The Good 5 Cent Cigar

The Good 5 Cent Cigar. It is the official independent student newspaper of the University of Rhode Island, published in Kingston, Rhode Island. Founded in the early 1970s, the paper provides news, sports, arts, and opinion content for the campus community. It operates with editorial independence and is staffed entirely by University of Rhode Island students, serving as a primary training ground for aspiring journalists.

History and founding

The newspaper was established in 1971, a period of significant student activism and countercultural expression on American campuses. Its distinctive name was inspired by a line in the song "America" by Simon & Garfunkel. The publication emerged as an alternative to more traditional campus media, seeking to provide a platform for student voices during the Vietnam War era. Over the decades, it has chronicled major events at the University of Rhode Island, from changes in university administration to shifts in Rhode Island state funding for higher education.

Content and editorial focus

The paper publishes a weekly print edition and maintains a dynamic online presence, covering a wide range of topics pertinent to the university community. Its sections typically include campus news, sports featuring URI Rams athletics, arts and entertainment, and opinion editorials. The editorial board maintains a firm policy of independence from the University of Rhode Island administration and the Student Senate. This allows for critical reporting on university policies, Rhode Island politics affecting education, and broader national issues impacting student life.

Notable contributors and alumni

Many former staff members have pursued distinguished careers in journalism, media, and public service. Alumni have secured positions at major outlets like The Boston Globe, The Providence Journal, and CNN. The paper has served as an early training ground for reporters who later covered significant events such as 9/11 and national political conventions. The experience gained at the publication is often cited by alumni as foundational to their success in competitive media markets like New York City and Washington, D.C..

Campus and community impact

As the primary news source for the University of Rhode Island campus, the paper plays a crucial role in informing the student body and fostering community debate. It regularly covers meetings of the University of Rhode Island administration and the Student Senate, providing transparency on campus governance. The paper's reporting often extends into the wider South County community, covering local elections, business developments, and events in Narragansett and Wakefield.

Controversies and challenges

Throughout its history, the publication has faced several challenges related to funding, editorial freedom, and the evolving media landscape. Disputes have occasionally arisen with the University of Rhode Island administration or the Student Senate over budget allocations and the content of critical investigations. Like many student and professional newspapers, it has navigated the industry-wide shift to digital media, working to maintain relevance and readership. These experiences reflect broader trends within American journalism and the unique pressures faced by the college newspaper model.

Category:Student newspapers published in Rhode Island Category:University of Rhode Island Category:Publications established in 1971