Durham College (DC) Journalism – Web and Print students are undertaking a new endeavour to provide another learning outlet to their already full program. The venture is a new online magazine called The Water Buffalo with 100 per cent of its content provided by Journalism students.

“Until now, students have had The Chronicle, a weekly paper that caters to news production,” said Teresa Goff, an instructor in the Journalism program. “The Water Buffalo is an opportunity for students to use new digital tools to tell stories and engage readers.”

The large animal was chosen as the magazine’s title because the media industry is a changing beast. In order to adapt, both content and delivery of that content must evolve to match reader expectations, much in the same way the water buffalo has adapted to survive for generations. In honour of this distinctive fact, the magazine will cover a variety of topics from entertainment to social issues while maintaining its goal of providing an alternative news option for those living in Oshawa and within the Durham Region.

“We hope to reflect both the changes here at the college and in the Durham Region as well as the changes in the way that people access their information,” said Goff. “The stories that appear in the magazine will be told on many media platforms incorporating interactive polls, social media and interactive content.”

The online magazine’s first issue will launch on Thursday, February 20 with a diverse array of stories including features on the amazing journey of the Durham College women’s volleyball team manager; the beginnings of a competitive intercollegiate gaming league; and a chronological breakdown of the continuing evolution of the music industry coupled with an audio interview.