The Daily Cardinal is raising the bar.
In 1892, a student named William Wesley Young was dissatisfied. He came to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and decided the absence of an independent, student newspaper was unacceptable. He named the paper The Daily Cardinal after UW-Madison’s official school colors, “cardinal” red and white, and began what would become a tradition of excellence.
From one student’s realization that something more was needed came an institution that is now 121 years old and with that, the motto Young adopted for The Daily Cardinal from an 1894 declaration from the UW Board of Regents still rings true: “...the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.”
Here at UW-Madison’s independent, daily newspaper, complacency is unacceptable. Average is not an adjective that describes this newspaper. Settling for mediocrity is not something we stand for. Exposing corruption, raising student issues to the forefront and keeping leaders in check are principles The Daily Cardinal values. And through persistent questioning and unending curiosity, Cardinal reporters consistently “sift and winnow” to bring the truth to you. The Daily Cardinal is adaptable, constantly changing and has come a long way since 1892.
The paper is no longer delivered on horseback, and our newsroom could be an ad for Apple with the number of iPhones and Macbooks in use at any given moment. My goal this year is to take The Daily Cardinal to the next level: to be a complete, comprehensive product that includes our daily printed paper, regularly updated website and social media engagement.
We include videos and podcasts that enhance written content. If you haven’t already, check out the tour of the new residence hall, Leopold Hall, and be on the lookout for podcasts every Friday discussing Badger football.
Navigating the evolving field of journalism while remaining ahead of the curve is a tough business. It is foolish to think the platforms news outlets use today are permanent. The job field student journalists will be entering will likely be much different than what it was while they were in school. Everything is in flux, and traditional methods should be questioned.
But what shouldn’t be questioned is this publication’s commitment to accurate news coverage and a responsibility to inform the public. Look to The Daily Cardinal for what’s really going on. We’ve got your back.
With that said, The Daily Cardinal you will see at the end of the year will not be the same as it is now. With 121 years under our belt, we appreciate the past, but most importantly, we look to the future. While what’s ahead is unknown, know that The Daily Cardinal will be a part of shaping the future of student journalism.
So what does that all mean? Stick with us this year to find out. You won’t be disappointed.
Please send all feedback to editor@dailycardinal.com.
