MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s student-run media platform, Sidelines, is celebrating 100 years of serving campus and community through award-winning journalism.

Originally a printed newspaper, Sidelines has evolved into a news website and email newsletter while remaining true to its mission as a student-led news organization that has provided scores of student journalists with an opportunity to put their classroom knowledge to use.

Journalism major Noah McLane, of Murfreesboro, is Sidelines editor-in-chief for the milestone year, leading a staff of 11 editors and more than 40 reporters, as well as a slate of student contributors.

“I am honored to be leading such a diverse and committed group of journalists during this historic anniversary,” he said.

The Sidelines news team is made up of dozens of students, all working to gain real-world storytelling experience that will help them as they embark on future careers in the ever-changing world of news and digital media.

“I knew from the moment I joined Sidelines that I was home, and I always wanted to give this newspaper the same love it has shown me,” McLane continued. “I hope to do Sidelines justice this semester.”

In celebration of the newspaper’s centennial anniversary, Sidelines has events planned throughout the fall and spring semesters.

On Thursday, Sept. 18, at 1 p.m., in the parliamentary room on the second floor of the Student Union, McLane, alongside past Sidelines alumni, will participate in a panel and share the newspaper’s impact on them and their careers.

In addition to McLane, the scheduled panelists and moderator include:

• Moderator: Matthew Leimkuehler, Sidelines academic adviser 
• Panelist: Sarah Grace Taylor, former editor-in-chief, now with the Nashville Banner 
• Panelist: George Walker, former photographer, now with the Associated Press
• Panelist: David Chamberlin, former sports editor, now with the Americana Music Association 
• Panelist: Eric Jackson, former graphic designer, now a faculty member at Middle Tennessee State University 

“It may sound cheesy, but Sidelines has opened more doors for me than I can count,” McLane said. “I will never forget going on (now retired former Sidelines academic adviser) Leon Alligood’s road trip class to Paris, Tennessee, — an opportunity afforded to me because I had joined Sidelines the semester prior.”

McLane said his time at Sidelines has taken him to places like the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival and the Americana Music Association’s AmericanaFest. He has also traveled to places like Jackson, Mississippi, Troy, Alabama, New York City and Washington D.C. for awards and conferences. Over the summer, he worked as a reporting intern for the Jackson Hole News and Guide in Jackson, Wyoming, thanks to his writing for Sidelines.

Sidelines is also participating in the homecoming parade on Saturday, Sept. 20.

“It’s a chance for alumni to come out and celebrate 100 years of Sidelines alongside current staff,” McLane said.

To sign up for Sidelines’ weekly newsletter, click here. To read the latest news from Sidelines, visit https://mtsusidelines.com/.

— DeAnn Hays (deann.hays@mtsu.edu)