News Writing Project 2

For my project, I will be discussing Liberty University President Jerry Falwell’s recent endorsement of Donald Trump for president and how that has affected students and the way the university is viewed. I feel like the political aspect of this story has been dealt with, but not many people are talking about the repercussions of the endorsement.

This is a good topic for online format because I can include more information through hyperlinks, pictures, and videos that will make for a well-rounded story while saving space. Additionally, the demographics that would be interested in this story most likely are more predisposed to digital media.

Trump and Falwell have a long-standing friendship, including Falwell’s son getting married on Trump Winery and Falwell moderating a rally
Falwell’s endorsement caused a lot of media backlash towards himself and the university
Trump was invited to speak at convocation and it was there that Falwell first indicated he favored Trump as a presidential candidate
At convocation, Falwell compared Trump to Martin Luther King Jr. and his father, Jerry Falwell Sr.
My online source will be a Washington Post article and my two interviewees will be Liberty University juniors discussing the effects the endorsement has had on them personally, and in their opinion, the university

I will be including a hyperlink to an article detailing Trump and Falwell’s relationship, as well as the convocation video of Trump speaking. I will also be using the visual aid of a video to give the readers a first-hand view of what students are feeling.

Who: Liberty University Students

What: Are being negatively affected by Jerry Falwell’s endorsement of Trump

When: Now

Where: In many non-Liberty or Southern Christian circles

How: Being treated poorly or judged prematurely

Why: Because of the association between Liberty University affiliates and Jerry’s opinions