ENGLISH

1. The Campus Paper and the Publication Staff
"I became a journalist to come as close as possible to the heart of the world."
- Henry Luce
LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Trace the historical background of campus journalism Identify the duties of members of
the editorial board
 Distinguish the functions of campus paper
 Critic the characteristics of magazines and newspaper
LEARNING OUTPUTS
 Scrapbook of newspaper parts
 Research paper on history of one's own campus publication
 Survey on frequency of reading campus paper
 Survey on problems of staff writers
The National Newspaper
Before delving on campus paper, it is wise to start the discussion on a supra level. This is for you
to understand primarily the concept of the system that campus paper has.
Thus, a newspaper is a publication sold-anddistributed regularly in a fixed interval. It may be
monthly, bi-monthly, weekly, daily, etc. and this is because newspapers fall under the category
"periodicals." Usually, news in newspapers is meant to be persuasive, and this is why some news
includes opinions and comments that stimulate reactions from the readers. Another latent
function of newspapers is to entertain by the use of photos, cartoons, quizzes and other
interesting features.
While papers published every day are called dailies, we call those which are published weekly
weeklies. National papers are widely available and easily bought. National papers fall under two
categories: the popular paper and the heavy or quality papers. Popular papers present their
news in a lively fashion with easy-to-read articles and many photographs. Heavy or quality
papers are printed with longer articles stressing on important and serious events in the country.
Some newspaper publishers produce Sunday papers sometimes, with the same nameplate as
the daily papers. These are not Sunday editions of the dailies but instead, they are of different

2. editors and editorial staff. The reason behind this is the availability of more peopleto read
during Sundays. The price of the Sunday paper tends to be higher than the regular paper, but it
contains more news.
The Campus Paper
The Campus Paper is the version of the national newspaper within an academic institution. In
other words, it is a pioneer in the publishing industry as a free newspaper of the students by the
students and for the students to circulate within the academic community. The Campus Paper
may broaden its reach like the community and other agencies in the society.
With the advent of the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, otherwise known as Republic Act
Numbered 7079, the establishment of campus publication in basic education and in higher
learning institutions has been legalized.
Since the campus paper is run by the students, they have the chance to simulate the daily
newspaper's characteristics at the same time act as journalists in their own fields. It should be
noted that the campus paper is contextualized within the institution; hence, priority issues
should emanate from the institution before touching local, national and international concerns.
It is observed that the size and frequency of the paper vary, depending on the policies of the
editorial board, the fund or publication budget and the population of the learning institution.
There are higher learning institutions which collect a campus paper fee that can finance a
semestral release of a newsletter, a tabloid, a magazine, a broadsheet and sometimes a literary
folio. The school, too, may decide to release a special edition of its publication or organ during
intramurals and foundation days or on any special occasions.
In many instances, though, school papers under the Department of Education opt to release
newsletters due to the consideration of the fund, the population and the scope.
What should Go into the Campus Paper?
Campus journalism serves as a means to strengthen the ethical values and to encourage the
creative and critical thinking of the Filipino youth. It also helps in developing the personal
discipline and moral character of the young.
Campus Journalism is one of the most effective means of teaching students the basic and
advanced writing techniques and inculcating in them the values of work and fair judgment. It is

