Student media press briefings must supplement interviews, not replace them

Syracuse University held its first press briefing for student-run media outlets on Wednesday in a move that could increase accessibility to the administration. As The Daily Orange takes part in the program, the editorial board will report on the experience.

Sarah Scalese, the associate vice president for university communications, announced the press briefing on Monday in an email to The Daily Orange and other media organizations. One of the briefing goals is to “facilitate interviews both in person, by phone and via email, which I know we do a little bit of everything, in a quicker, more seamless fashion,” Scalese said on Wednesday.

But the university must tread carefully. The D.O. will continue to report on the university as it always has: serving the greater Syracuse community by holding SU accountable. As this program develops, The D.O. Editorial Board hopes the facilitation of the press briefings acts as a supplement to interview requests, not as replacements for them.

University communication has changed rapidly in recent years, and the press briefings could facilitate an open dialogue between administrative officials and reporters with consistent scheduling. Still, if reporters have questions outside the agenda covered in these briefings, it’s imperative that these interview requests are still considered.

The Daily Orange Editorial Board serves as the voice of the organization and aims to contribute the perspectives of students to discussions that concern Syracuse University and the greater Syracuse community. The editorial board’s stances are determined by a majority of its members. You can read more about the editorial board here. Are you interested in pitching a topic for the editorial board to discuss? Email opinion@dailyorange.com.