism topics, including photography, broadcast, and sports reporting. One of the key sessions was titled “Fake News + Fact Checking 101,” led by Meghnad Bose, a University of Memphis journalism assistant professor. He emphasized the importance of the event in helping high school students envision their future in journalism.
Dr. Jimmy McCollum, director of the Tennessee High School Press Association, stated that journalism provides a solid foundation for many disciplines for students. The Tennessee High School Press Association organizes these annual workshops across the state in Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville, fostering an environment for aspiring journalists.
This event marked the fourth consecutive year that the University of Memphis served as the host for the Memphis event. Teachers Cheyenne Dyer and Carolina Elston from Bartlett High School brought their students, noting that their journalism course requires students to apply with letters of recommendation and maintain a high GPA. Elston mentioned that the workshop helps students see journalism as part of their academic future.
The workshop also serves as a platform for the University of Memphis to showcase its journalism program. Dr. Robert Byrd, associate chair for graduate studies in the Department of Journalism and Strategic Media at the University of Memphis, organized the workshop, highlighting the goals of training young high school journalists, building a community of student journalists, and recruiting high-achieving students to the journalism program.
Luke Lawson reported on the event for The Daily Helmsman, the university’s student-led publication. The successful turnout and engagement at the workshop reflect the strong interest in journalism among local high school students and underscore the University of Memphis’s commitment to fostering new talent in the field.
Key Features of the Workshop
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organizer | University of Memphis Department of Journalism and Strategic Media |
| Participating Schools | Bartlett, Germantown, Houston, White Station, University High School |
| Number of Students | Approximately 100 |
| Session Topics | Photography, Broadcast, Sports Reporting, Fake News + Fact Checking |
| Duration | Fall 2025 (event held on a Friday) |
FAQ
What event did the University of Memphis host?
The University of Memphis Department of Journalism and Strategic Media hosted the Tennessee High School Press Association Fall 2025 Workshop on Friday in the UC ballroom.
How many high school students attended the workshop?
Approximately 100 local high school students attended the workshop from five different schools: Bartlett, Germantown, Houston, White Station, and University High School.
What were some of the topics covered during the workshop?
The workshop featured three sessions led by University of Memphis journalism professors and local high school teachers on various journalism topics, including photography, broadcast, and sports reporting.
Who organized the workshop?
Dr. Robert Byrd, associate chair for graduate studies in the Department of Journalism and Strategic Media at the University of Memphis, organized the workshop.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- The Daily Helmsman: UofM Hosts Tennessee School Press Association Fall Workshop
- Tennessean: Journalism Academy for College Students
- Memphis Flyer: The Memphis Perception Problem
- Action News 5: UofM Grad Set to Use Degree in Nigeria
- Daily Memphian: Tim Buckley and Les Smith Obituary
- Wikipedia: Journalism
- Google Search: Journalism Education
- Google Scholar: Journalism Workshop
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Journalism
- Google News: Tennessee Journalism
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