Julia Soriano & Shiela Talusan
February 02, 2024
When asked about your central space, what will your response be?
In the 1994 TV series “Friends,” a globally acclaimed show that captures the hearts and humors of both young and adult audiences, there exists a place known as ‘Central Perk,’ such a famous location that serves as a frequent gathering spot to relax, discuss life and gossip, hang out with friends, meet new people, or simply be the right place to be alone and gather one’s thoughts.
For media practitioners, the newsroom serves as their equivalent of Central Perk.
A newsroom is defined as the “central place” where journalists of any kind convene to gather, write, select, edit news stories, design layouts, and ensure that each element aligns with the overall editorial vision of a publication.
Just as the world has Central Perk as a nostalgic gathering place, media practitioners similarly have newsrooms as their central spot, having a sense of belonging and purpose.
For the time, work, and dedication invested inside the four walls, a newsroom becomes more than just a physical space; it is also the “heart” of news, extending a profound influence on the work practices, ethical values, and personal identity of every media practitioner in their respective roles.
The practice of media is extended to educational institutions, where various campus publications provide students with a platform to hone their skills, talent, and knowledge in the field of media. Through this avenue, students not only contribute to the academic community by showcasing their abilities but also serve as a stepping stone for those aspiring media practitioners.
However, despite the acknowledged importance of a newsroom, not every campus publication is granted its own central place or even a Central Perk.
To provide campus publications with their own dedicated room would unlock doors and create opportunities that can significantly improve operations, creativity, and influence. As mentioned above, a newsroom is more than just a physical place; it is the very space in which stories come to life—a private one.
An area where one can not only create but also learn and engage in collaborative works with a company of individuals who have various ideas yet share a common vision of serving both the public and the academic community.
The walls of Central Perk have been silent witnesses to countless stories of the beloved characters from Friends, much like a newsroom does for media practitioners. Both places serve as central hubs where ideas come to life, skills are honed, and relationships are built.
And in university settings where there are campus publications, perhaps we can expand upon the metaphor of the Central Perk— a space where aspiring media practitioners are gathered to work and talk with a good cup of coffee on hand. More so, where one can find purpose, friendships, and a sense of belonging with one another.
Commenti