UC’s student newspaper names Hajra Munir as new editor-in-chief
Expanding presence of newsroom to all students
As a young girl, Hajra Munir had a passion for writing.
The second-year law and society major at the University of Cincinnati says, “I was always writing. Whether it was in a journal, writing stories or writing poetry.”
But Munir wasn’t sure how she could use her writing skills beyond her love for it until she watched her brother join the student newspaper at Walnut Hills High School and decided to join him.
Since then, journalism has become an integral part of her life.
“I started news writing and I absolutely loved it,” said Munir, a student in UC's College of Arts and Sciences. “I felt like I could be who I wanted to be. I felt like this is what I want to do, that this is what I love. Journalism has made me such a more confident person, and I wouldn’t be where I am without writing, without starting my love for journalism.”
Munir will serve as the next editor-in-chief of UC's independent student-run news organization, The News Record. Students report on an array of topics, from breaking campus news to entertainment, sports and lifestyle.
'Perfect candidate'
Current staff and faculty feel confident in their decision to elect Munir as editor-in-chief, including Bob Jonason, business adviser for TNR and professor of journalism at UC.
“She’s someone whom I think the staff will feel comfortable going to with questions or ideas,” Jonason said. “That kind of leadership goes a long way in a student newsroom, where people are learning and growing every day.”
Incoming TNR editor Hajra Munir, with outgoing editor Aiden Leonard.. Photo/Beth Vleaminck
Aidan Leonard, outgoing editor-in-chief of TNR, also supports this decision, stating that Munir is an excellent choice.
“In addition to being a great writer and editor, Hajra truly cares about the people around her and always tries to elevate those around her, making her the perfect candidate,” Leonard said. “She has absolutely earned this opportunity, and I know the newsroom can't wait to have her lead them next year.”
Munir feels grateful for this opportunity and credits those close to her for getting to this point, including parents and the current staff at TNR.
“I think everyone in this newsroom has done such a great job, and I’m so proud of every single one of these people and I cannot wait to lead them next year,” Munir said.
Professor of journalism Jenny Wohlfarth concurs with Jonason in her support for Munir's appointment.
“Hajra has been amazing this past year in her role as news editor for The News Record and has all the critical skills that will make her successful stepping into the editor-in-chief role,“ Wohlfarth says. “Ask anyone who's been editor of a campus news organization and they'll tell you that it is not an easy job — and that's especially true in the past several years. Journalism is a tough and demanding profession.
“It takes a lot of courage, adaptability, discipline, resourcefulness, people skills and leadership qualities to handle the challenges. She's got what it takes,“ Wohlfarth said.
Fresh perspective in the role
As editor-in-chief, Munir will oversee making decisions that range from setting TNR’s editorial direction and guiding its writers, to editing and ensuring all stories meet the publication’s standards.
Munir plans to use her current experience serving as news editor and previously as a features reporter to grow the organization and allow its writers to flourish under her leadership.
“I want to prioritize mentorship and professional development inside the newsroom,” Munir said. “I think we have such a hardworking team, and I want to be able to utilize that as much as possible because I think that great stories come from great reporters, they come from great editors, they come from great photographers. It’s important that I am able to give them the resources that they need to produce the content that students want.”
Students do not have to be a journalism major to join TNR, Munir emphasizes. Munir, herself, is not a journalism major and sees this as a strength she will bring as editor-in-chief and encouragement to all students to join.
“While it's unusual in recent history to have a non-journalism a major in this leadership role, it was historically always the case, since there wasn't a journalism major/degree program at UC until fall 2005,“ Wohlfarth says.
“The News Record has been published at UC since 1936. Its editors were always students from other disciplines until the journalism major was established. One of the great things about having Hajra, a non-journalism major, as our incoming editor-in-chief is that it could encourage even more students from other disciplines to get involved with this award-winning, student-run media organization.“
“I am able to bring in fresh perspectives on the way we publish our work, on the way portray our articles and how I can look at things from different angles,” Munir said. “I feel like it’ll be super encouraging for people to see that you do not have to be a journalism major to step in the newsroom.”
Munir also aims to grow the presence of TNR on campus to ensure that all students know their role on campus and feel comfortable coming to them with their stories.
“The purpose of being a student newspaper is to inform, it’s to educate and it’s to amplify the voices of the students who are on campus,” Munir said.
“I think that everyone has such interesting stories to share, and I feel like our jobs as student reporters is to share those stories and it’s to amplify the voices of the people who feel maybe unheard of.”
Featured image at top: Hajra Munir, incoming editor of UC's student newspaper The News Record. Photo/Beth Vleaminck
Gracie Reed
Student Journalist, A&S Department of Marketing and Communication
artscinews@ucmail.uc.edu
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