Evolution in Campus Media: How a Pandemic and Social Justice Movement Prompted Student Journalists to Rethink the Campus Magazine

Abstract: COVID-19 and social justice demonstrations riveted college journalists everywhere. Campus magazines by nature avoid news-event content, digging deeper to present culture. But, analysis shows, student editors redefined “campus culture” in content choices. Editions from three nationwide contests were sampled. Semiotic analysis reveals topics include resilience, racism, isolation, loss, future, representation connecting to social justice demonstrations and COVID-19 themes. Prior to shutdown, dominant themes included art and entertainment, ecology, and creators profiles.