Going Beyond The Niche: Student Publications that Go Deep
Wednesday, Dec. 17, 5 p.m. EST
Cost: FREE
Presented by: Jessica Clary, Director of Student Media, VCU; Ben McNeely, Editorial Adviser, North Carolina State University; Kat Medina, Director of Student Media, SCAD

When people say "student media," they typically think of a newspaper, maybe a radio station — but there are plenty of publications that are outside of those norms. School-specific publications catering to deep niches of student life and interests are not for everyone, but they can work really well with the right team and the right audience. Hear from CMA members who advise comics journals, a fashion publication, a horror-fiction journal, a Black student newspaper and more. Learn how they work at those universities, and how there might be a great, undiscovered niche for a new publication at yours.

Bios

Jessica Clary currently serves as director of the Student Media Center at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. She previously served as assistant director of student media at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, for a total of 18 years’ experience advising college newspapers, radio stations, magazines and online publications.

Ben McNeely has practiced journalism since he was 14 years old. He spent his career at local North Carolina newspapers, and 10 years as a political news producer at Spectrum News 1. He currently serves as editorial adviser for student media at NC State University, where he advises two student newspapers, The Nubian Message and Technician.

Kat Medina is the Director of Student Media at the Savannah College of Art and Design. She advises two student newspapers, two online radio broadcasts, four niche publications and two literary publications across both the Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia campuses. SCAD Student Media is an award-winning department that has received honors from the CMA, CSPA, ACP, SPJ and other local and national organizations. Medina is a SCAD alumna with four years of media advising and over a decade of curriculum and education program leadership.

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CMA Confabs are monthly virtual sessions open to all CMA members. Attendance is free for members, but registration is required. You can renew your membership or join CMA as part of registering for confabs. Confabs are held on the third Wednesday of each month (excluding convention months.) Speakers and topics are subject to change. Follow event links to sign up and access the latest details.