Welcome to the Florida Student News Watch, a home for developing new journalists

Empowering student-run journalism

We recognize the role of public journalism in democracy; a vital mission is to foster the next generation of writers.

My name is Casey Chapter, and I’m the Managing Editor of the Florida Student News Watch. I previously worked as Managing Editor of the FSView & Florida Flambeau, an independent student-run newspaper at Florida State University. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tallahassee Democrat local newspaper brought me on to assist with their pandemic coverage. I am now moving forward working with journalist and News Watch founder CD Davidson-Hiers and the wonderful students involved in the Florida Student News Watch. I’m so excited to see what the future holds for this incredible organization and growing network of student-powered journalism in North Florida.

Founded in 2020 by Davidson-Hiers, the News Watch has grown in the past three years. The News Watch is able to focus on climate coverage and environmental issues throughout the state of Florida, with topics ranging from social justice to biodiversity and everything in between.

The News Watch gives college students and recent college graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on journalism experience. We work with publications to get students’ stories published or we post them straight to our site, and students are always paid for their work. The News Watch teaches students to value their work and the tenacity it takes to be a journalist, from research to transcription to fact-checking.

From a story about sea turtle survival and how it relates to human health, to the effects of social media and ecotourism on Florida’s natural springs, to local school districts’ sustainability practices, the many stories that students in the News Watch report on are engaging and relevant. All students who have worked with the News Watch in the past have had their stories placed in local publications like the Tallahassee Democrat and WFSU News.

Keep an eye out for our upcoming pieces. Subscribe to our email list and follow us on Twitter and Instagram (both @Student_Bylines). You can also keep up with how to donate in the future to support students’ work.

Thank you for joining us as we bring student-created climate coverage to audiences across Florida. I am very excited for what’s to come.

Thank you,

Casey Chapter

Managing Editor, Florida Student News Watch