Columbia Daily Spectator

Columbia Daily Spectator

The Columbia Daily Spectator is the student newspaper of Columbia University in New York City. Founded in 1877, it is the second-oldest college daily newspaper in the United States, after The Harvard Crimson. The Spectator is published five days a week during the academic year and serves as a primary source of news for the Columbia University community.

History

The Columbia Daily Spectator was established in 1877 by a group of Columbia University students who sought to create a publication that would cover campus events and issues. Over the years, the Spectator has evolved from a small student-run publication to a significant journalistic institution on campus.

In its early years, the Spectator was published weekly, but it transitioned to a daily format in the early 20th century. The newspaper has covered major events in the university's history, including student protests, administrative changes, and significant academic achievements.

Organization

The Spectator is entirely student-run, with a staff composed of undergraduate students from Columbia College, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and Barnard College. The newspaper is independent of the university and is governed by a board of trustees composed of alumni and former staff members.

The editorial board is responsible for the content of the newspaper, including news, opinion, sports, and arts sections. The Spectator also operates several online platforms, including a website and social media accounts, to reach a broader audience.

Notable Alumni

Many former staff members of the Columbia Daily Spectator have gone on to successful careers in journalism and other fields. Notable alumni include:

• Richard Wald, former president of NBC News and ABC News.
• Max Frankel, former executive editor of The New York Times.
• Julius Genachowski, former chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.

Impact and Influence

The Columbia Daily Spectator has played a significant role in shaping campus discourse and providing a platform for student voices. It has been recognized for its investigative journalism and in-depth reporting on issues affecting the Columbia community.

The newspaper has also been a training ground for aspiring journalists, offering students the opportunity to develop their reporting, writing, and editing skills in a professional environment.

External Links

• Official website

See Also

• Columbia University
• Student newspapers in the United States