Daily Tar Heel

Daily Tar Heel. It is the independent student newspaper of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, published by the student-run DTH Media Corp. First published in 1893, it is one of the oldest continuously operating student newspapers in the United States. The publication provides daily news coverage during the academic year, focusing on University of North Carolina affairs, the Chapel Hill, North Carolina community, and broader North Carolina issues.

History

The newspaper traces its origins to 1893, when it began as a weekly publication named The Tar Heel. It became a daily publication in 1929, adopting its current name. Throughout its history, it has operated from several locations, including the original New West building and later the Student Union. A significant milestone occurred in 1993 when the staff incorporated as an independent nonprofit, severing direct financial ties to the University of North Carolina administration and student government. This move followed years of editorial battles over content and funding, establishing a model for Student press freedom and institutional autonomy. Key historical coverage includes the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War protests, and the campus debate over the Silent Sam monument.

Content and operations

The publication is produced by a staff of over 200 student journalists, editors, and business staff. It publishes a print edition four days a week during the fall and spring semesters and maintains a robust digital presence. Content is divided into sections such as University Desk, City & State Desk, and Sports Desk, covering everything from UNC Board of Governors decisions and Atlantic Coast Conference athletics to local Orange County, North Carolina politics. Its operations are funded entirely through advertising revenue and donations, managed by the DTH Media Corp board of directors. The paper is known for its investigative reporting on university governance and has broken major stories on topics like campus safety and administrative policies.

Awards and recognition

It has received numerous national awards for collegiate journalism, consistently ranking among the top student newspapers in the country. It is a frequent winner of the Pacemaker Award from the Associated Collegiate Press, considered the highest national honor in student journalism. Individual staff members have also earned prestigious awards like the Hearst Journalism Awards and the Society of Professional Journalists Mark of Excellence Awards. The paper's editorial board has been recognized for its commentary by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. These accolades highlight its commitment to professional standards and its role as a training ground for future journalists at major outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post.

Notable alumni

Many former staff members have pursued distinguished careers in journalism, media, law, and public service. Notable alumni include Charles Kuralt, the longtime host of CBS News Sunday Morning; Thomas W. Ross, former president of the University of North Carolina system; and Melissa Harris-Perry, television host and professor. Other prominent figures include Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jonathan Yardley of The Washington Post, former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany, and Adam Hochberg, a national correspondent for National Public Radio. The newspaper's alumni network remains actively engaged, often providing mentorship and support through the DTH Media Corp alumni association.

See also

* The Old North State * The Chapel Hill News * Student Press Law Center * North Carolina Scholastic Media Association * List of student newspapers in the United States

Category:Student newspapers published in North Carolina Category:University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Category:Publications established in 1893 Category:Chapel Hill, North Carolina