The Yale Daily News is an independent student newspaper published each weekday while classes are in session at Yale University. It is the oldest college daily in the United States, and has been financially and editorially independent since its founding on January 28, 1878. The News has long been a leader in social and political commentary, and many of its alumni have gone on to have prominent careers in journalism and public service.
The News covers politics, government and society in the New Haven community and beyond. It has also a strong emphasis on student and academic issues, including diversity, equality and inclusion. The paper is also notable for its investigative reporting and innovative use of technology. It is the publisher of a Friday supplement called WEEKEND, and produces several special issues throughout the year to celebrate Yale-Harvard game days, graduation, and other events. The News is based in the heart of New Haven at 450 West 33rd Street, a building that once straddled the tracks into Pennsylvania Station and was home to the original New York Daily News.
Newspaper is a periodical publication printed on inexpensive, high-grade, low-twist paper known as newsprint and distributed to readers for free or at a price. It is a medium for communicating with large numbers of people, and historically has been the primary source of local news, as well as of international and national news. It also serves as a forum for opinion and debate, and has the potential to influence public policy and discourse.
Today most newspapers are read online, although they may still have print editions. A typical newspaper has four main departments: editorial, production/printing, circulation, and advertising. Many larger newspapers have additional non-newspaper-specific departments common to other businesses of comparable size, such as human resources and accounting.
Most newspapers feature a wide range of content, including news and current events; sports; arts and entertainment; business and finance; education; health and medicine; crime, weather, and natural disasters; and politics and government. In addition, they often feature classified ads and comics. Many have op-ed pages where authors present their own opinions in opposition to those expressed by the newspaper’s editors and other commentators.
A newspaper’s reputation may be influenced by its coverage of controversial topics, its level of journalistic integrity, and the quality of its writing. Some newspapers attempt to increase their credibility by appointing ombudsmen and developing ethics policies, by providing training for writers and editors, by adopting more stringent corrections policies, and by explaining the rationale behind their editorial decisions to readers.
Newspapers are generally viewed as sources of accurate information, although some criticize their tendency to sensationalize or misrepresent the facts. Their role in disseminating information and promoting discussion of important public issues is regarded as a vital part of the democratic process. Some newspaper publishers have tried to improve their image by taking steps to promote transparency and accountability, such as disclosing ownership and allowing the public to read raw data used to write stories.