Welcome to JPE Media Academy: Where Compassionate Storytelling Transforms Communities

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At JPE Media Academy, we believe in the power of empathetic journalism to create meaningful change. Owned and led by Nia Jovan Andrews, a journalist with nearly two decades of experience, our online program offers specialized journalism courses designed to cultivate skills that foster empathy, understanding, and positive action.

 

Our Mission: Compassionate Journalism

Our mission is to teach that journalism goes beyond reporting; it’s a tool for bridging divides, building understanding, and sparking change. Through our online courses, we emphasize integrity and empathy, encouraging students to explore diverse perspectives, grasp the complexity of issues, and center the human element in their reporting. At JPE Media Academy, we prepare students to tell stories that matter, stories that make a difference.

 

Meet Nia Jovan Andrews: A Journey of Passion and Purpose

Nia’s journey in journalism began in 2001. Inspired by publications like Ebony and Jet, she pursued her passion for magazine writing at Columbia College Chicago, eventually carving a path in the journalism industry that uniquely blended public service and storytelling. From roles in customer service to public health communications, Nia’s career reflects her commitment to serving communities and championing local stories that resonate deeply with readers.

 

Introducing the IPAR Method: Transforming Storytelling

Developed by Nia Jovan Andrews, the IPAR Method—Issue, Policies, Analysis, and Resources—revolutionizes how journalists approach reporting. This data-driven framework enables journalists to deliver a comprehensive story that’s accessible, engaging, and community-focused.

 

What is IPAR?

• Issue: Define a current, impactful issue with data that contextualizes it as a public health or social concern.

• Policies: Identify relevant policies or laws addressing the issue.

• Analysis: Provide expert insights and data interpretations for a clearer understanding.

• Resources: Highlight local organizations and resources to offer readers actionable steps or support.

Through IPAR, we teach journalists to tell compelling stories that don’t just inform—they equip communities with resources and insights to drive meaningful change.

 

The IPAR Method Course: Mastering Civic Engagement in Journalism

This comprehensive online course, crafted by Nia Jovan Andrews, introduces aspiring journalists to the IPAR framework, enhancing their ability to produce stories that resonate and mobilize. The course covers:

• Identifying Issues: Researching and presenting community-relevant issues with current data.

• Understanding Policies: Including legislative context to add depth to reporting.

• Data Analysis & Interpretation: Interpreting complex data with clarity and relevance.

• Highlighting Resources: Connecting readers with local organizations and support networks.

By blending storytelling with actionable data and resources, the IPAR Method empowers journalists to build a more informed, civically engaged readership.

 

Illinois Media Literacy & Local News Laws

At JPE Media Academy, we also educate students on the critical role of media literacy in today’s world, especially in Illinois, which leads the way with innovative laws supporting local journalism and media literacy:

• Media Literacy in Secondary Education (Public Act 102-0559): Mandates media literacy education in high schools, helping students develop essential critical thinking and analytical skills.

• Local Journalism Sustainability Act (Public Act 102-0827): Supports local news organizations through financial incentives, grants, and educational partnerships to promote sustainable journalism.

These laws reflect Illinois’ commitment to fostering an informed, engaged citizenry—a mission we share at JPE Media Academy.

 

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Journalism

JPE Media Academy is more than a program; it’s a movement to reshape journalism with compassion and impact. Join us online and become part of a new generation of journalists dedicated to making a difference through storytelling that changes lives, one story at a time.