Steering the 'Columbia Chronicle' Through a High-Speed, High-Stakes Summer

Campus Communications Staff / Jun 30, 2025

group of students sitting at table with columbia chronicle signage on wall aboveThe “Chronicle” team gathers every Tuesday in the summer, with the summer editor-in-chief Kate Larroder (far back, left) taking the lead to discuss upcoming stories and assignments.
two people being filmed with columbia chronicle signage aboveThis summer two “Chronicle” staff members, Ben Sherman (left, seated) and Charlesa Thompson (right, seated) are providing NASCAR coverage in multiple mediums.
person taking photo of person playing drums on street“Chronicle” photojournalist Sofia Oyarzún captures Chicago’s rich culture of street music in photos.
With events like NASCAR, Lollapalooza, and Chicago’s Pride Parade, Columbia College Chicago’s student-led newsroom is in full gear.

With major events like NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race, Lollapalooza, Chicago’s Pride Parade, and ongoing protests, “The Columbia Chronicle” is experiencing one of its busiest news summers yet — made even more eventful by the arrival of a new president and the appointment of an interim provost. Leading the newsroom through the action is the summer Editor-in-Chief Kate Larroder, who manages a mostly new team of reporters while keeping an eye on both breaking stories and long-term newsroom growth. 

“There’s never really a slow week,” Larroder says. “But it’s exciting.” 

Team Connection in a Quieter Campus 

This summer, 24 students are on the “Chronicle” staff, providing more on-campus employment opportunities for Columbia students than usual. “It is one of the largest summer staffs the ‘Chronicle’ has ever had,” says faculty advisor Jackie Spinner.  

While most of the campus is quieter in the summer, the “Chronicle” offices continue to buzz with activity, with staff meetings held every Tuesday. That said, the atmosphere does feel a little different this summer.  

“During the academic year, everyone’s running between classes and assignments. Right now, even though we’re busy, the vibe is lighter,” Larroder says. “The newsroom feels more connected in a way.” 

Reporters work on at least one story at a time, with Larroder encouraging strong planning and clear communication among the staff. While Larroder tries to keep weekends open for staff, those big-ticket summer events—like Pride, NASCAR, and Lollapalooza—often mean staff are in the field on Saturdays and Sundays. 

“We try to protect people’s weekends, but someone is always on call,” Larroder says. “It’s just part of the job.”  

Revving Up NASCAR Coverage 

For the third year, the “Chronicle” will cover the NASCAR Chicago Street Race. This year, however, the “Chronicle” has hired not one but two NASCAR reporter/analysts — Ben Sherman and Charlesa Thompson. The duo will offer insights about the race, its history, and drivers.  Thompson pulls double duty at the “Chronicle” by also serving as the team’s mobile app designer.

Last year, Thompson got to know NASCAR Chicago Street Race up close as part of a student team who partnered with NASCAR to develop a mobile app, interactive game app, and activity book for NASCAR fans.  

News Across Platforms 

As usual, “Chronicle” news stories and content will be shared this summer across multiple platforms (on their website, podcasts, social media, YouTube channel, and in their monthly print issue). The team, which includes bilingual staff, will also produce Spanish-language content via “La Cronica.” This multi-format approach ensures that the newsroom connects with readers in ways that fit their preferences and schedules. 

Building a Culture of Mentorship 

With so many new reporters this summer, the “Chronicle” has paired new staffers with senior reporters on stories, a practice the media outlet started last year on a smaller scale. 

“It’s mentorship through collaboration,” Larroder says. “Our new staff shadow experienced reporters, ask questions, and gain confidence. It’s a great way to build skills quickly.” 

It’s also a great way to help the “Chronicle” get up and running quickly for when the Fall semester begins, Spinner says.  

A Legacy of Support and Storytelling 

In addition to covering all the news happening on campus and beyond, Larroder plans to nurture a newsroom culture that values communication, mentorship, and diversity — both in staff and in the stories they tell. 

“I want the 'Chronicle' to be a place where people feel supported and where we cover stories that matter to the communities we serve,” she says. “That’s the goal every day.” 
 
 

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