3. a good training ground for future journalists or for writers. Through the school paper, student
writers are able to develop their skills and enhance their craft.
Moreover, with campus paper, both the campus journalists and the target audience are helped
appreciate the role of the press in shaping public opinion. Primarily, the campus paper promotes
the best interest not only of the students but also of the faculty and the administration. The
paper is a conduit for the pleasant and wholesome relationship between the teachers and their
students. It is an avenue where students ventilate their opinions, including their grievances. In
fact, many school papers in higher learning institutions maximize these functions.
Today, the campus paper has become an avenue to expose anything against anyone. This brings
problems with the editorial board's security of responsibility, objectivity and fairness. Student
writer may write about as is anything; they observe responsibility, objectivity and fairness, thus
hearing both sides of the issue. For instance, student writers must not only publish an article
about teachers who are enraged with students, but must also look into the reasons why teachers
are enraged, through interview with the teachers. Remember, the prime cause of a campus
paper is to create a campus conducive for learning and to advance the quality of education.
A Brief History of Campus Journalism
This history of campus journalism is penned by Alixander Haban Escote (August 28, 2008) and is
retrieved from http://socyberty.com/history/a-brief-history-of-campusjournalism-in-the-
philippines/.
According to Jesus Valenzuela in the History of Journalism in the Philippine Islands (1933) and
John Lent in the Philippine Mass Communication (1964), the history of campus journalism in the
Philippines started when the University of Santo Tomas published El Liliputiense in 1890.
However, Oscar Manalo, Narciso Matienzo, and Virgilio Monteloyola in Ang Pamahayagan
(1985) argued that the history of campus journalism in the country started when the University
of the Philippines published The College Folio, now The Philippine Collegian, in 1910. They also
added that The Torch of the Philippine Normal University, The Guidon of the Ateneo de Manila
University, and The Varsitarian of the University of Santo Tomas were also published two years
later.
Whatever came first, Carlos Romulo y Pe?a edited The Coconut, the official student publication
of Manila High School, now the Araullo High School. It was published in 1912 and it is now
considered the first and oldest high school newspaper in the country.
In 1923, La Union High School in the Ilocos Region published The La Union Tab, the first printed
and regularly issued high school newspaper in the country. Since then, high school newspapers
came out one after the other.

4. Among these high school newspapers were The Pampangan, Pampanga High
School, 1925; The Leytean, Leyte High School, 1925; The Rizalian, Rizal High School, 1926; The
Coconut, Tayabas High School, 1927; The Volcano, Batangas High School,
1927; The Toil, La Union Trade School, 1928; The Samarinian, Samar High School,
1928; The Melting Pot, Tarlac High School, 1929; The Granary, Nueva Ecija High School, 1929;
The Torres Torch, Torres High School, 1930; and The Cagayan Student Chronicle, Cagayan High
School, 1931.
Functions of Campus Papers
A campus paper may be mimeographedor printed, published or released by an organization or
school whose name or logo appears in the masthead or in the editorial box. The campus paper
like any other media has functions. Harold Spears and C.H. Lawshe Jr. (from
http://www.studymode.com/essays/Functions-Of-a-CampusPaper-1317897.html), as cited also
by Sison et al. (2012), provide the following campus paper's main functions.
Aid to Students
a) Provides opportunity for interesting writing
b) Gives students the opportunity to learn how to read the newspapers
c) Acts as stimulus to better work
d) Develops students' power of observation and discrimination concerning relative merits
of news articles
e) Serves as outlet and motivation for journalistic writing
f) Offers training in organizations, business methods, commercial arts, salesmanship,
bookkeeping and business management
g) Develops qualities of cooperation, tact, accuracy, tolerance, responsibility, and leadership
Aid to School and Community
a) Informs the community of the work of the school
b) Publishes school news
c) Creates and expresses school opinions
d) Makes known the achievements of the school
e) Helps unify the school
f) Encourages and stimulates worthwhile activities
g) Develops right standard of conduct
h) Provides an outlet for students' suggestions for the betterment of the school

5. i) Develops better interschool relationship
j) Develops school spirit
k) Develops cooperation between the parents and the school
Other Functions of Campus Paper
Still cited by Simon et al. (2012), here are other functions of the campus paper.
Information Function. This is the function of the news in the campus paper to inform. Since
information dissemination is the main purpose of the campus paper, this is the function most
likely performed by any campus paper. It gives the readers information concerning the things
around the community and within the school. Examples of the activities include the graduation
schedule, the enrolment procedures, number of enrollees for the semester and other routine
and non-routine news in an academic year.
Opinion Function. Through the editorials and editorial columns, editors have the chance to
post their opinion regarding current events inside the school and the community. The main
purpose for this is to persuade the reader toward a certain point. of view. The campus paper,
therefore, can stir the emotions and convictions of the reading public - the members of the
academic community.
Education Function. This is one of the primordial functions of a campus paper. Since students
and teachers alike are expected to read the school paper, which showcases topics that may be
intensively and extensively discussed, the reading public may somehow be educated. Tabooed
topics such as sex education, family planning and the like are sample issues in which a campus
paper can be so effective.
Watchdog Function. The school paper serves as the harbinger of truth in the campus. In other
words, the writers are the eyes of the readers to see what is happening in the school and to
guard the right of the young ones.
Laboratory Function. The school paper, as discussed previously, is a miniature version of the
daily newspaper where all rights and privileges, including concepts and skills in journalism are
practiced. With this, the school paper becomes an avenue of teaching budding journalists. It
becomes a training ground for full-fledged journos someday. In fact, the many campus papers
in Manila have become the stepping stones of the prominent Filipino journalists today. These
papers include The Philippine Collegian of the University of the Philippines, The PNU Torch of
the Philippine Normal University, The Varsitarian of the University of Santo Tomas and others.
Neophyte writers pattern their new experience from the existing and past papers.
Documentation Function. The paper also serves as a posterity tool of worthy and must-be-
remembered occasions in the campus. This is why, many school publications practice submitting

