The first issue of the student newspaper came out this week. It’s called the Dialogue. It might also be called the Dialog; they spelled it both ways on the cover. Its spelling varies, depending on the editor. I used to be its editor long ago.
It really didn’t contain news. Most of the stuff in it, we knew already. They interviewed an RD, wrote up a piece on the death of Chief Justice Rhenquist, mentioned that the school offers another Masters in Psychology, discussed hurricane relief—old news, but typical fare for student newspapers. They also ran out of news, so they filled two pages with yearbook-style candid photographs.
I don’t expect much out of student newspapers. (And, after working for professional newspapers, I really don’t expect much out of them either.) But I think those in charge should first begin by asking themselves, “What sort of service can we provide the school with our newspaper?” And if they seriously thought about that—and didn’t limit their answers to typical school newspaper behavior—I think they might become something a lot more valuable than a few minutes’ distraction over dinner.