Reporter magazine builds momentum as a growing platform for student voices and prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2026 with renewed energy and purpose

Rochester, New York – As Rochester Institute of Technology’s Reporter Magazine prepares to mark its 75th anniversary in 2026, the publication is once again finding its stride as a trusted platform for student voices. Once known as the go-to source of campus news, the student-run magazine is seeing a surge of momentum as it balances its print legacy with modern digital strategies and a renewed sense of purpose.

The shift has not happened overnight. In recent years, Reporter has been working to reclaim its identity as a primary information outlet created by and for the RIT community. By increasing its digital presence with frequent online updates and continuing its monthly print edition, the staff has positioned itself to better serve a student body hungry for timely, relevant content. That effort has paid off, with the magazine earning new awards, gaining a steady readership, and attracting students who want to participate in journalism, communications, photography, design, and digital media.

At the center of this revival is editor-in-chief Mariella Santiago, a fourth-year journalism major from Pittsford, New York, who stepped into the role in January. Santiago has been clear about her priorities since taking over leadership of the magazine. “I was interested in making Reporter more of a journalism publication,” she explained. “We have a more streamlined process of how we do our print publications, with cycles every month. We make sure we are published on time and people meet their deadlines. I’m really proud of this team with what they’ve done.”

Read also: NTID researchers at RIT take major steps to incorporate accessible AED machines on campus so deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can safely use them in emergencies

The team she leads consists of about 50 students representing a wide mix of majors. Some staffers contribute as freelance writers or photographers, while others receive stipends for their ongoing work. For many, the draw lies in the opportunity to gain practical experience, sharpen communication skills, and contribute to a publication with a rich history. Santiago emphasized that they are always looking for new contributors and that the door is open to anyone at RIT who wants to participate.

Unlike many campus publications that fall under heavy faculty oversight, Reporter prides itself on being student-run and largely independent. An advisory board is available for suggestions, and the bulk of funding comes from RIT itself, supplemented by advertising revenue. However, all editorial decisions are made by the students. Weekly newsroom meetings take place every Thursday at 5 p.m. in their basement office in the Campus Center, following an organizational session on Tuesdays. “We talk about what’s happening nationally and globally, and try to relate those issues to RIT, and what’s trending on campus,” Santiago said. “We want to view issues from a student’s perspective.”

Distribution remains a cornerstone of the magazine’s identity. Each month, 3,000 print copies are placed across campus for free. The content also lives online and on social media, where the staff has experimented with podcasts, videos, and photography-based features. Future plans include offering photography and videography workshops to students, expanding their role not only as a news outlet but also as a resource for creative development on campus.

Tom Dooley, who once directed RIT’s journalism program and now serves as Reporter’s faculty adviser, has witnessed the transformation up close. He credits the staff with a genuine commitment to serving their peers. “This staff has made an intentional effort to really serve the student body,” he said. “They take a serious look at what the people in this RIT community want to know about, and how they can deliver that to them.”

Dooley also pointed out several tangible changes. The staff has added more visual journalists and social media managers, rebuilt the magazine’s website to emphasize stronger visual presentation, and grown its presence on platforms such as Instagram. “I think they are doing good work now and are taking the job of being a voice for the students seriously,” Dooley said. “They know their role is important here at RIT to serve the student body through a perspective they can really connect with in an era of local news deserts, with fewer and fewer journalists covering local communities. Reporter is here to add value to students’ lives and occasionally check the administration. And that’s OK for that to happen.”

Read also: Supervisor Jeff Leenhouts joins Town Clerk Amy Steklof and Monroe County in hosting Passport Night on October 8 at Penfield Town Hall for residents needing passport services

While Dooley provides support, he is careful to note that he does not interfere with editorial choices. He attends meetings, offers feedback if asked, and helps troubleshoot challenges, but the publication remains firmly in student hands. One of his successful suggestions was the development of a staff manual outlining editorial ethics and guidelines, ensuring continuity and professionalism as leadership changes year to year.

Beyond campus, the staff has taken advantage of opportunities to learn from industry peers. With Dooley, they have traveled to national conferences hosted by the Associated Press Collegiate Press in Minneapolis and the College Media Association in New York City. These experiences have allowed them to share best practices with other student journalists and showcase their work, which has been recognized with awards. A 12-member advisory board composed of faculty, alumni, and communications professionals also meets periodically with the students, offering additional feedback and perspective.

The benefits extend beyond the newsroom. Several students have secured co-ops or internships with professional media outlets, gaining bylines and building confidence in their abilities. For copy managing editor Liam Conroe, a journalism major from Jamestown, New York, this connection to professional opportunities is particularly meaningful. He completed a co-op with Rochester Beacon and hopes to build a career in sports journalism.

Not every staff member plans to pursue journalism long-term, but many still see the value in contributing. Noah Gallo, a cybersecurity major from Danbury, Connecticut, joined the team in March after encouragement from both a friend and Dooley. He has already written several pieces, including reviews, and is currently working on a feature about the video game Cyberpunk 2077. “I never thought I would get to write an article about my favorite game,” Gallo admitted. “Just the fact I can and that people will read it is so cool to me.”

For Santiago, the satisfaction comes from seeing each edition come together. Having completed an internship with News 10 WHEC-TV in Rochester, she brings a professional lens to her student role. “When I see it in print and see my editor’s note and my signature there, that is all worth all the work I put into it,” she said. “Seeing the final product and seeing people reading it around campus is always the most rewarding thing.”

As Reporter edges closer to its 75th year, its trajectory suggests a bright future. The mix of tradition and innovation—anchored in print yet expanded through digital platforms—underscores the value of student-led journalism in today’s world. More than just a publication, Reporter is a training ground, a creative outlet, and, most importantly, a voice for RIT’s student community. By committing to both storytelling and accountability, the staff is ensuring that the magazine not only survives but thrives as a vital part of campus life.