While some journalism students study theory in classrooms, Centennial College journalism students were reporting on what Toronto police call the “work of a serial killer.”
Students Bobby Hristova, Taylor Bridger, Sergio Arangio, Rushanthi Kesunathan and Anjelica Balatbat delved into the grisly case of alleged serial killer Bruce McArthur.
They covered the breaking news while also crafting a comprehensive analysis of the investigation and its impact on Toronto's Gay Village.
The special report has students form groups to produce an in-depth story with interactive multimedia elements and share it on social media.
Our Journalism students have been covering the #BruceMcArthur story since day one for the @TorontoObserver. They have been there for every twist and turn and have now published this incredible in-depth investigative story. https://t.co/0BZDi8FO1M pic.twitter.com/oQ3vYuPBm2
— Story Arts Centre (@StoryArtsCentre) March 20, 2018
Tim Doyle, the program coordinator, says it helps students experience real journalism.
“When you cover a big story alongside all the other media organizations, you get a sense of what it’s really like,” he said. “It’s a really valuable experience and you collaborate with your peers.”
Journalism students publish their stories on the Toronto Observer website and in the East York Observer, the bi-weekly print newspaper published out of Centennial's Story Arts Centre.
The McArthur report has over 1,000 views and has information media giants like CBC and CTV News are only beginning to report.
The story and others are featured in the special reports section of the Toronto Observer.
By Bobby Hristova