OXFORD, Miss. — A new Web site that merges the latest in digital, print and broadcast media has been launched by the Department of Journalism at the University of Mississippi.
The site, featuring an online magazine, Mzine; blog, Mblog; and webcast, Mcast, is proof positive that all things must change, said Samir A. Husni, department chair and Hederman Lecturer of Journalism. The address is
http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/journalism/.
“Never before in history has change been able to occur so rapidly; from technology to information, change seems to happen in the blink of an eye,” Husni said. “We understand this and aim to prepare our students to work in a world where information and ideas move at the speed of light, yet keeping in mind that the foundation of good journalism is forever rooted in truth, objectivity and good writing.”
While the new Web site and its components are still works in progress, Husni said digital media is “definitely part of the future as yet another form of media joining the rest of what is out there now.”
“The journalism department Web site is poised to be an educational tool teaching students good writing, editing and design,” Husni said.
Since being named department chair in 2005, Husni has provided many educational and professional opportunities for students. In September 2006, he helped launch and serves as publisher of M, the j-department magazine, a student written, edited, photographed and designed full-color glossy.
“We’re constantly looking for outlets that allow our students to publish news news that meets the true definition of journalism and news that has true impact on our students,” Husni said.
Mcast is a video Web log that captures and broadcasts major events occurring in the department and in the Overby Center for Southern Journalism and Politics. Mblog allows students, alumni and visitors an opportunity to post their opinions on current international, national and local news. Mzine is a completely student-produced online news magazine.
“We in the journalism department know that as technology and society change, so must we in order to be effective,” said Garreth Blackwell, journalism instructor and Web site designer. “We know media is a constant dialog — a conversation — between the journalist and the audience, and we’re simply trying to use the best media techniques to teach our students ways to communicate content to the audience.”
Husni said the updated Web site is just the tip of the iceberg and plans call for finding still other avenues to highlight student talent.
Blackwell agreed, saying, “The future of journalism education at Ole Miss is limitless. We want to provide the best opportunities available. In fact, what our students can and want to do is the only thing that will limit us.”
For more information on journalism education at Ole Miss, visit