The Free Press (University of Southern Maine)
The Free Press is the official campus newspaper of the University of Southern Maine. It publishes a print edition weekly during the academic year, equaling roughly 22 editions a year. The newspaper has a circulation of 3,000 and publishes daily on their website.
The Free Press, February 4, 2014 | |
Type | Weekly student newspaper |
---|---|
Format | Tabloid |
Headquarters | 92 Bedford Street Portland, Maine 04101 |
Website | http://www.usmfreepress.org |
History and organization
In 2012, the Free Press began a partnership with the Bangor Daily News to provide training, web hosting and development services for paper, as well as a content-sharing agreement aimed at promoting the best in student journalism in Maine.[1]
Controversies
In 2001, the Free Press gained access to the campus police log despite opposition from the local police department.[2]
In April 2002, the USM Student Senate sought to dissolve the Student Communications Board, which had been created as a buffer between the university and the paper to ensure funding to the organization. A referendum was held on whether to dissolve the board and it lost with 16% of the vote.[3]
Awards
In 2000, the newspaper was ranked third in their region for "Best All-Around Non-Daily Student Newspaper Newspaper", while writer Steve Peoples was ranked for "General News Reporting" for his story, "Students' Voting Rights in Jeopardy".[4] In 2002, several students involved with the newspaper won recognition by the Society of Professional Journalists for their region, including the top awards for Spot News Photography and General News Photography.[5]
References
- "BDN teams up with USM student newspaper". Bangordailynews.com. Retrieved 13 July 2018.
- "Maine newspaper gains access to police log". Student Press Law Center. Retrieved 23 December 2011.
- "U. of Southern Maine newspaper wins vote to preserve financial independence - SPLC News Flashes". Student Press Law Center. April 30, 2002. Retrieved 23 December 2011.
- "Society of Professional Journalists. Mark of Excellence Awards 2000". Spj.org. Retrieved 23 December 2011.
- "Society of Professional Journalists, Mark of Excellence Awards 2002". Spj.org. Retrieved 23 December 2011.