Michigan Times Revives Student Journalism at UM-Flint After 18 Months

The Michigan Times has resumed publication at the University of Michigan-Flint on January 14, 2024, marking the return of independent student journalism after an 18-month hiatus. The newspaper had ceased operations at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 academic year. The relaunched publication can be found online at mtimes.org and will celebrate its comeback with a gathering on January 22, 2024, from 18:00 to 20:00 at Clint’s Cafe on campus.

Leading the editorial team is Ramla Ouedraogo, the newly appointed Editor-in-Chief, who is collaborating with advisors Scott Atkinson and Caroline Rathbun. Ouedraogo expressed her enthusiasm for the position, stating, “I was interested in the editor-in-chief position because I want a career in journalism. I’ve learned so much with this role, and it never stops. In journalism, you are always learning and always adapting.”

The team is actively recruiting writers and editors as they prepare to launch their print editions this semester. Ouedraogo noted that the initial job postings attracted approximately 20 applications for reporter positions, indicating strong interest among students.

Atkinson, a former reporter for the Flint Journal and lecturer at UM-Flint, emphasized the importance of journalism education at universities. He stated, “As newsrooms have shrunk and disappeared, universities carry an important responsibility of keeping the tradition and evolution of journalism alive. It’s our duty as educators to train the next generation of journalists so they can provide this vital public service and also so they can solve the puzzle of how to grow it into a thriving industry once again.”

Rathbun, a UM-Flint alumna and former layout editor for The Michigan Times, joined the university staff last fall. She views the relaunch as an essential opportunity to restore a vital campus tradition. “Student journalism plays a vital role in giving students a platform to share their voices, and I’m beyond thrilled about the relaunch and what it means for our campus,” she remarked.

The staff plans to reconnect with the Flint community as they work towards publishing their first print issue since the newspaper’s closure. Students interested in joining the publication are encouraged to visit mtimes.org for more information. The return of The Michigan Times underscores the enduring value of student journalism in fostering communication and engagement within the university community.