Expressing opinions and news in equal measure

As locally owned and corporate newspapers alike face the hardships of lowered readerships, a pandemic and funding, the move to an online format was an inevitable one for The Rhynean, the university’s student newspaper.

With the last print issue hitting campus newsstands in May 2021, the publication has moved to a new website – therhynean.com – providing students, faculty and staff an updated outlet for reading all things Lenoir-Rhyne.

“The Rhynean is an open channel for student voices to be heard and felt,” said Jeffrey Delbert, Ph.D., associate professor and Rhynean advisor. “With this online space, we are expanding the platform students have to share their opinions as well as news and events.”

The new website includes space for campus news, opinion pieces, podcasts and videos – providing students with a launchpad to express themselves in all media forms.

First-year student Hamilton Neill joined the staff in fall 2021 to gain firsthand experience in podcasting and writing stories that are important to the campus community.

“I have learned so much about preparation and what goes into making a great story. Having all your facts and information ready is critical. I have learned a lot about structuring my stories, being concise and detailed,” Neill shared.

With a passion for covering athletics, Neill has his sights on a career working in multimedia communications covering sports through radio, television and writing. Although his time at the paper has been short, he has had the opportunity to cover many Bear sports events as stories as well as over the airwaves as the producing broadcaster for “College Sports Today” – a segment covering the latest university sports happenings on the campus radio station WLRZ 99.3 FM

“It has been a great opportunity for me to develop and grow my broadcasting skills, Neill said.”

Joining Neill this fall as part of The Rhynean staff was junior communication student Hayley Moore. During her short tenure on the paper, she has covered multiple spotlight pieces for clubs and organizations, including the Spirit of LR marching band and sorority life.

“When I began writing stories for fun rather than just doing it for assignments, it opened an entirely new creative outlet for me,” Moore shared. “By working at the paper, I have learned how to speak to a certain audience rather than generalized writing, as well as great ways to appeal to the campus community in ways that matter.”

With the expansion of the opportunities available at The Rhynean, Delbert and the student staff are excited about the future. They welcome interested students to reach out and share their voices.

“By working at the paper, students learn the challenges associated with how to write to and for an audience, expand on their teamwork and work on problem-solving issues on campus,” Delbert said. “It is a great opportunity for students to be heard and make their voice known.”