Indiana Daily Student: A Legacy of Student Journalism at Indiana University Bloomington
The Indiana Daily Student (IDS) stands as a testament to the enduring power of student journalism. Since its inception in 1867, the newspaper has chronicled the history of Indiana University Bloomington and the surrounding community, providing a platform for student voices and a training ground for aspiring journalists.
From Humble Beginnings to Independent Voice
The IDS began its journey on February 22, 1867, as the Indiana Student, a modest, twice-monthly publication run by a handful of students. The paper ceased publication in 1874 due to financial difficulties. William Lowe Bryan, a student who would later become IU's 10th president, relaunched it in 1882. In 1897, Florence Reid Myrick broke barriers as the paper's first female editor-in-chief. By 1899, the publication had evolved into the Daily Student, reflecting its growing presence on campus.
In 1910, Indiana University took ownership of the Daily Student, utilizing it as a practical laboratory for journalism students. The establishment of the School of Journalism in 1911 further solidified this connection, with all journalism students required to contribute to the paper as part of their coursework. Students received academic credit for their work, with the editor-in-chief position eventually becoming a paid role in 1905, requiring 15 credit hours.
A significant turning point arrived on July 1, 1969, when the IDS adopted its charter, granting it financial and editorial independence from the university. This pivotal decision empowered students to shape the newspaper's content and direction, free from administrative oversight. While students had previously paid for subscriptions, the IDS transitioned to a free publication in 1973. However, declining revenue forced the paper to charge a quarter per issue in the spring of 1981, making it one of only two college papers to do so until the fall of 1995, when it once again became free.
A Hub for News and a Training Ground for Journalists
The IDS newsroom found its home in Ernie Pyle Hall in 1954, a building dedicated to the memory of the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and IU alumnus who was killed during World War II in 1945. His desk was a fixture in the newsroom, serving as a reminder of journalistic excellence. In 2014, the newsroom relocated to the new Media School, housed in Franklin Hall.
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The IDS operates with a student-driven ethos, employing over 200 students who contribute to all aspects of the newspaper's production. A small team of six professional staff members provides guidance and support. The student editor-in-chief, who oversees the management team, is selected each semester (fall, spring, and summer) by a publications board comprising professional journalists, student representatives, alumni, faculty, and administrators. The management team includes two managing editors, a creative director, and a digital managing editor. New writers, photographers, designers, copy editors, and web content producers are accepted on a rolling basis. The creative, marketing, and distribution departments typically hire new staff at the end of each semester, while opinion columnists are hired at the beginning or end of the semester.
Adapting to the Digital Age
The IDS has embraced the digital age, expanding its reach through a variety of online platforms. In the past, the IDS hosted a number of blogs for user forums and additional content. "Hoosier Hype" covered all IU sports, aggregating content from previous sports blogs and hosting live chats during games. "Live Buzz" focused on live entertainment in Bloomington, providing information on concerts, music venues, and interviews with local and visiting artists. "The Sample Gates," the opinion desk's blog, featured content from columnists and editors on current events. "Collegiate Brand News" was a satirical blog launched in 2012. "Focus" was the IDS photo blog.
The IDS maintains a strong presence on social media, engaging with its audience and disseminating news and information.
Recognition and Awards
The Indiana Daily Student has consistently garnered recognition for its journalistic excellence, receiving numerous national, regional, and state awards. It is a consistent winner of the Associated Collegiate Press Pacemaker Award and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Crown Award, testaments to its commitment to quality journalism.
Challenges and Evolution
Like many media organizations, the IDS has faced financial challenges in recent years. In 2024, students, faculty, and administrators formed a committee to address a $900,000 deficit caused by yearly fiscal losses. Previous budget cuts had forced the paper to reduce staff, impacting its ability to generate revenue, according to IDS leadership. Unfortunately, the committee's discussions did not yield a solution.
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Despite these challenges, the IDS remains a vital part of the Indiana University Bloomington community. It serves as a training ground for future journalists, a platform for student voices, and a source of news and information for the campus and beyond.
A Glimpse into the Past: Key Moments in IDS History
- 1867: The Indiana Student, the predecessor to the IDS, is founded.
- 1897: Florence Reid Myrick becomes the first female editor-in-chief.
- 1899: The newspaper is renamed the Daily Student.
- 1910: Indiana University gains ownership of the Daily Student.
- 1911: The School of Journalism is formed, requiring students to work on the paper.
- 1914: The paper is renamed the Indiana Daily Student.
- 1954: The IDS moves to Ernie Pyle Hall.
- 1969: The paper becomes financially and editorially independent from the university.
- 1973: Students no longer have to pay a subscription to read the IDS.
- 1981: The IDS charges a quarter per issue due to declining revenue.
- 1996: The IDS Website launched.
- 2014: The IDS newsroom moves to the new Media School in Franklin Hall.
- 2024: A committee is formed to address the paper's financial deficit.
Connecting with the Community: Podcasts and More
Beyond its print and online presence, the IDS has expanded its reach through multimedia initiatives. IU Student Media is dedicated to accurate news presentation and serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas. Campus publications and the campus press act as a public forum for expression on numerous ideas, concerns and opinions.
Several podcasts cater to the interests of the IU community:
- "Through the Gates": Hosted by IU alumni, Media School professor James Shanahan, and Executive Director of Content Strategy Janae Cummings, this official IU podcast explores campus life, academic achievements, and community engagements.
- "Earth Eats": Produced by WFIU Public Radio, this podcast focuses on food and sustainability, exploring local food systems and farm-to-table practices.
- "Talking Hoosier History": From the Indiana Historical Bureau, this podcast delves into the diverse narratives of Indiana's past.
- "Hoosier Hysterics": This podcast covers everything about IU athletics, from game highlights to interviews with coaches and players.
Preserving History Through Digitization
Recognizing the historical significance of the Indiana Daily Student, Indiana University is actively working to digitize its archives. The University Archives hopes to raise $10,000 to digitize IDS issues in the 1950s decade so they can be accessed by anyone online. Currently, issues in this decade (and many others) must be viewed on microfilm in the Herman B Wells Library, limiting their use. As part of IU Day on April 17, University Archives hopes to raise $10,000 to digitize IDS issues in the 1950s decade so they can be accessed by anyone online. Former Editors-in-Chief commemorate IDS history.
This initiative will make the newspaper's rich history accessible to researchers, alumni, and the general public, ensuring that the stories and voices of past generations are not forgotten.
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