By Jonathan Martinez-Hernandez
The Fourth Estate, UW-Green Bay
When Wisconsin Watch opened a bureau on the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay campus this semester, it introduced something uncommon for a regional university: a professional investigative newsroom embedded alongside students.
For those pursuing journalism at UW–Green Bay, the move creates opportunities for hands-on learning, collaboration, and potential internships—experiences more often associated with larger media programs.
Because journalism is currently offered only as an emphasis within the communication major, the newsroom’s presence has generated excitement among students and faculty eager to strengthen the program.
“We would definitely welcome the opportunity to collaborate with UWGB, especially now that we’re here on campus,” said Jessica Adams, Wisconsin Watch’s director of partnerships in northeastern Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Watch is a nonprofit newsroom focused on in-depth, statewide reporting. Its stories are freely available for other outlets to republish, extending their reach across Wisconsin. Now, with a physical presence at UW–Green Bay, the organization is positioned to connect classroom learning with professional reporting.
A newsroom next door
The new bureau gives students a close-up view of how investigative journalism works—from pitching ideas to fact-checking and publication.
The Northeast Wisconsin team currently includes Adams, regional editor Jen Zettel-Vandenhouten, and reporter Miranda Dunlap, who covers the Pathways to Success project. While small, the bureau plans to grow as funding allows.
Their reporting centers on community-focused issues such as housing, public policy, and local government. For students, the proximity may allow observation of editorial processes, mentorship opportunities and collaborative projects.
“They’d be able to see our fact-checking processes and how we work,” Adams said.
Wisconsin Watch has a history of training student journalists, particularly through internships with UW–Madison. That model could now extend to UW–Green Bay.
Student journalism at UW–Green Bay
At UW–Green Bay, students interested in journalism build experience through coursework and by contributing to the student newspaper, The Fourth Estate.
Associate professor Joseph Yoo, who oversees the publication, focuses on developing core reporting and writing skills.
“My role is to teach the basic principles of journalism writing,” Yoo said. “After students submit their first draft, I provide feedback and approve the final publication.”
He noted that student interest varies; some are highly motivated, while others take courses to meet requirements. Still, he believes exposure to a working newsroom could inspire greater engagement.
“If there is a close space to observe what journalists are doing, they could learn a lot,” he said.
Potential for growth
The partnership has also sparked discussion about expanding journalism education at the university. For now, limited faculty resources make a standalone journalism major unlikely.
“I need more,” Yoo said, referring to staffing constraints. “Neither of us could handle this major.” However, he sees opportunities to strengthen the curriculum by incorporating skills such as data journalism, media analysis, and artificial intelligence literacy.
“Writing skills, AI literacy, and interview skills,” Yoo said, are essential for future journalists.
While journalism will remain an emphasis for the time being, the presence of Wisconsin Watch and ongoing efforts to update coursework and expand student media have renewed interest in the field.
Adams emphasized that partnerships like this benefit both students and communities. As local newsrooms continue to shrink, coverage gaps in areas like city government and education may grow. Student journalists can help fill those gaps while gaining valuable experience.
“If we can get more interest in what’s happening locally,” Adams said, “that can really garner more engagement.”
For UW–Green Bay, the new bureau represents more than convenience; it offers a direct pathway for students to participate in community-focused journalism right on campus.
This story appeared in The Fourth Estate on March 30, 2026.
