The Red and Black: A History of the University of Georgia's Student Newspaper
The Red and Black is the student newspaper of the University of Georgia (UGA). It has a rich history, evolving from a university-controlled publication to an independent, student-run news source. The newspaper has provided valuable training and experience to countless students.
Early Years and University Control (1893-1980)
The Red and Black debuted on November 24, 1893, from offices in the Academic Building. The tabloid boosted school spirit, promoted athletic programs, and reported on cultural activities for the University's 212 students. The first issue was published weekly and devoted to the interests of the University of Georgia's student body.
Two years later, in 1895, the publication was discontinued after a conflict between university faculty and the Red and Black. However, in September 1895, the publication resumed as a private venture, which proved successful enough to convince faculty to reclaim the paper in 1896.
From 1896 to 1928, The Red & Black was the official organ of the Athletic Council. In 1928, the paper's administration moved under the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication as a laboratory for its students. It was a semiweekly when it moved with the school to the Journalism Building in 1968 and changed to a broadsheet format.
Independence and Evolution (1980-Present)
In 1980, the UGA Board of Regents voted to approve the paper's independence from the university. The Red and Black became independent of the University a second time, left to support itself through advertising. It was directed by volunteer professionals and produced by students off-campus.
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In 1991, publication was expanded from four to five days a week. Until fall of 2011, the paper had a Monday to Friday circulation of 17,000 during the academic year and generally published in one section. However, each Thursday the paper produced a "Music Notes" section, which chronicled the local music scene and highlights shows and festivals in Athens. On Fridays during football season, the paper publishes the "First & Goal" section to provide in-depth coverage of the Georgia Bulldogs football team. The paper is published once a week during summer session, when it has a circulation of 8,500.
On August 15, 2011, The Red & Black released a special edition announcing a shift in news distribution that it called "a media revolution." The paper’s student managers announced that the periodical would primarily focus on its online content, to better keep up with demand for mobile news access. The paper is now published in a three-sectioned print version, which focuses on in-depth coverage.
Awards and Recognition
The Red and Black has received numerous awards and accolades, including:
- Pacemaker Award in 2010 (newspaper and online categories)
- Newspaper Pacemaker finalist in 2009
- Pacemaker award in 2019
- National Mark of Excellence winner for 2019
- Pacemaker award in 2020
- National Mark of Excellence winner for 2020
- Betty Gage Holland award in 2020
Accessing The Red and Black and Other Georgia Newspapers
UGA students, faculty, and staff are eligible for complimentary access to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's (AJC.com) digital content.
The Georgia Historic Newspapers archive is a project of the Digital Library of Georgia that provides free access to digitized online versions of historical GA newspapers. Based at the University of Georgia Libraries, the DLG has partnered with universities, archives, public libraries, historical societies, museums, and other cultural heritage institutions to digitize historical newspapers from around the state.
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The UGA Libraries own microfilm of most newspapers in Georgia. The GNP provides a list of Georgia newspapers (alphabetical by city) owned by UGA in microfilm. Dates available are included (overall coverage is 18th century to the present).
Structure and Staff
As of 2021, The Red & Black has an editorial staff, advertising staff, and professional staff.
Editorial Staff
Within the editorial staff there are nine sections that correspond to different aspects of The Red & Black. The nine sections are:
- News and enterprise
- Sports
- Culture
- Opinion
- Digital
- Photo
- Design
- Special publications
- Training
Each section of the editorial staff has leadership positions. The editorial staff has three top leadership positions which are:
- Editor-in-chief
- Executive editor
- Managing editor
Advertising Staff
The advertising staff has three top leadership positions which are:
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- Student advertising manager
- Senior account executive
- Account executive
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