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For many student journalists, one of the biggest struggles isn’t just writing and editing—it’s getting people to read their work. School newspapers often compete with academic workloads, social media, and students’ general disinterest in journalism. Some even view their school’s publication as “insignificant” compared to mainstream news.
To grow your readership and solidify your presence on campus, you need to make your content relevant, integrate journalism into school culture, and actively engage students. Here’s how to strengthen your publication’s media presence and get more eyes on your work.
1. Create Reader-Friendly Content
If your school paper doesn’t feel essential to students, they won’t read it. The key is to make every story either directly tied to campus life or something students can’t find anywhere else.
Avoid Rewriting Mainstream News
Students can already read world news from The New York Times or CNN. If your publication simply paraphrases those stories, there’s no reason for readers to choose your version. Instead, localize the issue—find a way to connect major events to your school community.
💡 Example: Instead of writing a generic article about climate change, interview students or teachers leading environmental initiatives at your school.
Make It Fun and Visual
Journalism isn’t just about news articles and opinion pieces. Some of the most popular content on The Jets Flyover includes crosswords, mini-games, and interactive features created by our illustrators. While these shouldn’t overshadow traditional reporting, adding a few fun items each month keeps students engaged.
💡 Example: Create a “Which Teacher Are You?” quiz or a meme-based recap of school events.
Feature Students
Readers love seeing themselves and their peers in stories. Covering student-led projects, clubs, or unique achievements ensures the publication feels personal rather than something detached from everyday school life.
2. Establish Dedicated Reading Time
Even if your publication produces high-quality content, students won’t read it if they don’t have time. One way to fix this is to work with school administration to integrate reading time into the school schedule.
At The Jets Flyover, we secured a weekly 20-minute block where students read articles on our website. Editors and writers guide discussions, encourage comments, and ensure participation.
💡 How to Make This Happen:
Build a strong relationship with administration by covering school events fairly and professionally.
Get faculty support. If teachers value student journalism, they’ll help advocate for reading time.
Use homeroom/advisory periods as a dedicated time slot for reading and discussion.
A consistent, school-wide reading time builds awareness, boosts engagement, and normalizes journalism as part of school culture.
3. Invite Guest Writers
A fresh perspective can breathe new life into your publication. Consider opening your site to guest writers—students who aren’t part of your staff but have something to say.
How It Works:
Students submit articles to the editorial board for review.
The board reserves the right to edit before publication.
If guest writers contribute regularly, they can be offered a staff profile after meeting specific criteria (e.g., writing three articles).
💡 Why This Works:
Brings in new voices and attracts readers from different social groups.
Expands your publication’s range of topics and interests.
Encourages students who may not want a full commitment to still participate.
4. Encourage Letters to the Editor
Some students may not want to write full articles, but they do have opinions. Letters to the editor provide a space for readers to share their thoughts without needing to commit to a full writing role.
Most publications have a submission form, and the editorial board decides whether to publish or request revisions. Unlike guest articles, letters to the editor aren’t revised by editors—writers must make their own changes before approval.
💡 How to Promote This:
Create a simple submission form on your site.
Include a section in your paper or website dedicated to reader responses.
Actively encourage feedback by posing questions to the audience at the end of articles.
This two-way interaction gives students a voice while reinforcing that your publication values reader input.
5. Integrate Journalism Into the Classroom
A school paper can also serve as an educational tool. Articles written by students can be incorporated into English, history, or social studies classes, making the publication more relevant to academic life.
How This Can Work:
Government classes can reference political opinion pieces from student writers.
English classes can study investigative journalism articles as part of writing lessons.
Journalism students can work with ELA teachers on media literacy projects.
💡 Real Example: During the 2024-25 school year, our school’s English department ran a unit on investigative journalism and intersectionality, using Jets Flyover articles as learning materials. Editors even gave presentations on how student journalists report on real issues.
By integrating your paper into class discussions and assignments, students become more familiar with your work, leading to higher readership and more student contributors.
To achieve a strong media presence, a publication needs to make journalism an essential part of school culture. By creating engaging content, securing dedicated reading time, inviting guest contributions, and collaborating with faculty, your publication can grow beyond a small niche audience and reach the entire student body.
What strategies have worked for your school’s publication? Let’s discuss in the comments! 🚀
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