The Western Carolina Journalist (WCJ) has spent over 15 years bringing university and local news to an accessible online platform for students to enjoy. Throughout this history, the fully-student-run publication has struggled to find coverage for away sports games due to the traveling restrictions impacting volunteers who would want to cover the game. Ben Falasco decided that when he came to Western Carolina University, he wanted to change that.
Ben transferred to WCU this fall from the University at Albany (originally from Syracuse, New York) with a passion for sports communications. Ben attended the Communications Club meeting in August and quickly found the WCJ as a platform for him to take the lead for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to away sports games. Since then, Ben has traveled to every away football game this season, including his recent trip to Cincinnati.
When asked about his on-site reporting from Cincinnati during the football game between Western Carolina University and the University of Cincinnati, Ben Falasco stated, “Sitting up in the press box and writing game notes to being on the field and taking photos, it’s an experience I’ll never forget.”
The publication plans to keep extending their game day coverage beyond football to include soccer coverage. Student reporters travel through their own transportation, and the Communication Department assists with travel expenses like gas and vehicle maintenance.
This expansion for sports coverage benefits student reporters that are gaining hands-on media practice through the WCJ. Through their prominent platform, student journalists are showcasing WCU’s vibrant athletic scene, which has previously received less media coverage. This initiative is further strengthening the Department of Communication’s reputation by offering high-level professional experience and creating earned media value, ensuring that the department will keep expanding to create opportunities like these for future students.
To follow along with Ben’s away game coverage and read other student journalists’ latest reports, visit the Western Carolina Journalist online here: https://thewesterncarolinajournalist.com/