2008 Woodie Awards
Newspapers are vital, on and off campus
Issue date: 1/29/08 Section: Opinion
Newspapers have long been considered government watchdogs; on college campuses, they take on a similar role, reporting on decisions made by and issues surrounding university administration and student government.
For this reason, they (and the media, in general) are often viewed as malevolent forces by those they cover, should the news put the subject in a negative light. This is not a new problem nor is it one that is likely to be solved. Instead, it must be understood that the strained relationship between a newspaper and its audience is one that must simply be accepted and appreciated for exactly what it is.
The U.S. government is operated using a system of checks and balances. The media often functions as a supplement to that system. Without the media to inform the public about actions taken by the government, the people cannot make wise choices. Without the investigation and subsequent reporting of Washington Post writers Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein during the Watergate scandal, President Nixon may never have resigned.
In addition to providing entertainment value, educating the public about local, national and global events and providing an open forum for its audience to express opinion, a newspaper gives the people a chance to make a difference by keeping them informed.
Similarly, by keeping the community informed, the Cauldron gives its readers the ability to react to and take action regarding on-campus issues. It also offers an opportunity to students, faculty and staff to tell their stories, both through objective reporting in news articles and in opinion pieces.
The Cauldron strives to be objective and does not harbor any desire to tear down the University. All news stories reported by the Cauldron are carefully crafted to report the facts, without bias, to the best of our ability. A news story simply tells the reader what happened, is happening or will happen, based on first-hand information from the sources who are involved or affected.
For this reason, they (and the media, in general) are often viewed as malevolent forces by those they cover, should the news put the subject in a negative light. This is not a new problem nor is it one that is likely to be solved. Instead, it must be understood that the strained relationship between a newspaper and its audience is one that must simply be accepted and appreciated for exactly what it is.
The U.S. government is operated using a system of checks and balances. The media often functions as a supplement to that system. Without the media to inform the public about actions taken by the government, the people cannot make wise choices. Without the investigation and subsequent reporting of Washington Post writers Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein during the Watergate scandal, President Nixon may never have resigned.
In addition to providing entertainment value, educating the public about local, national and global events and providing an open forum for its audience to express opinion, a newspaper gives the people a chance to make a difference by keeping them informed.
Similarly, by keeping the community informed, the Cauldron gives its readers the ability to react to and take action regarding on-campus issues. It also offers an opportunity to students, faculty and staff to tell their stories, both through objective reporting in news articles and in opinion pieces.
The Cauldron strives to be objective and does not harbor any desire to tear down the University. All news stories reported by the Cauldron are carefully crafted to report the facts, without bias, to the best of our ability. A news story simply tells the reader what happened, is happening or will happen, based on first-hand information from the sources who are involved or affected.