STUDENTS now have one more avenue to go to for news. The Enquirer, an online newspaper was launched recently by a group of students from the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI).
“We are actively reaching out to the Students’ Union, academic clubs, sports clubs and other movers and shakers in the schools, as well as talking to students and conducting polls to make sure our articles reflect what the students are concerned about,” said chief editor, Chong Zi Liang, 23, a third-year journalism student.
Readers can expect a website that complements the campus newspapers, Nanyang Chronicle and Nanyang Tribune, with stories that these publications do not publish, according to the description posted on the website.
“I think by having a news website, we can increase the interactivity between writers and readers. By taking the dialogue about issues onto the online platform, discussions can be faster and more vibrant,” said deputy editor, Zakaria Zainal, 23, a third-year journalism student.
Set up by journalism students, The Enquirer currently has three editors and two writers, and hopes to get writers from other schools, according to Chong.
The website also states that it prides itself as a “fully student-run and independent—editorially, administratively and financially” news platform.
It was partly inspired by the recent incident where the university administration pulled a news story from the Nanyang Chronicle about a visit by opposition party leader Chee Soon Juan, said Terence Lee, 22.
Acting Head of the Division of Journalism and Publishing in the WKWSCI, Assistant Professor Cherian George said: “(The Enquirer) can also put pressure on the Chronicle to stay relevant and responsive to its readers. More competition would make the practicum experience more realistic and enriching.”
However, some visitors also had suggestions on how the website can be improved.
“The layout of the website can be quite confusing. The stories are everywhere, all asking for attention at the same time. Disclaimers should also be more clearly visible at the end of the article to show that opinions are that of the writers and not the editorial team, like what Straits Times and Today do,” said third-year communication studies student, Elizabeth Soh.
“The Enquirer can consider improving their publicity by getting the editorial team to send out personal emails to invite people to view the site,” said Jeremy Cheok, 23, a second-year Materials Science student.
Professor George said: “I hope The Enquirer takes off because it can provide another avenue for journalism students to gain experience.”
