From Schools to Societies: A Multiple Case Study on Campus Journalism Practices in State Universities and Colleges in Southern Philippines

This multiple-case study examined campus journalism practices among state universities and colleges in Southern Philippines, focusing on how student journalists work, construct discourses, and navigate similarities and differences across institutional contexts. The objective was to understand publications as training grounds and arenas for democratic participation. Five student journalists participated with inputs from publication advisers. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and cross-case comparison. Thematic analysis identified journalism practices and discourse strategies, while triangulation enhanced validity. Results showed that journalism practices in state universities and colleges extend beyond routine processes. The recruitment process and structured editorial reviews are not only administrative requirements but also strategies to safeguard credibility in resource-constrained environments. Fieldwork and institutional collaborations revealed the balancing act between independence and administrative expectations. Discourse practices reflected adaptability, as students employed conventional structures like the inverted pyramid while also embracing flexible and bilingual forms to connect with peers and assert cultural identity. Editorials demonstrated cautious yet purposeful advocacy, signaling their role as watchdogs within contested institutional spaces. Thus, campus journalism in Southern Philippines is both fragile and resilient—sustaining standards, experimenting with discourse, and enabling young journalists to claim their voices in shaping institutional and social conversations in the region.