The Daily Northwestern

The Daily Northwestern. It is the independent, student-run newspaper serving the Northwestern University community in Evanston, Illinois. First published in 1881, it is one of the oldest and most prominent college newspapers in the United States. The publication operates out of the Norris University Center and provides comprehensive coverage of campus news, Big Ten Conference athletics, and local events.

History

The publication was established in 1881 as *The Northwestern*, initially functioning as a monthly literary magazine before evolving into a daily newspaper. Its early years coincided with the growth of Northwestern University under presidents like Henry Wade Rogers. A significant milestone occurred in 1908 when it began daily publication, adopting the name *The Daily Northwestern*. Throughout the 20th century, it documented major campus events, including protests during the Vietnam War and the 1970 occupation of the Bursar's Office at Northwestern. The newspaper transitioned to a fully digital publishing model in 2021, ending its print edition after 140 years, a move reflecting broader trends in the American newspaper industry.

Content and operations

The editorial staff produces content across several key sections, including Campus, City, and Sports, with a particular focus on Northwestern Wildcats athletics within the Big Ten Conference. Investigative reporting by its staff has frequently addressed university administration, Greek life at Northwestern University, and policies from the Evanston City Council. The paper is financially and editorially independent from Northwestern University, funded primarily through advertising and managed by a board of directors. Its operations are housed in the Norris University Center, and it maintains a robust digital presence, producing daily online articles, multimedia projects, and special issues.

Notable alumni

Numerous distinguished journalists and public figures began their careers on its staff. George R. R. Martin, author of the *A Song of Ice and Fire* series, served as a copy editor. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Clarence Page was a columnist. Other notable alumni include former *The Wall Street Journal* managing editor Paul Steiger, CNN anchor Zakaria (Fareed Zakaria), and sportswriter Michael Wilbon, a longtime panelist on *Pardon the Interruption*. The publication has also produced leaders in media such as Catherine O'Hara, the former publisher of *The Chicago Tribune*, and Rachel Maddow, host of *The Rachel Maddow Show* on MSNBC.

Controversies

The publication has faced significant scrutiny for its journalistic practices on several occasions. In 2019, its coverage of a campus protest following a controversial event hosted by the College Republicans involving Jeff Sessions drew intense criticism from both students and national media figures, leading the staff to issue an apology for its reporting tactics. This incident sparked widespread debate about trauma-informed journalism in the Columbia Journalism Review and other trade publications. Earlier in its history, the paper was criticized for its editorial stance during periods of campus unrest, including the 1968 protests surrounding the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Awards and recognition

It has consistently been recognized as one of the top student newspapers in the nation by prestigious organizations. The paper and its staff have won multiple awards from the Associated Collegiate Press and the Society of Professional Journalists. Individual reporters have received honors such as the Hearst Journalism Awards and the Mark of Excellence Awards. Its investigative work has been cited by major outlets like *The New York Times* and *The Washington Post*, and it is a frequent recipient of the Illinois College Press Association's top general excellence award.

Category:Student newspapers published in Illinois Category:Northwestern University Category:Publications established in 1881