Module: Understanding Campus Journalism

Lesson 1: Philippine Context

Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

 Explain the meaning and importance of campus journalism in the Philippines.

 Discuss the historical and legal foundations of campus journalism.
 Identify the roles and responsibilities of student journalists within the
Philippine context.

Introduction
Campus journalism plays a vital role in the Philippine educational system. It is not
only a platform for students to express their thoughts and opinions but also serves as a
training ground for future journalists and responsible citizens.

Discussion

A. Meaning and Nature of Campus Journalism

Campus journalism refers to journalistic activities carried out by students
within educational institutions. It involves collecting, writing, editing, and publishing
news, features, editorials, and literary articles relevant to the school community,
usually through campus newspapers, magazines, or digital platforms (IOER
International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 2021).

Campus journalism is both an enjoyable and educational activity. It allows

students to develop their skills in communication, writing, editing, and teamwork-
skills that are transferable to future careers (Scribd, 2025). It is also a vehicle for
advancing freedom of speech and democratic values within the school setting (Guru
Press Cordillera, 2023).

B. Historical Background
 The roots of campus journalism in the Philippines date back to the 1890s, with
the emergence of the first campus publications (Scribd, n.d.). Over the years, campus
journalism has evolved to become an essential part of the educational experience,
shaping the minds and values of young Filipinos (PIA, 2024).

C. Legal Foundation: The Campus Journalism Act of 1991 (RA 7079)

A significant milestone in the history of Philippine campus journalism is the
enactment of Republic Act No. 7079, also known as the Campus Journalism Act of
1991. This law was established to promote the development and growth of campus
journalism, strengthen ethical values, encourage critical and creative thinking, and
develop the moral character and personal discipline of Filipino youth (RA 7079,
Section 2; Guru Press Cordillera, 2023).

RA 7079 also protects the rights of student journalists and the integrity of
student publications. It mandates both public and private schools to support campus
journalism and penalizes anyone who obstructs or coerces student publications and
journalists (IOER International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 2021).

D. Importance and Functions of Campus Journalism

Campus journalism serves several important functions in Philippine schools:

 Training Ground: It provides students with practical experience in journalism,

preparing them for future careers in media and communication (Scribd, 2025).

 Promotes Freedom of Expression: Campus journalism upholds the right to free

speech and serves as a check-and-balance mechanism within the school
community (Guru Press Cordillera, 2023).

 Advocacy and Social Awareness: It allows students to discuss issues, advocate

for their rights, and promote social awareness among their peers (Scribd,
2025).
  Development of Skills and Values: Student journalists learn to practice
fairness, balance, and truthfulness, strengthening their ethical and critical
thinking skills (Scribd, 2025).

 Community Building: Campus publications unite students, faculty, and

administration, providing a venue for dialogue and collaboration (Scribd,
2025).

E. Challenges in Campus Journalism

Despite its importance, campus journalism in the Philippines faces several
challenges, including issues related to editorial policies, advisership, financial
support, and institutional compliance with RA 7079. These challenges can hinder the
full realization of campus journalism’s goals and require creative management and
advocacy for improvement (IOER International Multidisciplinary Research Journal,
2021).

Activity 1
Instructions: Answer the questions below in your journal. Use simple sentences. Show
what you learned about campus journalism and the rights and duties of student
journalists.

a. What is campus journalism, and why is it important in your school?

- In your own words, tell what campus journalism means.
- Explain why it is helpful or important for students and your school.

b. What rights and responsibilities do student journalists have under Republic Act No.
7079 (Campus Journalism Act of 1991)?
- List at least two rights of student journalists (for example: the right to write
freely, the right to publish).
- List at least two responsibilities (for example: telling the truth, being fair).

Tip:
You may use your notes or the lesson to help answer. You can also mention that RA
7079 is a law that protects student journalists and helps them do their job well.
Activity 2
Instructions: Research the history of your school’s campus publication. Prepare a
short written or oral presentation that includes:

a. A brief history of your school’s campus publication.

b. Its notable achievements and contributions to your school community.
c. The challenges it has faced, especially in relation to the implementation of RA 7079
or other issues affecting student publications.

