The Heights (newspaper)

The Heights (newspaper). It is the independent student newspaper of Boston College, published weekly during the academic year. Founded in 1919, it serves as the primary source of campus news and a training ground for student journalists. The publication operates from its offices in McElroy Commons and is financially and editorially independent from the university administration.

History

The newspaper was established in 1919, initially operating under the name *The Stylus* before adopting its current name. For much of its early history, it was closely affiliated with the university's Jesuit administration. A significant turning point occurred in the early 1970s when the staff successfully fought for and achieved editorial independence from Boston College. This period of change coincided with broader national student activism and debates over Freedom of the press. Key historical coverage has included major campus events, protests, and the evolution of university policies under various Boston College presidents.

Content and sections

Each weekly print edition is organized into several distinct sections. The *News* section covers campus affairs, administrative decisions, and local events in Newton, Massachusetts and Brighton, Boston. The *Sports* section provides extensive coverage of Boston College Eagles athletics, particularly Atlantic Coast Conference competitions in football and basketball. The *Arts* section reviews performances at venues like Robsham Theater and profiles student artists. Additional regular features include the *Opinion* page, which publishes editorials and columns, and a *Satire* section known for its humorous takes on campus life.

Staff and organization

The publication is managed entirely by undergraduate students, with editorial leadership headed by an Editor-in-chief and a Managing editor. The staff is divided into departments corresponding to the newspaper's sections, each overseen by a Section editor. All staff members, including writers, photographers, and designers, are volunteers. The organization is incorporated as The Heights, Inc., a non-profit entity, with a Board of directors that includes alumni and faculty advisors from the Boston College Communication Department. This structure ensures the paper's operational and financial autonomy.

Recognition and awards

The newspaper has received numerous accolades from collegiate and professional journalism associations. It has been consistently honored by the Associated Collegiate Press and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association with national Pacemaker awards. Individual staff members have won awards for writing, photography, and design from organizations like the Society of Professional Journalists. Its editorial stance and investigative reporting on campus issues have also been cited by regional media outlets, including The Boston Globe.

Digital presence and multimedia

The publication maintains a comprehensive online presence through its website and active social media channels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Daily news updates, multimedia content, and expanded versions of print stories are published online. The staff produces supplementary digital content, including podcasts and video series, which cover campus events and interview notable figures from the Boston College community. This multimedia approach allows for real-time reporting and broader audience engagement beyond the weekly print cycle.

Category:Student newspapers published in Massachusetts Category:Boston College Category:Publications established in 1919