This story was updated 3/20/07 to correct a non-material fact. Questions may be directed to editor@bcheights.com.In a race to stay fresh and preempt amateur competition on the Internet, CNN has recently partnered with ThePalestra.com, a young media outlet staffed by college students all over the country who cover everything from world news to residence halls in an MTV-inspired bit called "College Town Cribs."
The Palestra's reporter here at Boston College is Alex Diamond, A&S '09.
Diamond, who concentrates on Eagles sports and whose pay depends on the number of weekly reports he files, described the gig as "bridging the gap between the person interested in broadcasting and the fan."
The Palestra has based its success on grassroots reporting that targets students' tastes in music, fashion, food, news, weather, and, of course, sports.
"Most of the reporters are focused on sports, but you're definitely able to do whatever you want," said Diamond. "They [The Palestra] hand you a camera, microphone, and tripod, and then just say, 'Be creative and go to work.'"
Although the Web site has general interest pieces like "Eat Ice Cream, Fit in Jeans" and fashion pieces like "SnUGGly Boots," the Web site's journalistic freedom culls young, proactive reporters from around the country who then create and pursue stories with a candid, local perspective.
TV stations and traditional newspapers have clamored for this type of innovative, immediate reporting since the advent of the Internet, so CNN didn't hesitate to seize a bit of the future by partnering with the Web site last January.
"It's kind of like a surreal feeling that you're actually part of something like this," said Diamond. "By having the name CNN attached [to the Web site], there are rewards," he said, referring to exceptional reports that air on "Headline News" and appear on CNN.com, where one can also find local music acts under ThePalestra.com-inspired "Gig Guide."
Spring Break
