The Ryerson Review of Journalism will no longer be a biannual publication.

Photo by Nicole Witkowski

There’s been an over-saturation of negative press on the current state of the business of news. From the recent announcement from the Toronto Star that page production will be outsourced, to the CBC’s plan to shed 650 jobs over a period of three years, it’s clear there’s uncertainty in the field of journalism.

The recent announcement that the Ryerson Review of Journalism (RRJ) is cutting down to one single annual issue does not sit well for two reasons. Firstly, fewer students will experience all layers of the Review with opportunity to attain a comprehensive understanding of magazine production. Competition for exposure will be tougher; fewer positions will be available.

Secondly, the Review’s judged as a product for potential profits more than a tool of exposure. The fourth-year RRJ masthead course is one of few Ryerson courses judged yearly on profit margins, gains and losses. It’s ultimately a cost centre.

Perhaps it’s naive to believe that the Ryerson school of journalism stands as an ivory tower not susceptible to the rampant uncertainty outside its doors. 

However, judging from the recent news, this is clearly not the case.

We’re encouraging outside students to pass the RRJ fishbowl in the Rogers Communications Centre. On any given weekday, you will witness fourth-year masthead students tirelessly putting finishing touches on the summer 2013 issue, despite the unfortunate news.

The cynic may question why so many hours are still invested in a product with little to show in returns.  But for masthead students, it’s all about passion and the belief in a product that goes well beyond profits. And that’s the true worth of a journalism degree nowadays.

This story was first published in The Ryersonian, a weekly newspaper produced by the Ryerson School of Journalism, on March 13, 2013.