In the 1960s and early ’70s, the Cardinal grew increasingly radical, moving four UW-Madison students to establish The Badger Herald, meant to be the conservative alternative for students. Since then, The Daily Cardinal has operated within a competitive media market.
Over the years, both newspapers have shifted toward the center of the ideological spectrum. Has this led to a rivalry? You better believe it, especially when brought to a semi-annual head on the grass of Vilas Park. Still, what is more important than the rivalry is what having two student newspapers says about the Badger student body.
While major metro dailies are forced to consolidate production or even close their doors, this campus features two thriving student newspapers, both financially independent of the university. Students at this institution have a profoundly unique opportunity that you have to hope the staff of either student newspaper wants them to take advantage of.
