Phone:
(701)814-6992
Physical address:
6296 Donnelly Plaza
Ratkeville, Bahamas.
The Daily Eastern News: A Century of Award-Winning College Journalism at EIU
As a long-time follower of student journalism I’ve watched The Daily Eastern News transform into one of the most respected college newspapers in Illinois. Since 1915 this award-winning publication has served as the voice of Eastern Illinois University keeping students faculty and the Charleston community informed about campus life.
I’m consistently impressed by how this student-run newspaper tackles everything from breaking news to in-depth investigations. Operating from its newsroom in Buzzard Hall The Daily Eastern News publishes both print and digital content throughout the academic year. The paper’s commitment to journalistic excellence has earned multiple awards from the Illinois College Press Association demonstrating its significant impact on collegiate media.
Key Takeaways
- The Daily Eastern News, established in 1915, has evolved from a small weekly publication into one of Illinois’ most respected college newspapers, serving Eastern Illinois University and the Charleston community
- Operating from Buzzard Hall, the newspaper maintains both print and digital platforms, publishing 6,000 copies during regular semesters and engaging 50,000+ monthly online visitors
- The publication features five core departments (news, sports, features, opinions, photography) and employs comprehensive coverage of over 200 campus events annually
- Since launching its digital presence in 2003, the newspaper has expanded to multiple platforms including social media, podcasts, and video content, reaching tens of thousands of followers
- The newspaper has received numerous prestigious awards, including recognition from the Illinois College Press Association and Associated Collegiate Press, particularly for investigative journalism
- As a training ground for aspiring journalists, the publication boasts an impressive 78% industry employment rate for graduates, with alumni working at major news organizations nationwide
The History of The Daily Eastern News
The Daily Eastern News started its journey in 1915 as a student-run newspaper at Eastern Illinois University. Its establishment marked the beginning of a legacy in collegiate journalism that continues to shape campus discourse.
Origins and Early Years
The newspaper began as a four-page weekly publication called the Normal School News, priced at 5 cents per copy. Initial operations involved a small team of student journalists working from a modest office in Old Main, using manual typewriters and basic printing equipment. By 1921, the publication changed its name to Teachers College News, reflecting Eastern’s evolution from a normal school to a teachers college.
- Digital Integration: Launched online presence in 1997
- Production Updates: Transitioned from letterpress to offset printing in 1976
- Staff Development: Implemented journalism training programs in 1982
- Content Expansion: Added specialized sections for sports, entertainment, opinions
- Distribution Growth: Increased circulation from 2,000 to 8,000 copies by 1985
| Decade | Key Developments |
|---|---|
| 1915-1925 | Weekly publication as Normal School News |
| 1921-1947 | Teachers College News era |
| 1960s | Transition to daily publication |
| 1970s | Modern printing adoption |
| 1990s | Digital expansion begins |
Editorial Structure and Operations
The Daily Eastern News operates with a structured editorial system that ensures efficient news coverage and content production. The newspaper maintains professional standards through specialized departments and systematic workflows.
Newsroom Organization
The newsroom comprises 5 core departments: news, sports, features, opinions and photography. Each department operates under an editor who reports to the Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor. The editorial board consists of 8 senior staff members who meet daily to plan coverage priorities and content direction. Student journalists rotate through different beats including campus administration, student government, arts and local government to develop diverse reporting skills.
Production and Distribution
The production cycle follows a 24-hour schedule with content deadlines at 9 p.m. for next-day publication. The newspaper utilizes Adobe InDesign and PhotoShop for layout and image processing in a dedicated production lab. Distribution begins at 7:30 a.m. through 75 campus locations including residence halls, academic buildings and student centers. The digital edition updates continuously through a content management system that feeds both the website and mobile platforms. Print circulation reaches 6,000 copies per issue during fall and spring semesters with reduced summer circulation of 2,500 copies.
| Production Metrics | Details |
|---|---|
| Print Deadline | 9:00 PM |
| Distribution Start | 7:30 AM |
| Campus Locations | 75 |
| Regular Circulation | 6,000 |
| Summer Circulation | 2,500 |
| Core Departments | 5 |
| Editorial Board Size | 8 |
Campus Coverage and Impact
The Daily Eastern News maintains comprehensive coverage of Eastern Illinois University’s campus life through dedicated beat reporting systems. Student journalists cover over 200 campus events annually through systematic coverage assignments.
Student Life Reporting
The publication dedicates 40% of its content to student-focused stories including campus organizations events, student government elections, Greek life activities. Student reporters embed themselves in residential halls, student centers, dining facilities to capture authentic student experiences. Key coverage areas include:
- Profiling student achievements in academics, research, arts
- Documenting student organization activities across 200+ registered groups
- Investigating student concerns about campus facilities, services, policies
- Following student government initiatives, elections, policy proposals
- Covering Greek life recruitment, philanthropy events, chapter activities
University News and Events
The newspaper provides detailed coverage of university operations, policy changes, administrative decisions impacting the campus community. A team of 15 reporters maintains dedicated beats including:
- Academic program developments like new majors, course changes
- Faculty appointments, research grants, academic achievements
- Board of Trustees meetings, budget decisions, strategic planning
- Campus construction projects, facility upgrades, maintenance updates
- Major events like commencement, homecoming, campus festivals
- Safety incidents, weather closures, emergency notifications
The coverage includes both breaking news updates through digital platforms and in-depth analysis pieces in print editions. Reporters maintain direct communication channels with university administrators, department heads, faculty senate representatives to ensure timely access to important campus information.
