As this is the orientation issue, and as the opinion editor, I think it is my privilege, nay, my obligation to orient (get it?) you to the world of PSU media, particularly its newspapers.
Perhaps you are wondering in your head, PSU has more than one paper–the paper you are reading at this very moment? Yes, friends, there are actually three newspapers at Portland State for many reasons, but I believe the most important is representing as many voices and perspectives at PSU as there are bicycles on campus, or something equally extraordinary.
First is the Rearguard, a leftist monthly alternative tabloid-style newspaper. Rebekah Hunt, this year’s editor-in-chief, brings a snarkiness and significance to the alternative opinion pieces while creating a product that is both readable and fun to look at.
Most of the time the Rearguard is the one that takes the most criticism because it is the one that has the ability to look in-depth at the ineptness of our institution, sometimes pulling it off, and sometimes, sadly, missing the mark. Their publication schedule allows for thorough research, difficult-to-get interviews and a nuanced look at their design. It seems to be working well for them so far.
Second is the Portland Spectator. A ghost of a publication last year, the conservative Spectator, also a monthly release, is going to be far more relevant this year. This is because, due to a decreased budget this year, they won’t be making unwise choices (using a glossy magazine format) and the new editor-in-chief, Sarah Christensen, is ready to wipe the slate clean and ready to create an interesting paper for the conservative crowd.
Another reason is there is also a lot to discuss as far as the national election and new policies throughout campus.
Another thing I am looking forward to is the back and forth between the Rearguard and the Spectator. Hopefully some hot debate will occur with these two publications, as they are the watchdogs of each other.
And lastly, there is the Vanguard. As the “neutral” daily paper, the pulse of the campus, the Vanguard has grown up over the years. Nathan Hellman, this year’s editor-in-chief, is no doubt qualified and ready to make the Vanguard more accessible, timely and appealing. At least, those are his aspirations, and who can fault him for that.
Everyday I find out that more newspapers around the globe are laying off employees. Even the big fish like the Oregonian and The New York Times are doing this, because it is too difficult to fight the fight against the Internet, against citizen journalism and against a world that has come not to trust the media.
I have come to realize that we, as Portland State students, are lucky in the fact that student newspapers are here and willing to create a product for our consumption, even with little pay and little acknowledgement. In a world where newspapers in general have the potential to be obsolete, I find comfort knowing that the PSU media is here for now and hopefully here to stay.