For the most part, we focus on football here at TGT. And rightly so, especially in the midst of preseason camp. But we’re also passionate about other things here, including The University of Georgia.
That’s why what has transpired within the last 24 hours at The Red & Black or so has been both sad, depressing and sickening. Oh, and it’s made national headlines, too. So congrats to the Board of Directors at the Red & Black on putting UGA in the national spotlight, even though the paper isn’t even affiliated with the school.
Now, I’m not naive here. I know some reading this that went to UGA saw it as a way to kill time in class, looked forward to only the crossword puzzle or thought very little of the quality of its writing.
But what’s important is that the paper being student-run, it was a huge part of the University. The decisions made on what to write about and how to cover it? Those decisions were made by students. Were there mistakes made? Sure. But it’s a learning tool, and if you’re shaped b your missteps, that learning tool serves its purpose.
To remove actual students from a student newspaper’s control defeats the entire purpose of the publication. It’s downright stupid – almost as foolish as playing non-conference games at Arizona State and Colorado. When the people presented news to students are not students themselves, a publication becomes and dull, useless propaganda piece that has the effectiveness of a wet paper sack.
Are there things that should be improved about what one of my professors affectionately called the ‘Rude and Bleak?’ Sure, and that job SHOULD have been done by an editorial advisor who is now in a greater position of power atop Baxter Hill.
When I decided to pursue journalism, there were two reasons I wanted to come to UGA -
1. The Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication
2. Getting to work for one of the top college newspapers in the country
Sadly, the personal agendas to draw money have outweighed the true intent of The Red & Black.
At this point, the building may as well be converted into a loft or maybe a museum where people can tell their grandkids about how writers once got their start here before going onto big places like the AJC and ESPN.
Lugnut Dawg
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