PULLMAN, Wash. – A Washington State University student’s report on right-wing militias growing in size and number in the United States was published this week on the MSNBC.Com news front page.
Stephanie Schendel, a senior in communications-journalism and Spanish, wrote the story as part of the Murrow News Service. The program at WSU’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communication provides students with the opportunity to contribute stories to professional news organizations such as MSNBC.
“It is such a good opportunity to have this experience so early in my career,” said Schendel.
“Stephanie is a dedicated student who demonstrated her willingness to tackle a controversial topic,” said her journalism professor, Ben Shors. Schendel credited Shors for making the militia story possible, saying he is patient, positive and enthusiastic.
“Backpack journalism”
Her Murrow journalism experiences won’t end here. On Thursday, after discussing the militia story with students in her Com 475 class, she left Pullman for Guatemala. She will file regular blog reports online for the Murrow College and contribute stories to the WSU student newspaper, the Daily Evergreen.
Her work is part of the Murrow College’s “backpack journalism” program. Students travel with a backpack containing a laptop, netbook camcorder, lots of pens and other gear necessary to file stories on multiple journalism platforms.
“I’m having a busy day,” she said, as she packed her car to begin the trip.
Re-started her high school newspaper
Schendel said she is committed to journalism and wants to pursue a career in crime and court reporting.
A graduate of Ingraham High School in West Seattle, she made it her senior project to re-start her high school newspaper. She chose the Murrow College for journalism after falling in love with the WSU Pullman campus on a visit.
She worked this semester as a chief copy editor at the Evergreen and also has been assistant news editor and reporter.
Story includes local perspectives
Her MSNBC story discussed a rise in the number of “hate groups” from 604 in 2000 to more than 1,000 last year. Those groups include anti-gay, anti-Muslim, racist groups, etc. Her report included an interview with a Spokane militia member and an FBI agent.
MSNBC.Com’s James Eng and Kari Huus, and NBC’s Pete Williams, contributed to the report under Stephanie’s “Murrow News Service” byline.
For more information, contact Larry Ganders, Murrow College, at 360-280-6320.