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Key Finding 12

Interestingly, virtually the same percentage of students participate in media activities in schools that offer a high volume of student media, as in those schools with no media programs. Apparently, students interested in journalism find a way to participate in informal media activities, even if their school does not offer formal opportunities.

"What kind of citizens do we want in 10 or 20 or 30 years? Do we want citizens that will blindly accept whatever the government tells them, or do we want a citizenry that expects the government to operate openly and transparently?"

  -Barbara Thill, Publications Adviser/Journalism Teacher, Chicago

In one of the more interesting findings in this survey, there was no significant difference in student media participation in schools where different amounts of media were offered. The following graphic shows that virtually the same percentage of students participate in media activities in schools that offer a high amount of sanctioned student media as compared with those that offer none.

None-school offers no student media activities; Low-school offers one student media activity; Medium-school offers two or three student media activities; High-school offers four or more student media activities.

This suggests there may be a number of ways to increase participation in student media, beyond simply offering more sanctioned programs. The quality of the student media offered may well play a significant role in the process. Moreover, any other means of getting students interested in journalism and the media is likely to have a greater impact on students' level of interest and participation. Once that interest is generated, offering activities that are supported by the school may help sustain their interest and participation over time.  

"Wouldn't it be incredible if we could figure out a way to help people really understand and value our First Amendment? Just think how far we'd have come, as Americans, if every student left school understanding-and believing-that a truly democratic society is premised on all of its people having the freedom to think, write and speak freely. So, I hope what comes out of this (report) is a push for more education on the First Amendment.''  

-Rosalind Stark, Retired Executive Director, Radio and Television News
Directors Foundation; Board Member, Student Press Law Center

"This report illuminates an untenable gap in our education system in teaching and understanding the First Amendment and the freedoms we cherish. Therefore, it's no surprise the health of scholastic journalism is in jeopardy. One effective remedy is to build and nurture quality student media that operates freely and without censorship. Media by and for students engages and energizes the school community. It is democracy in action.''  

-Diana Mitsu Klos, Senior Project Director, American Society of Newspaper
Editors Foundation, oversees high school journalism program

"The report shows that young people in America are conscious that they are being denied their First Amendment rights. A great harm is being done to a generation of young adults by withholding the full access of their constitutional rights while in high school, then expecting them to be full participants in a democratic society when they are older."

-Gene Policinski, Executive Director
First Amendment Center

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