Those of us working in the news industry adhere to a golden rule: doing our jobs correctly means creating an “open forum” for public discussion. The Minnesota Daily is no different. We have been covering news at the University of Minnesota for 142 years, and in doing so, we’ve given students, faculty, staff and community members a space to share their ideas and learn from others.
We are also a completely separate entity from the University, meaning our reporting is not influenced by potential pressure, opinion or bias from the University. We are here to listen to opinions, not step on them. We also serve as a watchdog for internal University issues as well as cover its achievements, everyday happenings, and more. In doing so, we strive to communicate to our readers what they need to know to be informed “citizens” of the U of M. And it is informed citizens, students, faculty and staff who are most prepared to face challenges and support issues relevant to them.
So, how can you use your local, student newspaper to your advantage — to stay informed and share your thoughts?
Keep up to date with coverage
We try our hardest to make it simple for you to read about what’s important to you. You can follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @mndailynews, find us on Facebook, look on our webpage, and even read the physical paper, which you’ll see on the stands each Monday and Thursday morning during the school year. You can also follow our two podcasts, “In the Know: Breaking Down the U’s News,” a news podcast, and “The Weekly Rundown,” our brand new sports podcast, on Spotify or Podbean.
Write letters to the editor
We publish letters to the editor on a case-by-case basis, and are always interested in content that is relevant to the University community. Send us letters via mail to 2221 University Ave SE, MPLS MN 55414 #450, or emails us at [email protected]. All letters are fact checked and lightly edited for style and clarity.
Send news tips
Do you know of something going on that you feel needs attention? We can probably help. News tips go straight to the editor in chief’s inbox. Go to https://www.mndaily.com/page/send-a-tip to send us a tip.
Write to Dr. Date
Dr. Date is a somewhat beloved, somewhat infamous character unique to the Minnesota Daily. The doctor is a dating and love advice columnist who is happy to answer your questions, publish your love poems and help mend broken hearts. Write to the doctor at [email protected].
Contact the Content Diversity Board
Also new this year, we have started a content diversity board to help address issues with diversity in media coverage. The board tracks content, reviews it for fairness and balance, provides staff training, connects with media professionals, and more. One of the board’s biggest goals is to speak with U of M community members about the Daily’s coverage when it comes to diversity. Contact the board at [email protected].
Freelance
This year we are bringing back freelancing. We will be picky when it comes to content and coverage, but if you have a story idea and you are dying to report it out, let us know. You can email [email protected] with your pitches; they will be individually reviewed by the features and freelance editor. Freelancers are not paid, but clips will be published online and, contingent on space, in the print edition.
Write to the editorial board
Unlike other departments, the opinions and editorials section functions somewhat on its own island at the Daily. While they are still part of the newsroom, OpEds produces column and editorials sharing opinions about topics in the news and popular culture. The editorial board’s job is to take a stance for the paper on particular issues, such as reforms at the University or by the City of Minneapolis. Everyone is welcome to write to the editorial board. Contact [email protected] with ideas.
Obituaries
As a community newspaper, we are here to publish the obituaries of those in the community who have passed away. Contact [email protected] if you have an obituary you would like published, or a suggestion for one that should be written.