Follow the given rubric

Criteria 4 - Excellent 3 - Proficient 2 - Developing 1 - Beginning

Clearly and
accurately Presents a clear
presents a well- history with Gives a basic Gives little or no
a. Brief History researched some details history with information
of the Campus history, including about its limited details; about the
Publication founding year, founding and legal foundations publication’s
key events, and development; are unclear or history and legal
connection to RA mentions legal missing. context.
7079 or other foundations.
laws.
Highlights
multiple notable
Describes some Mentions at least
achievements Does not
b. Achievements achievements one achievement
and clearly mention any
and and explains but gives little
explains their achievements or
Contributions their importance explanation of its
positive impact their importance.
to the school. impact.
on the school
community.
c. Challenges Clearly identifies Identifies some Mentions at least Does not
Faced several challenges, one challenge but mention any
 challenges,
including those
including at least does not connect
related to RA challenges or
one related to RA it to legal
7079 or student gives unrelated
7079 or student foundations or
roles; provides information.
roles. student roles.
thoughtful
explanation.
Information is
very well- Presentation is
Information is Some parts are
Organization & organized and hard to follow or
organized and unclear or
Clarity easy to follow; lacks
mostly clear. disorganized.
ideas are clearly organization.
explained.
All parts of the
task are
All parts are Some parts are Most parts are
Effort & answered fully
answered missing or missing or not
Completeness and thoughtfully;
completely. incomplete. answered.
shows extra
effort.

Activity 3
Instructions: List at least three key roles and three main responsibilities of student
journalists in the Philippine context, as discussed in the lesson. For each, provide a
brief explanation or example of how these are practiced in your school or observed in
your campus publication.

References
Guru Press Cordillera. (2023, November 3). Why campus journalism? Retrieved from
https://www.gurupress-cordillera.com/post/why-campus-journalism

IOER International Multidisciplinary Research Journal. (2021). Campus journalism

and challenges faced by student journalists: An overview.
Philippine Information Agency. (2024, January 17). Campus journalism: Shaping
minds from schools to societies. Retrieved from https://pia.gov.ph/campus-
journalism-shaping-minds-from-schools-to-societies/

Scribd. (2025, April 29). 3 reasons why campus journalism is important. Retrieved
from https://www.scribd.com/document/430202751/3-Reasons-Why-Campus-
Journalism-is-Important

Scribd. (n.d.). Module 2 MAJ06 - A better understanding on campus journalism.

Retrieved from https://www.scribd.com/document/598647682/Module-2-MAJ06-
A-Better-Understanding-on-Campus-Journalism

Lesson 2: World Wide Context

Introduction
In Lesson 1, you learned about campus journalism in the Philippines-its
meaning, history, legal foundation, and importance in your school and community.
Now, let’s take a broader view. Campus journalism is practiced around the world,
shaping young minds and societies in different countries. This lesson will help you
understand how campus journalism works globally, what similarities and differences
exist, and why it matters to be globally aware as a student journalist.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
 Describe the nature and importance of campus journalism in different
countries.
 Compare campus journalism practices in the Philippines and other parts of the
world.
 Recognize global issues, challenges, and best practices in campus journalism.
Lesson Discussion
A. Campus Journalism Around the World
Campus journalism is a global phenomenon. In many countries, student
publications serve as platforms for free expression, critical thinking, and civic
engagement. Student journalists report on school events, social issues, and even
national or global matters, helping to inform and unite their communities (Student
Press Law Center, 2023).

For example, in the United States, student journalism is protected by the First
Amendment, though schools can impose certain restrictions (Kovarik, 2022). In the
United Kingdom, student newspapers like "The Oxford Student" or "The Tab" are run
independently by students and often tackle both campus and national issues (The
Oxford Student, 2024).

