Student Media hires new Editor-in-Chief and General Manager

Nicole Stone/Assistant News Director

Student Media’s new Editor-in-Chief and General Manager for the upcoming 2018-2019 school year has been selected following an interview process by the Media Board on Thursday, March 22.

News Director Michelle Marchante will be the new editor-in-chief for PantherNOW.com, Panther Press and Panther Magazine. Entertainment Director Harold Lopez will be the new general manager of The Roar, Student Media’s student-run radio station.

Marchante, who is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism, has been working for Student Media since her freshman year, filling in a spectrum of roles before being news director, such as copy editor and opinion director. Marchante has also hosted and managed the “Claw & Growl,” the live news & opinion radio talk show, and is excited to have a new chance to give back to the organization that has given so much to her.

“Student Media is my FIU family and I look forward to working with everyone to create new innovative ways of delivering content to our student body,” Marchante said. “One of the initiatives I’m most looking forward to creating is PantherNOW TV, which will provide more broadcast opportunities for our students, especially as we begin to enter the digital news era.”

Just like Marchante, Lopez is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism and has plans to innovate The Roar, FIU’s 24-hour student-run radio station, in his upcoming term.

Lopez joined the Student Media team in 2016 working as the host of “ARTPOP with Harold Daniel,” playing underground pop and dance music while writing for the entertainment section before becoming the director of that section.

“I am looking forward to taking college radio to the next level. With the passionate staff of The Roar Miami, we are going to work together to continue creating unique and fearless programming,” Lopez said. “And get ready, a street team for both campuses will be coming to take over Panther Nation. Giving you the insight on all things that make up The Roar Miami — your student-run radio station.”

Their selection was announced in an email by the current general manager, Nia Young, and current editor-in-chief, Martina Bretous.

“Michelle and Harold have both shown their passion and commitment to Student Media and this is a great next step for them,” said Bretous.

Bretous and Young both grew within Student Media in a similar fashion.

“I remember when I was in their shoes and it’s an immense responsibility but I know they’re up to the task. I can’t wait to see how they evolve Student Media next year,” said Young.

Alfredo Soto, one of Student Media’s adviser, expressed his support of the decision.

“We’ve made progress introducing the University community to student-produced daily news content. With Harold Lopez and Michelle Marchante, we’ll have leaders who understand how to make Student Media a part of our students’ lives,” Soto said.

Robert Jaross, the director of Student Media, also voiced his confidence in the new appointees.

“Our outgoing PantherNOW editor, Martina Bretous and The Roar general manager, Nia Young, have set high standards for our new student leaders in Student Media to follow,” Jaross said. “I am confident that Michelle Marchante, our current news director and Harold Lopez, our current entertainment director will continue to keep Student Media at Florida International University an accurate and innovative source of news, information, sports, opinion, and entertainment to serve our student body.”

The two new student leaders will start some time in April 2018.