6. more than one copy to the campus library and to the archive section so that the paper becomes
an evidence of what transpired in such a semester, a school year or a grading period. 6 / 17
Entertainment Function. As a mini version of the national newspapers, where entertainment
section exists, the school paper likewise showcases feature stories. Main purpose of which is to
stimulate the soul and to feed the brain at the same time. Sample stories in the campus that
entertain the readers include the experiences of a freshman, the most embarrassing moment of
a senior, the ghost in Room Sampaguita, the shoe master along the corridor and others.
Developmental Function. In a developing country like the Philippines, scholastic and
commercial journalism has been given greater and nobler significance. The sources of new
journalists are also the school. Journalists in campus publications are most likely to be the
journalists of the future. The young journalist whose news deals with club activities, school
elections and campus activities will eventually become a better one whose news deal with
activities of the nation, national elections and national concerns. The developmental function of
the campus paper does not only have implications on the young ones themselves but also on
the school as a whole. School administrators and staff may reflect their performance on the
school paper and see what improvements must be done.
Parts of the Campus Paper
Whatever the type of paper it is, the parts and sections are similar to one another.
Here are the major sections of a campus paper:
1. front page
2. news page
3. editorial page
4. features page
5. community development page
6. science and technology page
7. sports page
Parts of the Front Page
a) Nameplate. The nameplate is the engraved or printed name, logo or symbol of the
newspaper. More often than not, the nameplate also bears the scope of the publication,
that is, the date when the articles were taken. It also includes the volume and number of
the particular release.

7. b) Ears. Ears are little boxes in either or both sides of the nameplate. Ears usually contain
advertisements or announcements.
c) Banner (Head). The banner is the principal headline which is usually written in the
boldest and biggest font. It is the title of the most important news of the day. This most
important news is called banner news. The banner runs across the front page.
d) Running Head. The running head is a type of head having two or more lines.
e) Headline. Headline refers to any title of any news.
f) Deck. A deck is a subordinate headline or head which is immediately placedbelowits
mother head to give more information about it.
g) Lead. Lead refers to the beginning of a news story. This means that a lead could be a
word, a phrase, a sentence or even a paragraph.
h) News Story. The news story is the whole story or a part of the whole story about the
news which is composed of the lead and the text supporting and elaborating the lead.
i) Columns. They are horizontal divisions of the parts or texts of a newspaper. The number
of columns varies from one kind of a paper to another, that is, a newsletter has smaller
number of columns as compared to a broadsheet.
j) Column Rules. Column rules are vertical lines that indicate the divisions of the columns.
In modern journalism, these lines are substituted with a space (a blank column rule).
Space column rules or more formally known as sunken rules and are usually one em
wide. With the advent of digital lay-outing, the printer may adjust the column rule easily
and quickly.
k) Fold. It is the imaginary horizontal line that divides the paper into two. The purpose of
the fold is primarily rooted from the lay-outing rule that the fold should not overlay or
run against the banner head. Should the fold run over the banner head, the layout is
considered faulty.
l) Byline. A byline is the signature, name or pseudonym of the reporter who prepared the
news. It can be seen in various forms: by Ruben Balacbac, (Ruben Balacbac), R. Balacbac,
or R.B. One common error in campus paper insofar as writing the byline is concerned is
the inclusion of the colon between the preposition "by" and the name of the writer. This
style is now obsolete. Usually, the colon is deleted, thus, by Ruben Balacbac, not by:
Ruben Balacbac.
m) Box. Any news material enclosed by line rules is a boxed story. In this case, ears are
special types of boxes because they are specially named because of their position.
n) Cut. The cut is a metal plate bearing the newspaper's illustration.
o) Cutline. A cutline is the text accompanying photos or other art works. It is commonly
known as caption. If the text shows above the photo, it is called over line.
p) Over line. It is a type of cutline written or shown above the photo.
q) Kicker. A kicker is a tagline above but smaller than the headline. It gives stimulating but
small details about the headline, and this is why it is also called teaser.
r) Hammer. A hammer is a type of kicker but the difference is that a hammer is bigger
than the headline.

