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Loyalist in Forefront as Multimedia News Provider

January 28, 2011

In step with today’s ever-changing technology, Loyalist College has enhanced the public’s access to current, relevant news as reported and visually captured by students in the Journalism – Online, Print and Broadcast, Photojournalism, Sports Journalism, and Television and New Media Production programs. QNet News, the student-produced community online multimedia news source was launched this fall.  A social media app linking directly to QNet is now available at no charge through the Apple Apps Store. Viewers can download the app for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

“Our goal is to provide students with training in the latest technology while continuing to honour traditional media platforms,” said Professor Robert Washburn. “We prepare students to enter the industry with a diverse knowledge of both traditional and multimedia journalism techniques. In addition to being excellent learning tools for our students and making our student news media more available to the public, this is an excellent example of the innovative learning environment that is a hallmark for the College’s School of Media Studies.”

In addition to these enhancements, the award-winning campus and community newspaper, The Pioneer, has been re-launched on the QNet News site. Available for download as a PDF on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week, the development of content is the responsibility of the Photojournalism students, supported by the students from the Journalism – Online, Print and Broadcast program. The online distribution enables the students to continue to serve the campus and community with a product they value, and provides students with the opportunity to work in this multifaceted environment.

Shannon Storey, a second-year Photojournalism student, was the editor of The Pioneer’s first online edition. “It was an honour to be chosen as editor. I’ve never been in a role such as this with my peers. It has been an excellent learning experience. I think our class did an amazing job of finding the stories and meeting the deadlines. It was wonderful to have this opportunity during my final semester.”

“It’s great to be a part of the integrated newsroom and participate in the groundbreaking things that are happening at Loyalist,” said Frank O’Connor, Coordinator of the Photojournalism program. “The experience is definitely value-added for the students and they will be able to apply these skills toward future internships and career opportunities. It is a really terrific initiative.”

To view QNet, Loyalist’s comprehensive online news source, visit www.qnetnews.ca.  Access the QNet News app at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/qnet-news/id414087237?mt=8.

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Media Contact:  Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College (613) 969-1913, ext. 2332 or Robert Washburn at (613) 969-1913, ext. 2157

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