The Indiana Daily Student (IDS) is in danger of losing its voice. Editorial independence is the lifeblood of collegiate newspapers, allowing student journalists to report freely and accurately on issues affecting their campus communities without undue influence from university administrations or external pressures. Unfortunately, that freedom is now at risk at Indiana University.
IU's Media School announced a forced convergence of the school’s newspaper, radio and TV station Oct. 8, a plan implemented without input from the organizations involved.
The Media School claims this plan will “strengthen the student experience and ensure the outlets’ longevity through the establishment of a financially sustainable business model.”
However, in doing so, it has effectively ended the 157-year tradition of a print edition of the IDS. Theo Hawkins, Design Editor at the IDS and an Interactive and Digital Media student, said the plan has not only cut a majority of the design team’s work but also has taken away the magic of seeing work in multiple mediums.
“Print journalism, you can touch it, you can feel it, you can smell it,” Hawkins said. “Without it, you lose the gratification of having something to show for what you did and it affects our educational opportunities, which is why we are here.”
Although it is true the IDS faced a nearly $1 million deficit, the university allowed it to operate at a loss for three years starting in the 2021-22 fiscal year, with the understanding that “any remaining deficit after that time will be covered by The Media School.” On July 3, the Media School paid off the remaining deficit, asserting this would enable the IDS to operate sustainably.
However, by paying off the IDS’ debt, the Media School compromised the publication’s editorial independence. It exposed the publication to a forced convergence in which vital resources would be taken away from it.
Hawkins said working in print media is “one of the most important educational experiences of [their] life” and aligns with their future career aspirations.
“If [IU] really wants to create a multimedia learning experience, you have to include as many forms of media as possible, and that includes print,” Hawkins said. “A multimedia experience does not mean moving everything online; that's not what multimedia means.”
The decision to halt print publication reflects a significant shift away from a comprehensive educational approach, undermining both the IDS and the rich tradition of journalistic education at IU.
On Ohio University’s campus, the weekly print edition continues. The tabloid is distributed at more than 78 locations in the Athens community and on Ohio University’s campus. The Post remains both editorially and financially independent.
According to Hawkins, The Post should “Treasure your print paper because it is going to provide you with so many opportunities to learn and connect with your community and do the job journalism is meant to do,” Hawkins said. “What you do with print is you bring a connection to a broader array of people, you bring that connection to people who can't access your website, who don’t want to access your website, and to people who don't know that you exist.”
As the IDS navigates this turbulent chapter, the future of student journalism at Indiana University hangs in the balance.
Abby Waechter is a junior studying strategic communications at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Have something to say? Email her at aw087421@ohio.edu or tweet her @AbbyWaechter.
