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Indiana University plans task force on student newspaper's independence, finances

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  Published in Business and Finance on Monday, October 20th 2025 at 23:07 GMT by The Indianapolis Star
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The Indianapolis Star has reported that the Indiana University (IU) Media School’s dean has stepped in to address a series of challenges confronting the university’s student newspaper, the IU Student News (often simply called “The IU News”). On Friday, the dean, Dr. Elizabeth A. Miller, announced the formation of a formal task force aimed at improving the paper’s editorial independence, ensuring financial stability, and bolstering the professional development of its student journalists.

Why the Task Force Was Created

The IU Student News has long been a cornerstone of campus life, offering students practical experience in journalism, digital media, and multimedia storytelling. However, in recent months the paper has faced mounting pressure from a variety of stakeholders. Student editors reported that a new administration policy had been issued that “restricts the coverage of certain campus events, particularly those involving student protests.” Critics of the policy argued that it threatened the paper’s editorial freedom and could set a dangerous precedent for censorship. At the same time, the paper’s financial model, heavily reliant on a modest advertising budget and a one‑time grant from the university’s communications office, has come under strain. Last semester the paper’s circulation dropped by nearly 20 percent, and the editorial board warned that the paper could cease publication if the budget was not increased.

The Task Force’s Mandate

Dr. Miller’s announcement outlined the task force’s mandate in three core areas:

1. Editorial Policy Review – The group will examine existing university policies that govern student media and propose amendments that protect editorial independence while maintaining compliance with broader institutional standards. The task force will convene a panel of external experts, including a former press secretary from the U.S. Department of State, to bring an outside perspective.

2. Financial Sustainability Planning – The task force will analyze the paper’s current revenue streams and propose a diversified funding model. The goal is to secure at least 30 percent of the paper’s budget from external sources such as local advertising, sponsorships, and alumni donations by the next academic year.

3. Professional Development Enhancement – Dr. Miller intends to expand the Media School’s existing mentorship program, pairing students with alumni and industry professionals. This initiative will include workshops on multimedia journalism, data visualization, and digital ethics.

Key Stakeholder Involvement

The task force will be chaired by Dr. Miller and will comprise ten members, including:

• John Torres, editor-in-chief of the IU Student News, who will serve as the paper’s liaison.
• Dr. Michael Huang, professor of journalism at IU, who will provide academic oversight.
• Lisa Patel, a former IU student journalist who now works at the Associated Press, who will advise on industry standards.
• Rebecca James, a former university communications director, who will share insights on policy implications.

In addition to internal members, the task force will invite Dr. Susan Carter, the director of the Indiana College Press Association, to serve as an external advisor.

Next Steps and Timeline

According to the announcement, the task force will meet bi-weekly starting next Monday and will present its findings to the IU Board of Trustees by mid‑December. The dean emphasized that the task force would be transparent throughout its process, with all meeting minutes posted on the university’s website and a dedicated section on the IU Student News site.

The paper’s website also hosts a direct link to a “Student Media Charter” that outlines the existing policy framework governing the newspaper. An excerpt from that charter reads: “The student media must operate in a manner consistent with the university’s commitment to free and responsible journalism, while respecting the integrity of the campus community.” Dr. Miller pointed out that while the charter was well‑intentioned, it had become ambiguous in the face of new campus dynamics.

Broader Context

The initiative comes amid a national conversation about the role of student media in higher education. Several universities across the country have faced scrutiny over restrictions placed on student journalists. The New York Times reported in March that a Texas university had suspended its student newspaper’s coverage of a campus protest, prompting protests from the student body. At IU, the task force is seen as a proactive measure to avoid similar controversies.

Impact on the IU Student News

If the task force’s recommendations are adopted, the IU Student News could experience a revitalized editorial direction and a stronger financial footing. Students will benefit from expanded professional development, potentially increasing the paper’s reputation as a launchpad for careers in journalism and related fields. Moreover, a clear editorial policy that balances autonomy with institutional compliance could serve as a model for other student media groups.

Conclusion

The dean’s decision to convene a task force signals a recognition that student journalism thrives when it is free, financially viable, and professionally grounded. By engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders—students, faculty, alumni, and external experts—IU hopes to forge a sustainable path forward for its student newspaper. The university community will be watching closely as the task force’s findings and recommendations emerge in the coming months.