From Classroom to Byline: Students Publish Paid Stories in Local Media Outlets as Part of Point Park News Service Class Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Beth Macy, journalist and non-fiction writer, spoke to the Point Park News Service Class in the Center for Media Innovation.
"The Point Park News Service started in 2005 as a dream I had as a young journalist and educator. I saw students producing newsworthy stories in class, but often times no one else besides me, as the professor, saw it. I'm so happy for my students when they earn their first byline — and their first paycheck for a story."
At Point Park University, School of Communication courses combine academic study with real-world experiences, allowing students to begin building their portfolios in their freshman year. Last semester, students enrolled in the Point Park News Service class developed the skills required of professional journalists, enabling them to write and pitch stories that were published in local media outlets. Plus, the students were paid for their work.
"The Point Park News Service class operates much like a newsroom with tight deadlines, lively pitch sessions and expectations for robust reporting. The students also take turns serving as editors to help their colleagues refine their work," said Andrew Conte, Ph.D., who has taught the class since 2005. Conte is an assistant vice president and managing director of the university's Center for Media Innovation.
"The most challenging part of this course was the deadlines because we were expected to meet those that mimic the newsroom," said Kaiya Russell, a senior digital journalism major. "I believe I grew professionally in this course and am grateful to have had two articles published. Professor Conte has helped me greatly in my development and continues to do so as I search for internships and opportunities."
Over the course of the semester, students covered a variety of beats with Conte and heard firsthand from industry professionals as guest speakers during class or through off-campus visits. Some of those included:
- Business and Infrastructure: Maria Amoruso, vice president of public affairs, Dollar Bank
- Government and Politics: Andy Sheehan, KDKA-TV reporter, and Jamaal Craig, chief of staff to State Rep. Aerion Abney
- Religion and Health: Luis Fabregas, executive editor, TribLive
- Sports: Jesse Washington, journalist and documentary filmmaker, Andscape
- Entertainment: Hannah Confer, general manager, Bottlerocket, and Beth Macy, New York Times best-selling author
Nicholas Brown, a sophomore broadcasting major, said the Point Park News Service class brings students back to the fundamentals of journalism.
"You are using AP style, pushed to ask stronger questions, conduct real interviews and understand what it takes to get a story published," Brown said. "It reinforces the core skills every journalist needs, and you feel yourself improving with each assignment."
Ten of the stories Point Park students pitched were published locally and include:
- Nicholas Brown: "A Stage, a Latte, a Local Revolution: Harvest Moon's Friday Nights Take Off," TribLIVE.com.
- Andrew Burgman: "Pittsburgh Composer Yan Pang's Immigration Story Blends the Ancient and the Modern," and "Pittsburgh Poet Builds Space for Writers Seeking Real Feedback," NEXTpittsburgh.com.
- Carson Folio: "Still Have Your Live Christmas Tree? Some Pittsburgh Goat Wants It," 90.5 WESA.
- Cassandra Harris: "Roving Technician Behind Fishy Things Takes Care of Tanks, Large and Small, Across Pittsburgh Region," TribLIVE.com.
- Avery Jerina: "Finding a Sense of Belonging in Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's Dance and Fitness Program," Pittsburgh Magazine.
- Evan Levine: "Smallgrass Jam Session in Millvale Brings Together Bluegrass Aficionados of All Skill Levels," TribLIVE.com.
- Cora Palanski: "How Falling Leaves Have Lasting Impact in Point State Park and Beyond," The Allegheny Front.
- Kaiya Russell: "Bridge City FC Revives Pittsburgh's Indoor Soccer Legacy," TribLIVE.com, and "What Goes into Being a 'Scare Actor' at Kennywood Phantom Fall Fest?," NEXTpittsburgh.com.
Plus, Marcus Betts, a sophomore broadcasting major, received a $500 stipend as the winner of the Pittsburgh Pitch competition at Newsapalooza last semester. Betts is currently working on a sports story with a local media outlet.
"You will get out of this course what you put into it. If you come in with an open mind and a willingness to do the work, it will pay off," said Cora Palanski, a freshman digital journalism major. "It was gratifying knowing that my work is worth something, and that people are interested in reading what I have to offer."
Added Conte: "The Point Park News Service started in 2005 as a dream I had as a young journalist and educator. I saw students producing newsworthy stories in class, but often times no one else besides me, as the professor, saw it. I'm so happy for my students when they earn their first byline — and their first paycheck for a story."
Photos by Evan Levine '26
