Aerial view of TAMU

Journalism Working Group to Include Representatives from The Battalion

M. Katherine Banks
President

February 14, 2022

I care deeply about journalism at Texas A&M. That is why I decided in December to rebuild a strong journalism degree program here. I also believe that we should return to the very successful model which existed at Texas A&M previously when The Battalion was associated with the journalism department.

The reaction to this plan makes it clear that I should seek additional community feedback on the role of The Battalion and the rebuilt Department of Journalism, while also getting feedback about industry trends and future workforce needs.

To that end, I am adding two students from The Battalion and additional media experts to the existing Journalism Working Group that was formed earlier this year to recommend steps toward rebuilding the journalism degree program at Texas A&M.

Today, I am also asking this Working Group to study the path forward for The Battalion. As part of that charge, the Working Group should discuss options for distribution of The Battalion's weekly publication, including consideration of digital content-delivery platforms. In addition, the Working Group should assess how The Battalion can best achieve its mission to be a strong, independent student voice in the future. This assessment will be part of the group’s broader efforts to position the Texas A&M Department of Journalism and The Battalion as the best in the nation.

Thank you to everyone who shares my commitment to elevate Texas A&M as a leader in protecting the role and enhancing the quality of the free press in our society.

M. Katherine Banks