In countries like Australia, India, and South Africa, campus journalism is also
vibrant, with student publications playing a key role in promoting democracy, holding
authorities accountable, and advocating for student rights (UNESCO, 2021).

B. Similarities and Differences with the Philippine Context

Similarities:
 Platform for Expression: In most countries, campus journalism gives students
a voice and a platform to discuss important issues (UNESCO, 2021).

 Training Ground: Student publications help develop writing, editing, and

leadership skills (Kovarik, 2022).

 Advocacy: Campus journalism is often a space for advocacy, activism, and

social change (Student Press Law Center, 2023).

Differences:
 Legal Protection: In the Philippines, RA 7079 is a specific law protecting
student journalists. In other countries, protection may come from broader laws or
school policies (Kovarik, 2022).
  Level of Independence: Some countries have more independent student
publications, while others are more closely supervised by school authorities
(UNESCO, 2021).

 Challenges: Issues like censorship, funding, and digital transformation are

common, but the severity and solutions vary by country (Student Press Law Center,
2023).

C. Global Issues and Best Practices

Common Challenges:
 Censorship: Student journalists in many countries face censorship from school
authorities or governments (UNESCO, 2021).
 Safety and Security: In some places, student journalists risk harassment or
threats for reporting sensitive topics (Reporters Without Borders, 2023).
 Digital Shift: The move to online platforms brings both opportunities and
challenges, such as misinformation and cyberbullying (Kovarik, 2022).

Best Practices:
 Press Freedom Education: Teaching students about their rights and
responsibilities.
 Ethical Journalism: Encouraging accuracy, fairness, and respect in reporting.
 Global Collaboration: Student journalists around the world connect through
online forums, contests, and exchanges, sharing ideas and stories (UNESCO, 2021).

Activity 1
Instructions:
Answer the following in your journal using simple sentences:
a. Why do you think campus journalism is important in other countries?
b. What are some similarities and differences between campus journalism in the
Philippines and in other countries?

Tip: Use examples from the lesson or your own research.

Activity 2: Research and Presentation – Campus Journalism Around the World
Instructions:
Choose one country (other than the Philippines) and research its campus journalism
practices. Prepare a short written or oral presentation that includes:

a. How is campus journalism organized and practiced in that country?

b. What are the rights and challenges faced by student journalists there?
c. How is it similar to or different from campus journalism in the Philippines?

Rubric
Criteria 4 - Excellent 3 - Proficient 2 - Developing 1 - Beginning
Criteria 4 - Excellent 3 - Proficient 2 - Developing 1 - Beginning
Well-
a. Description
researched, Clear, some Basic, limited Little or no
of Campus
clear, and details. details. information.
Journalism
detailed.
Clearly
identifies Identifies some
b. Rights & At least one None or
several rights rights/challenges
Challenges right/challenge. unclear.
and challenges, .
with examples.
c. Comparison Thorough and
Adequate Basic
with the insightful No comparison.
comparison. comparison.
Philippines comparison.
Very well-
Organization & Organized and Some parts
organized and Disorganized.
Clarity mostly clear. unclear.
clear.
All parts
Effort & answered fully All parts Some parts Most parts
Completeness and answered. missing. missing.
thoughtfully.

Summary
Campus journalism is a worldwide movement that empowers students to speak
out, inform, and make a difference. While every country has its own laws, traditions,
and challenges, the core values of campus journalism-truth, fairness, and service-
remain the same. By learning about campus journalism globally, you become a more
informed, responsible, and connected student journalist.
References
Kovarik, B. (2022). Student journalism: A global perspective. Journalism Studies,
23(4), 567-581.

Reporters Without Borders. (2023). Press freedom index: Student journalism.

https://rsf.org/en

Student Press Law Center. (2023). Know your rights: Student journalists around the
world. https://splc.org/

The Oxford Student. (2024). About us. https://www.oxfordstudent.com

UNESCO. (2021). Press freedom and student journalism: Global trends and
challenges. https://en.unesco.org/themes/media-and-information-literacy