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About West Virginia Today

At West Virginia Today, students aren't just studying journalism - they're practicing it. In a fully functioning newsroom, they produce television stories that air statewide and digital content that reaches audiences online. Collaboration is at the heart of the process, with broadcast and digital teams working side by side to mirror the pace and standards of professional newsrooms. The experience not only prepares students with the skills and portfolio but also confidence to step into their journalism careers on day one.

West Virginia Today gives students the chance to work in a real newsroom, taking on roles as reporters, anchors, producers, videographers, digital writers, and social media managers. Together, they provide professional-quality coverage of issue that matter to communities across the state, from politics and public policy to education, health, and culture. Every story is produced with the goal of informing and engaging audiences, while giving students the opportunity to sharpen their craft in a deadline-driven environment.

Episodes produced by students can be seen on West Virginia Public Broadcasting, KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh and the City of Morgantown's Public Access Channel, as well as streamed on HD Media's websites. You can also watch West Virginia Today on on-campus television stations, online via the West Virginia Today website, and our College's Youtube channel.

West Virginia Today Instructors

Ashton Marra

Ashton Marra

Teaching Associate Professor | Journalism Reed School of Media and Communications

Ashton came to the college with a decade of professional experience in both public and commercial media newsrooms in New York City, Ohio and West Virginia, and her reporting has appeared nationally on NPR and PBS, as well as “Good Morning America,” where she worked with correspondents across the country to produce video news stories in the field and in the studio.

Read More: Ashton Marra
Jesse Wright

Jesse Wright

Jesse Wright teaches journalism courses and serves as a contributing editor with 100 Days in Appalachia, focusing on visual and audio content. He comes to WVU from West Virginia Public Broadcasting, where he led the newsroom as news director, and executive producer of Inside Appalachia and the Legislature Today.

Read More: Jesse Wright

Meet the Fall 2025 Team

These students serve as reporters, anchors, camera operators and producers for West Virginia Today.