UW-Whitewater students play role in WISN 12's Commitment 2008 political coverage
Released: October 25, 2007
Everyone has an opinion. Now UW-Whitewater students can voice theirs regarding the upcoming presidential election and other important issues online through WISN-TV Channel 12's "Commitment 2008" online political coverage. Students keep track of their thoughts through news reports, video, radio, podcasts, essays, commentary and blogs on www.wisn.com/studentcommitment2008.
UW-Whitewater junior Amanda Matuszak, senior Brooke Freischmidt and sophomore Dan Erskine will share their opinions online.
Wayne Youngquist, a UW-Whitewater professor who retired from Channel 12 after 25 years on air said, "The project is cutting edge and a unique opportunity for our students."
The students agree. Erskine, sociology major said his experience so far has been a blast. "I enjoy writing and am very interested in the political climate of both the state and the nation. Blogging seems like a perfect combination of the two. It's like a journal that might just help change the world, if only a little bit. If I change just a single mind or open up a single set of eyes, then I feel like it was worth my time."
Students from Marquette University and UW-Milwaukee are also participating. Topics written about so far include: tuition increases, health insurance after graduation, the legal drinking age, abortion, war and even Myspace.
"I would certainly encourage other UW-Whitewater students to read the blog," said Erskine. "I have been telling friends to check out the web site and participate. I think it's a very positive step and a necessary one as the younger generations continue to separate themselves from more traditional forms of media."
Matuszak agrees and is happy that the project appeals to her age group. "I think it's great because there is a large percentage of our population and age group that do not read or listen to the news, and this is a good way to keep them informed."
- Regina Shirkey,shirkeyrm26@uww.edu
