MoWest’s Griffon Media continues to evolve with media landscape

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- As traditional media shifts away from print, Missouri Western State University's Griffon Media course now emphasizes digital communication.

A few years back, Griffon Media distributed its final printed paper edition of the Griffon News. Not long after, the class stopped circulating the e-edition of the once-famous paper.

Now the program is teaching students modern communication through photography, video and online article writing. The program continues to bring in students from a variety of majors, not just journalism or communications.

One of those students is now photo editor Kyla Spradlin, who is a Wildlife & Conservation Management Major at MoWest. Her intrigue came after she was recruited while taking Griffon Media Adviser James Carviou's photography course.

As for learning journalism while pursuing a degree in natural sciences, Spradlin said she sees its value.

"I know that the world has been moving to a more modern and more technological standpoint, and I feel like that's what we've been doing, for sure. I know we used to do (many things) that we've come away from," Spradlin said. "I think we're moving to this more technological modern outlook is moving with the times, and I think it's a smart thing for the audience."

Spradlin’s involvement extends beyond photography—she also co-hosts the class podcast with editor-in-chief Kendall Warren. Warren oversees classmates and embraces the program’s digital direction.

With many journalism schools across the nation, Warren feels MoWest offers a very personable experience for those wanting to learn the ropes.

"Students have more opportunities in the media. I never expected to be editor in chief, but here I am," Warren said. "Because it's a smaller school, you get more hands-on experience and chances to do things. That led me to consider being editor-in-chief."

The third pillar of the program, KGSM-TV, has been in existence for some time. The newscasts are filmed in the IT studio in the basement of the Hearnes Building on campus most Fridays.

Two separate sessions include filming the newscasts and then a sportscast, keeping students up to date on how their teams are doing. The current sports editor for Griffon Media is Andruw Hamilton, who loves the option of attending MoWest, being from Kansas City, Missouri.

Hamilton is an upperclassman who has witnessed the program's evolution and is thankful to be part of it.

"(With Griffon Media) going from newspaper to technology, like broadcasting and podcasting (has been great)", Hamilton said. "Because, not only that, it could also help me as well with being on TV, podcasting (and the fact that I want to work in sports)."

To see the latest from Griffon Media, click here.