Southeastern student newspaper recognized in national front page effort
Thursday, April 16, 2020
by: Tonya Lowentritt
HAMMOND – Newspapers around the country were recently encouraged to run a prominent
headline with a localized news story to remind readers how local newspapers, like
Southeastern Louisiana University’s student-run weekly newspaper The Lion’s Roar,
and their staffs share in the difficult circumstances and other impacts of coronavirus
and COVID-19.
The Lion’s Roar chose to participate with a noticeable headline and story to
include in the March 31 issue of The Lion’s Roar. Several Louisiana newspapers submitted
their customized messages and designs to the Louisiana Press Association, the official
trade organization for Louisiana news publishers. The Lion’s Roar was the only college
newspaper in the state recognized by the LPA for their participation in the initiative.
“The editorial staff and I were thrilled to be a part of this initiative, keeping
the community up to date on the most recent news regarding the pandemic,” said Editor-in-Chief
Jacob Summerville, a junior political science major from Greenwell Springs. “We have
had several stories concerning COVID-19 thus far, but this layout was great to include
because of the unity among other news organizations in the state. Being one of the
most heavily impacted states in the country, this was the best decision to include
our contribution in providing a local twist on an international crisis.”
The Lion’s Roar staff have been working to produce original content to include
in both the digital version of the weekly newspaper, along with content shared through
the publication’s web and social media presence.
“This is a hard time for everyone in the community,” said Assistant Editor Prakriti
Adhikari, a junior accounting major from Hammond. “There are many uncertainties and
people are scared, but there are good things happening as well. Through our participation
with the Louisiana Press Association to make a unified front page, we wanted to spread
a message to the community that we are still together. We want our readers to know
that The Lion’s Roar will continue to serve its readers.”
The Lion’s Roar is continuing with its weekly production efforts despite staff
working remotely. Readers can access content produced by student staff reporters through
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @lionsroarnews, and via the newspaper’s website,
lionsroarnews.com.
