The Mash is creating a Why News Matters online portal populated by content from youth organizations across the city.

In addition, The Mash will add pages in the print edition designated for Why News Matters (WNM) coverage and messaging and forming an advisory board of teen and adult representatives from local youth media and organizations to do background research, conduct behind-the-scenes interview

The Mash’s WNM goals include increasing awareness and collaboration among the youth publications and organizations, helping raise the profile of youth media and Why News Matters in the community, and increasing teens’ news consumption and engagement with media.

The Mash hosts two summer journalism camps in which students receive journalism tips and learn about interactive ethics.

Students also receive more specialized training and mentorship, such as graphic design and sports writing, throughout the school year.

About The Mash

The Mash is Chicago Tribune’s youth journalism program, aiming to arm Chicagoland teens with a media brand all their own – standing up for and accurately representing teenage life through the unique lens of a diverse base of student writers, trained by Chicago Tribune editors. Students on The Mash’s paid writing staff receive real-world journalism experience while producing a free weekly newspaper and are tasked with creating content that will both empower and engage their peers through news and information on a consistent basis.

Impact

After completing the program,  students will have a …

• Deeper understanding of news/journalism
• Greater interest in/consumption of news
• Better ability to identify bias in news sources
• Ability to produce high-quality, reliable news content

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