8. s) Credit Line. A credit line is a line given to pay respect to the source of the story or
illustration printed. This is done usually for stories or illustrations imported or borrowed
from other printed materials or people. The difference of a byline from a credit line is
that a byline is usually a name, signature or pseudonym of the reporter within the
newspaper staff, but a credit line is used for those which are borrowed or imported.
Thus, foreign news and dateline news often have credit lines.
Parts of the Editorial Page
a. Editorial Proper: The article that is considered to be soul of a newspaper or magazine. It
is an article that gives the conglomeration of opinions of the members of the editorial
board on the hottest issue of the day.
b. Column: A column is a recurring piece or article in the paper. It is primarily written by a
columnist who is well acquainted with the subject. What differentiates a column from
other forms of journalism is that a column meets each of the following criteria:
a) It is a regular feature in a publication.
b) It is personality-driven.
c) It explicitly contains an opinion or point of view.
c. Op-ed: An op-ed, abbreviation of opposite the editorial page(though often believedto
be abbreviated from opinion-editorial), is a newspaper article that expresses the opinions
of a named writer who is usually unaffiliated with the newspaper's editorial board. These
are different from editorials, which are usually unsigned and written by editorial board
members. Op-eds are so named because they are generally printed on the page
opposite the editorial.
d. Letter to Editor: Letter to the editor sometimes abbreviated LTTE or LTE is a letter sent
to a publication about issues of concern to its readers. Usually, the letter or the letters

9. are intended for publication. In many publications, letters to the editor may be sent
through either conventional mail or electronic mail.
The subject matter of letters to the editor varies widely. However, the most common topics
include:
i. Supporting or opposing an editorial stance, or responding to another writer's letter
to the editor.
ii. ii. Commenting on a current issue being debated by a governing body local, regional
or national depending on the publication's circulation. Often, the writer will urge
elected officials to make their decision based on his or her viewpoint.
iii. iii. Remarking on materials (such as a news story) that have appeared in a previous
edition or release. Such letters may be either critical or praising iv. Correcting a
perceived error or misrepresentation.
e. Editorial Cartoon. An editorial cartoon, also known as a political cartoon, is caricature
containing a political or social message that usually relates to current events or
personalities.
f. Folio. Usually written on top of the page, this is composed of the page number, date of
publication and name of the newspaper. Notably, this part runs through all the sections
in the campus paper.
g. Masthead. This is also called flag. It shows the publication's name, the volume and
number of release, the names of the staff and their respective positions.
The Sports Page
The sports section of a newspaper features information on local sports events, like high school
sports teams. College level sports are also covered in this section, both on a regional and
national level. Often, sports page in Philippine campus papers accommodate stories about
intramurals and relevant national sports issues. Student writers may consider writing sports
analysis, sports editorials, backgrounder, propheticsports news and the like.
As regards reporters on other news beats, sports journalism involves investigating the story,
rather than simply relying on press releases and prepared statements from the sports team,

