Newspaper Standoff at Penn State

Penn State University recently made headlines by removing nearly three dozen racks containing its independent student-produced newspaper, The Daily Collegian, from on-campus locations. The removal was sparked by politics-related ads on the racks, which allegedly violated the school's policy. The university claimed that the ads were sold by the newspaper outside of the actual publication, which is against two university policies. The Daily Collegian reported receiving feedback from alumni and students about the ads, although it was unclear whether the comments were supportive or critical. The newspaper said it was not notified of the university's concerns until Wednesday, and the racks were removed without warning. The newspaper's general manager, Wayne Lowman, expressed frustration about the removal, stating that he had not been consulted about the decision. He also expressed concern about the impact of the removal on the newspaper's revenue. The Daily Collegian relies heavily on advertising sales, which have become increasingly crucial after receiving a 100% funding cut from the university's general fund in 2023. The university's director of University Public Relations, Wyatt DuBois, emphasized that the removal was only temporary and that the newspaper racks will be returned once the ads are removed. The university supports the display of the paper version of The Daily Collegian, recognizing the importance of free news and information sources for students. The conflict highlights the challenges faced by student newspapers in maintaining their independence and revenue streams while also adhering to university policies.