Members of the Observer staff celebrate after winning two club awards at the Student Life Leadership banquet on May 12, 2023. The 2022-2023 staff was one the largest in Observer history, ranging from 12-15 members.

The Observer’s culture is best summed up with a simple statement: “If you’re not learning and laughing, you’re not trying.” If you are interested, join us by registering (for free) under JRN 134-100.

At at given time, Observer staff members may be working on collaborative or individual projects.

Observer staff are taught the basics of reporting, including how to interview people, write basic news stories and headlines, among other skills.

The Observer podcast, Eye of the Observer, started in April 2023. We are always looking for new members to host, edit, or behind the scenes of the podcast.

The Observer makes fun news videos on TikTok @elginobserver.

Members of the Observer staff celebrate after winning for in the Best in Show digital newsletter category.

Members of the Observer staff celebrate after earning three staff awards at the ICCJA conference.

Editor-in-Chief Dom Di Palermo won three 1st place awards for photograph at the ICCJA conference on April 14, 2023. Staff members can compete for a variety of writing, photography, multimedia awards in the annual ICCJA competition.

Staff members can earn individual awards at our annual state competition through the Illinois Community College Journalism Association (ICCJA).

Dominic Di Palermo, Observer editor-in-chief for 2022-2023, conducts an interview. The Observer is a great place to learn how to interview people and feel more confident.

Matt Brady, the 2023-2024 editor-in-chief, shoots photos at a campus event. The Observer is a great place to learn how to shoot pictures using your phone or with a camera.

Observer staff member Yesenia De La Torre interviews Gamers United at a recent campus event. Staff members choose stories to report on.

Members of the staff record interviews with ECC students as a part of a mental health reporting project. Staff members often choose projects that they are passionate about and are encouraged to think outside the box.

Members of the Observer staff attended MediaFest 2022, a national collegiate journalism conference, where they participated in dozens of workshops, listened to guest speakers, and made friends with fellow college students from across the country.

Members of the staff pose in San Francisco in March 2023 during a trip to the Associated Collegiate Press national conference. The staff won 1st place for digital newsletter for two year schools and 8th in website at the conference.

Observer staff often have a chance to travel to state and national conferences and participate in numerous workshops.

Dominic Di Palermo teachers a photography lesson to the staff. The Observer is an excellent place to develop leadership skills.

The Observer sends our email newsletter out to all ECC students (and other ECC employees who subscribe). Learn to incorporate what strategies that media organizations use to engage their readership.

Staff members have a chance to earn recognitions at the annual Student Life Leadership banquet each year.