10. coaching staff, or players. Sports journalists verify facts given to them by the athletes, teams,
leagues or organizations they are covering.
Selection of the Publication Staff
Notably, there are no hard and fast rules on how to organize the staff and to pick the editors.
Each school should therefore work out a system best suited to its particular set-up.
There are common mind-boggling questions for the publication head or the moderator of the
campus paper like: How are the editors and the staff members chosen? How long should they
serve? How big should the staff be? Should they be paid? To whom are they responsible?
First, there should be a moderator or an adviser who must possess the following qualifications in
the order of their importance, 1) with a degree in journalism bachelor, master or specialization,
or one with a degree in English - bachelor, master or specialization. 2) with experience in
newspaper work or one with more than ordinary experience in journalism or school paper work.
Other schools consider one who teaches social studies. This set-up is the traditional set-up of
picking the adviser or the moderator. The Campus Journalism Act, has a different basis for
choosing the adviser. Selecting an adviser is also optional for the tertiary level.
For the traditional and beginning campus paper system in the DepEd, the principal or the head
of the school, with the recommendation of the adviser may designate the members of the staff
or may pick them through a competitive examination. The candidates should possess writing
ability, leadership and previous experiences in school publication in such order. Whatever the
criteria are in choosing the staff, the method should be systematic, objective and fair.
Whether the editors and staff members are chosen through recommendation or competitive
examination, the following pointers are recommended:
1. The candidate should have at least one-year residence.
2. The candidate should not be in the probation list.
3. 3. He/she must not have any disciplinary case against him/her, because there is a likely
chance for him to drop or to be suspended.
4. The chief, associate, and managing editors should not hold other major positions in
school organizations, especially in the student council or student government. The press
is supposed to be objective and non- partisan.
The most democratic way to select the staff is through a competitive examination followed by
an interview. However, there are certain drawbacks. If there are no qualified teachers who will
evaluate the entries in the competitive examination, the test will not be worthwhile. If a big
number of students join the competition, the evaluation will take a long time. Another question
is: In what phases of journalism would the test be? Newswriting, editorial writing, lay outing, or

11. actual press work? If the test is in editorial writing only, is not that just one phase of the work?
Because of these drawbacks, the adviser resorts to designation. The drawback here is favoritism.
The advisers should not rely only on result of the examination. They should also look for people
who did not take the examinations but have writing skills. They should ask them to join the
board, but they should refrain from taking students into the staff who have more activities in
their hands than they can handle. They should be aware of students who only love to see their
names in the masthead or editorial box.
The choice of editors should be based on who obtains the highest average in the examinations
and who possesses the most in personal qualities or traits like leadership, managerial skills,
sound judgment and flexibility. Consequently, advisers should file and publish in the bulletin
board the results of the examinations and the comments of the judges.
How large should the staff be? A manageablestaff should not be more than ten, as follows: (1)
chief editor; (2) associate editor; (3) managing editor; (4) feature editor; (5) literary editor; (6)
sports editor; and (7) reporters (one for each class-senior, sophomore, freshman).
There are other members of the staff who may simply be appointed: the typists, the layout artist,
the staff artist, the photojournalist and the circulation manager.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Publication Staff
1. Chief Editor
The chief editor supervises the editorial staff of the paper. Usually, he/ she writes the editorials
of the organ after consultation with the members of the editorial staff. However, any member
may write the editorial so long as he/she follows the guidelines in writing. Further, he/she edits
all articles preparatory to submission of the same to the adviser for final editing and approval
for publication. He/She likewise supervises the preparation of the layout, dummy of the paper
and its pagination in cooperation with the managing editor and layout artist. He/She also causes
the accomplishment of all assignments properly and on time. At times, he/she acts as the liaison
officer between the editorial staff and the adviser, as he/ she also calls meetings of the staff.
2. Associate Editor
The associate editor edits the articles in cooperation with the chief editor. Also, he/she may be
delegated to write editorials of the organ. He prepares assignments of section editors in

12. consultation with the chief editor. Further, he/she cooperates in the preparation of the layout of
the paper and paging of the same with the chief editor and the managing editor.
3. Managing Editor
Acting as the hand of the board, the managing editor brings articles to the press for typesetting.
As such, he/she also checks articles for typographical errors. He/She prepares the layout of the
paper and paging of the same in consultation with the chief editor. Finally, he/she proofreads
galley proofs before these are finally approved by the chief editor, then by the adviser for
printing.
4. Circulation Manager
As the nomenclature suggests, he/she is assigned in ensuring the release and distribution of the
paper. He/She also guarantees the smooth flow of the passing of articles from reporters to
section editors. He/She is assigned to oversee the flow of processes in crafting the paper.
5. Section Editors
a. News Editor: Assigned as the reporter to cover events relevant to the school activities,
he/she writes news articles on assignment from the chief editor or through his/her own
initiative in consultation with the latter. However, his/her primordial jobis to edit all news
articles submitted by the writers preparatory to submission of the same to the chief
editor then to the adviser.
b. Filipino Editor. This is an optional staff function or position; nonetheless, his/her prime
job is to write the editorial of the Filipino section. He/She also edits all articles
preparatory to submission of the same to the Filipino adviser, for final editing and for
publication. Sometimes, he/she causes the submission of all Filipino articles properly and
timely. He/She may likewise act as a liaison officer between the Filipino staff and the
chief editor.