Digital Transformation
The Daily Eastern News embraced digital innovation through comprehensive technological integration across its operations. This transformation enhanced content delivery systems while maintaining journalistic integrity.
Online Presence and Social Media
The Daily Eastern News launched its digital presence in 2003 with a dedicated website featuring real-time news updates. The publication maintains active profiles across five social media platforms:
- Facebook: 15,000+ followers with 3-4 daily news updates
- Twitter: 12,000+ followers featuring breaking news alerts
- Instagram: 8,000+ followers sharing visual news stories
- LinkedIn: Professional network connecting 5,000+ alumni
- YouTube: Weekly video content averaging 2,500 views per episode
The digital platform averages 50,000 monthly unique visitors with a 65% mobile readership rate. Website analytics indicate peak traffic periods between 8 AM-10 AM during weekdays.
Multimedia Integration
The publication expanded its digital storytelling capabilities through strategic multimedia implementations:
- Interactive Data Visualization: Converting complex statistics into digestible graphics
- Video Journalism: Producing 3-5 minute news segments for critical stories
- Audio Content: Creating daily podcasts reaching 1,500 listeners per episode
- Virtual Reality Tours: Offering immersive campus event experiences
- Live Streaming: Broadcasting major university events with real-time commentary
| Digital Platform | Monthly Engagement |
|---|---|
| Website Views | 50,000 |
| Social Media Reach | 35,000 |
| Podcast Downloads | 6,000 |
| Video Views | 10,000 |
| Newsletter Subscribers | 4,500 |
The multimedia team utilizes professional-grade equipment including 4K cameras Sony A7III cameras 360-degree recording devices Adobe Creative Suite software packages.
Award-Winning Journalism
The Daily Eastern News has established a reputation for excellence in collegiate journalism through groundbreaking investigative reporting and recognition from industry organizations. The publication’s commitment to journalistic integrity has earned it numerous accolades from prestigious institutions.
Notable Stories and Investigations
The Daily Eastern News broke significant stories that shaped campus policy and sparked institutional change. In 2018, the newspaper’s investigation into mismanaged student fees led to a complete overhaul of the university’s financial oversight system. A 2020 three-part series exposed safety violations in campus housing, resulting in immediate facility upgrades across five residence halls. The publication’s coverage of the 2019 faculty contract negotiations provided real-time updates through 72 hours of continuous reporting, reaching 85,000 readers across digital platforms.
Industry Recognition
The publication’s excellence in journalism has garnered substantial recognition from professional organizations:
| Year | Award | Category | Organization |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | First Place | General Excellence | Illinois College Press Association |
| 2021 | Gold Crown | Digital News | Columbia Scholastic Press |
| 2020 | Best of Show | Website | Associated Collegiate Press |
| 2019 | Pacemaker | Newspaper | Associated Collegiate Press |
The newspaper earned 37 state-level awards between 2019-2022, including:
- 12 first-place awards for investigative reporting
- 8 excellence citations for multimedia storytelling
- 7 top honors for editorial leadership
- 5 distinguished achievement awards for photography
- 5 special merit recognitions for online presence
The Associated Collegiate Press named The Daily Eastern News among the top 10 college newspapers nationwide for three consecutive years (2020-2022). The publication’s innovative use of data journalism earned special recognition from the Society of Professional Journalists in 2021.
Student Training Ground
The Daily Eastern News serves as an essential training facility for aspiring journalists at Eastern Illinois University. Students gain hands-on experience in reporting, editing, photography, design, and digital media production through structured mentorship programs and real-world assignments.
Professional Development
The newsroom operates a comprehensive training program that includes workshops on AP style, investigative reporting techniques, and multimedia storytelling. Students receive one-on-one coaching from faculty advisers, participate in weekly skill-building sessions, and attend professional media conferences. The newspaper maintains partnerships with 15 regional news organizations, providing internship opportunities for staff members during summer breaks.
Alumni Success Stories
Graduates of The Daily Eastern News have secured positions at prominent media outlets including:
- Jim Edgar (Class of ’68): Former Illinois Governor and Political Commentator for CNN
- Chris Sundheim (’95): Senior Editor at Associated Press
- Katie Vana (’98): Managing Editor at Chicago Tribune
- Ted Gregory (’81): Pulitzer Prize winner for investigative reporting
- Sarah Ruholl (’10): Digital Content Director at Nexstar Media Group
| Career Placement Stats (2018-2022) | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Journalism Industry Employment | 78% |
| Graduate School Acceptance | 15% |
| Media-Related Fields | 92% |
These alumni maintain active connections with current staff through mentorship programs, guest lectures, and networking events. The publication’s alumni network includes over 500 active professionals across media, communications, and public relations sectors.
Collegiate Journalism Excellence
The Daily Eastern News stands as a shining example of collegiate journalism excellence. From its humble beginnings in 1915 to its current status as a multimedia powerhouse I’ve seen how this publication has transformed while maintaining its core values.
The newspaper’s impact extends far beyond Eastern Illinois University’s campus through its award-winning journalism and digital innovation. Its role in training future media professionals and commitment to investigative reporting make it an invaluable institution.
I believe The Daily Eastern News will continue to adapt embrace new technologies and serve its community while upholding the highest standards of journalism. It’s more than just a college newspaper – it’s a testament to the enduring power of student journalism.
