ŷ��ƽ̨

From left: Spotlight PA Berks Bureau Editor Lisa Scheid, Alvernia Professor of Communication and Digital Media Jodi Radosh, Ph.D.; Treese Media Group CEO John Treese, Alvernia Senior Vice President and Provost Leamor Kahanov, Ed.D.; Alvernia President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D.; Dean of the ŷ��ƽ̨ College of Business, Communication, and Leadership Travis Berger, Ph.D.; Executive Director of Berks County Television Heather Adams, Treese Media President Kristine Treese

University partners with regional media outlets to enhance student learning and support local journalism

ŷ��ƽ̨ and its media partners establish the Community News Lab: A Media Collaboration, a pioneering initiative designed to provide students with hands-on journalism experience while strengthening local news coverage in Berks County. The initiative, housed at the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne, brings together , ), and () to create a student-driven newsroom where emerging journalists work alongside professionals to cover vital community stories.

“The Community News Lab represents a bold step in Alvernia’s commitment to experiential learning,” said Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D., president of ŷ��ƽ̨. “This initiative provides a unique opportunity for students to develop their reporting, multimedia, and investigative journalism skills while making a direct impact in the community.”

The project aligns with Alvernia’s CollegeTowne strategy, which fosters partnerships that enhance educational opportunities and drive economic development in the region. The formation of the lab will also provide permanent space for editorial staff and journalists in the newly established Spotlight PA Berks Bureau.

“Creative partnerships like the news lab are essential to revitalizing local news coverage and ensuring more reporters are on the ground,” said Christopher Baxter, CEO & President of Spotlight PA. “I’m thrilled Spotlight PA’s work toward opening a Berks Bureau in the past year helped catalyze this project and bring people together.”

Students will have the opportunity to contribute investigative reports, multimedia content, and live broadcasts, gaining real-world experience in digital and community journalism. The lab will provide students with opportunities to have their work published, aired, and shared across multiple platforms, ensuring that important local issues receive the coverage they deserve.

“Joining in the Community News Lab collaboration with ŷ��ƽ̨ reinforces and strengthens BCTV’s commitment to local storytelling and civic engagement, said BCTV Executive Director Heather Adams. “This partnership will provide new opportunities to amplify community voices, support emerging media talent, and expand access to informative and engaging local content for Berks County."

Alvernia communication professor, Jodi Radosh, Ph.D. will serve as director of the Community News Lab. She is a former television journalist and was formerly the associate director of the university’s Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement.

“Treese Media Group and WEEU are proud to be part of the Community News Lab collaboration, a groundbreaking initiative that nurtures the next generation of journalists while reinforcing the vital role of local news,” said Treese Media Group CEO John J. Treese Jr. “At WEEU, we have always been committed to serving Berks County, and this partnership strengthens our connection to the community while supporting innovative local journalism. We look forward to working alongside ŷ��ƽ̨, Spotlight PA, and BCTV to ensure that important local stories continue to be told with integrity and impact.”

The Community News Lab will officially launch in fall 2025, beginning with a pilot semester that integrates the initiative into news and feature writing and broadcasting courses. Future plans include expanding the program based on feedback from students, faculty, and the local community.