Huntington Times

Marshall University is set to launch an unprecedented initiative on Election Day with a 24-hour multimedia news coverage event. This project, known as Student News Live, will feature contributions from universities and organizations across the United States. The coverage will include online, audio, and video reports shared through a coalition of young journalists nationwide.

Student News Live is spearheaded by Dr. Rob Quicke, director of Marshall’s W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications, and Dr. Nick Hirshon from William Paterson University in New Jersey. The event will take place from noon on Tuesday, November 5th to noon on Wednesday, November 6th. It will begin and end with content from Marshall University while including input from over 70 other institutions such as The Ohio State University, Syracuse University, Georgetown University, and others.

Dr. Quicke emphasized the significance of this initiative for Marshall: “At Marshall, we are going to be the heart of all this,” he said. He expressed hope that the project would serve as a launching pad for students' careers in journalism.

The focus of the coverage will be on student perspectives regarding presidential races and related issues. “If you want to see what students think about the election of this country, watch Student News Live,” Quicke stated.

Sarah Davis, a journalism student at Marshall, along with her classmate Evan Green, will manage the digital media aspect of Student News Live. Davis remarked on her excitement for participating in such an extensive project: “To say I am excited for this project is an understatement.”

Green echoed these sentiments: “I think it’s a great way to push our program in a new direction.” He views this experience as crucial for his future career in journalism.

The ambitious undertaking requires support not only from students but also alumni and volunteers who can provide assistance ranging from food to mentorship throughout the event.

National news organizations such as iHeart Radio and PBS Newshour Student Reporting Labs have extended their support for this initiative.

Quicke highlighted the unique opportunity this presents for Marshall's journalism students: “It’s a first for Marshall and for the country...to communicate about certainly the biggest political event.”

For more information about Marshall University's W. Page Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications visit their website.