Providence, R.I.--A national news outlet organized by college and high school students is quickly gaining recognition as a source of detailed political coverage. As one of Scoop44.com's founders and its current director of public affairs, Providence College's Ryan Whalen '09 is involved in every step of the journey.

The Web site--like its predecessor, the election-oriented Scoop08.com--is intended to give young journalists a platform to report on national politics. Students from across the country contribute articles on a variety of topics ranging from race in America to political engagement on college campuses.

Whalen, a political science and history double-major from Warwick, R.I., has long taken an interest in the political world, serving as an intern at the Rhode Island State House and in the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office.

He has been a part of the project since October 2008, when he was approached by Scoop44's founder and editor-in-chief, Harvard undergraduate Alexander Heffner. Since its launch in February, the site has expanded rapidly, earning positive reviews from newspapers such as The Boston Globe, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.

"Scoop 44 is trying to harvest the vast amount of enthusiasm and participation shown by the youth in the 2008 election," said Whalen. "The youth vote is one of the most dynamic voting groups in America. What better way to express their thoughts and perceptions than through a political outlet that supports their independent viewpoints?"

Site gaining unparalleled access
As director of public affairs, Whalen spends much of his time in communication with representatives from the print, radio, and broadcast media. Scoop44's writers and editors have appeared on C-SPAN, CNN, and FOX News, and the site recently gained press credentials for White House briefings.

According to Whalen, Scoop44 also receives regular updates from White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs and is currently in the process of getting credentialed as a member of the Congressional Press Pool.

Whalen said the experience has given him unparalleled access to a field he is passionate about.

"Scoop44 has not only given me real-life experience dealing with major corporations and news networks, but it has also allowed me to do what I love: talk about politics," he said. "Most importantly, Scoop44 has taught me that it's important to stick to core values, which can be easily lost when dealing with such a wide spectrum of people and news."

Whalen hopes that as a national Web publication led exclusively by young journalists and entrepreneurs, Scoop44 will help fill a void in everyday coverage of politics.

"By focusing on the new administration, its political and public policy implications, and its impact on a rising generation, Scoop44 will venture into territory that neither the mainstream media nor any other outlet can explore with equal vigor," he said. "As we move forward, we are hoping to create a sustainable news outlet providing a fresh generational lens for observing national political affairs."

        - Joe Miller '10

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