13. c. Feature Editor. The feature editor gives out assignments to feature writers. He/She then
receives and edits feature articles preparatory to the submission of the same to the chief
editor. Sometimes, he/she writes regular articles or column.
d. Exchange Editor. For beginning school paper system, this 45 un 13ptional function.
Sometimes, the functions of the exchange editor are accomplished by the circulation
manager. Nevertheless, the exchange editor makes up a list of school papers sent by
other schools. He/She is designated to mail copies of own paper to these schools as
he/she also files their papers on a bulletin board or display them on a newspaper rack.
He/She, too, keeps files of school information, such as class lists and lists of homeroom
advisers, faculty and staff members.
e. Layout Section Editors. They are assigned to cause the assignment of the school's
official photographer to take pictures on school's activities for the month or for a
specified time. They prepare pictorial articles of the organ in consultation with the
managing editor and chief editor. Sometimes, their job is to write the captions of
pictures utilized by the paper in cooperation with the chief editor.
f. Layout Artists. They take charge of designing and formatting of all pages in the paper.
As such, they label or properly identify all pictures madeavailable for publication. It is
suggested that they write using pencil at the back of every picture of the event to which
a particular picture refers. They likewise help in the preparation of the layout of pictorial
stories and make illustrations for feature articles.
6. The Reporters. The life of the contents depends on the skills ofthe reporters. They
secure the cold and raw facts of an assigned event and write articles out of the same.
Moreover, they receive assignments from the section editors or board of editors and
then accomplish the same properly and timely.
The Publication's Policies
A well-edited paper needs definite policies which may pertain to what it may print or to what
the staff may conduct. Such policies may be posted on the conspicuous places like the bulletin
boards in the staff room or they may be printed and distributed to the staff.
Policies are brief statements of the paper's platform or are sometimes printed under the
masthead, as in the following examples:

14. To support all school projects and to give only constructive criticism of some projects
To maintain a high standard of sportsmanship by avoiding personal enmity and jealousy both
within and outside the school
To refrain from publishing articles which convey wrong impression against the school, and
To avoid unkind personal jokes, criticisms and caricatures.
A. SIMPLE RECALL. On the space provided before each item, write the concept that is being
referred to or asked about.
1. What term refers to the mini version of national newspapers in the school setting?
2. What function of campus journalism refers to the responsibility of the publication to
safeguard the processes and activities in the school?
3. What Republic Act legalized the operation of campus papers in the country?
4. What function of campus paper is shown when it becomes a recorder of events that may be
used for posterity purposes?
5. What part of the front page bears the name and the logo of the school organ?
6. Which is the imaginary horizontal line that divides the paper into two?
. What is the technical term for the name of the writer whose article appears in the paper?
8. Who supervises the editorial staff and bears the highest responsibility of editing the work of
the staff?

15. 9. Among the members of the staff, who is responsible in ensuring the smooth flow of the paper
operations?
10. What function of the campus paper is addressed by the campus paper which publishes
columns, elicits letters to the editors and releases editorials?
B. TRUE or FALSE. On the space provided before each item, write TRUE when the concept is
factual and FALSE when it is erroneous.
The creation of Campus Journalism Act of 1995 makes the operations of the campus publication
legal.
Since ventilating opinions and thoughts is allowed in the campus paper, neither the adviser or
the chief editor has the right to suppress them even if they may disparage a person. This is
freedom of expression.
Information function : to inform :: watchdog function : to entertain
The campus paper also serves as a forum to discuss intricate matters, thus, clearing
misconceptions and notions.
A deck is a subordinate headline which is placed below the mother head.
A cutline refers to the cropping of photographs to make them clearer and more understandable.
The masthead is also called flag. It shows the names of the members of the editorial board but
excludes the name of the publication.
The exchange editor's prime duty is to take photographs and submit them to the chief editor or
to the lay-out artists.

16. The chief editor bears the sole authority in writing editorials.
A hammer is a type of kicker that is bigger than the headline.