COMMENTARY ‘Emerald’ independence is what it’s all about By Gerry Gazlay or nearly a century, the Oregon Daily Emerald has JL been the most important medium of communication on the campus of this University. Yet many members of the Uni versity community are generally unaware of the Emerala s histor ical development, legal structure or organizational purpose The Emerald had its genesis in The Oregon Weekly, which was first published by the Eutaxian, Laurean and Philologian Soci eties. Volume 1, No. 1 appeared on Monday. Feb. 12, 1900. When the newspaper resumed publica tion after the summer break on Oct. 1,1900. it had become a pub lication of the ASUO. which it remained until 1952. In fall 1909 the paper began publishing twice a week and its name was changed to the Oregon Emerald. In 1914 it began pub lishing three times a week. When publication was finally stepped up to five times a week in the fall of 1920. the newspaper became the Oregon Daily Emerald. Between 1952 and 1971 the Emerald was published by the University's Student Publications Board. After more than a year of planning and preparation to make the ODE an independent organization, the publications board was abolished so that the ODE could be "privatized" and converted into a nonprofit pub lishing corporation financially and legally separated from the University. This new entity — the Oregon Daily Emerald Publish ing Company. Inc. — came into a state of legal existence under the provisions of the Oregon Non profit Corporation Act on Oct. 26, 1971. One of the primary reasons for making the ODE independent was to protect the editorial auton omy of the University's principal student newspaper During the Vietnam War era, mam student publications were critical of gov ernment policies, which some times resulted in publicly sup ported universities being pressured by offended legislators and alumni. But independence was also seen as a way to allow for growth potential. Under the old system, all excess monies real ized from Emerald operations were returned to the ASUO gen eral fund at the end of the fiscal year. As an independent corpo ration. it was foil, the ODE could put its surplus funds back into the paper's operation, thereby enabling the corporation to make future capital expendi tures (such as new equipment) and enhance its ability to pub lish a first-rate student newspa per. The ODE is a largely self-sup porting organization: more than 80 percent of the corporation s revenues comes from advertis ing sales. About 17 percent comes from IFC funding which is, in effect, a bulk subscription for University students paid from student fees. The ODE also pays its own way. The corporation leases office space in the EMU. owns its own telephone system, pays for all telephone bills, supplies and equipment, issues its own payroll and pays taxes. The ODE employs seven non students (including the paper's general manager, production manager and advertising direc tor) and about 85 students (including the paper's editor). During the course of a year, the ODE also utilizes the services of, perhaps, 70 to 80 student free lance writers. The ODE'S corporate mission is reflected in the preamble to its bylaws, which states that the "sole and exclusive purpose of this nonprofit corporation is to provide education and training for University of Oregon students in all aspects of newspaper pro duction of an independent stu LETTERS Even “hets" Though it's apparent that the main targets under attack by the Oregon Citizens Alliance are homosexuals and bisexuals. I believe that Professor Henry Al ley's comment that "even heter osexual people can show their support” in opposing the OCA by wearing pink triangle buttons during Hate Free Week (ODE, Nov. 16) puts emphasis where none should be. To say "even heterosexuals” implies, to a degree, that support from straight citizens is some what out of the norm. The fact is that several "hets" find the OCA agenda chilling and threatening to basic, fundamental rights of all citizens. For example, the OCA distrib uted a pamphlet titled "What Is the Best Use of a Woman?" You guessed it: the best "use of" a woman is to be a wife and moth tir, according to tin* OCA. This loaves me out, a non-wife and a non-mother. And if you don't fit the narrow confines of a "right life" then you are at risk of being at the reviving end of OC.A big otry, gay or straight... plain and simple. The lion's share of OCA en mity is indeed targeting gays, lesbians and bisexuals. But let's not forget that their full agenda is far more broad-reaching, en compassing land use is sues/environmental concerns (OCA is anti-environmentalism, natch), church/state meshing (they're for it) and on and on. So this "straight" wears but tons opposing the OCA daily, both out of support for my gay/lesbian/bisexual brothers and sisters, and also to protect my own ass. Charity, and vigi lance. begins at home. Carol Barg Eugene LETTERS POLICY The Oregon Daily Emerald will attempt to print all letters containing comments on topics of interest to the University community. Letters to the editor must be limited to no more than 250 words, legible, signed and the identification of the writer must lie verified when the letter is submitted. The Emerald reserve* the right to edit any letter for length or style. dent newspaper." The ODE is governed by a 10 person volunteer board of direc tors. Three of its members are elected by and from the ranks of student employees in the paper's news, advertising and production departments. Two board mem bers are students appointed by the ASUO president to represent the general student body The University president appoints two faculty or staff employees of the University to serve on the board. And the board itself elects three at-large members; these seats have traditionally been held bv members of the outside busi ness community. The general manager and edi tor both report directly to the board of directors. The general manager has responsibility for managing the administrative, business and fis»al affairs of the corporation. Under the ODE's bylaws, the editor, who must be a University student, has "final The Oregon Dally Emerald bills Itself as an "Independent student newspaper.” Is that an apt description, or lust hype? In my opinion, the former. authority for all editorial opera tions and all editorial content" for the Emerald The board of directors hires the editor each academic year, hut is not involved in the formulation of the Emerald"s news or editorial poli cies The ODE does not have any shareholders or corporate mem bers No individual or group derives any economic benefit from the operation of the i orpo ration. exi opt for employees and freelance writers who ret eive wages for services rendered The (hvtfon Daily Emerald bills itself as an "independent student newspaper." Is that an apt description, or pist hype? In my opinion. the former The Emerald is "independent" because it is not legally a part of the ASUO. the University or the State Board of Higher Kducation. It's truly a "student" newspa|>er because, ns mentioned above, only the student editor controls the paper's news and editorial content. For me, these two features are the essence of what the Oregon Daily Emerald is .ill about, and represent the paper's principal contribution to the University i ominunity Gerry Gazlay is mi at-large member of the Kmerald hoard of direr: tors To Please Cut Here A Art Majors Please Cut Here Our Friends * A J \ \ I i \ From The University Of Oregon Save *5 With This Coupon. U x % You mutt prejem this coupon at check-m t ^ Advance reservations required f % Offer riot valid with any other offers m ^ Offer valid through June 30. 199 a j ^ at participating Travefodges j For Reservations Call: 1-800 5787878 Triwelodge E D I I I STAY SATISFIED , X Get out your scissors, pocket knife, nail clippers, whatever, and cut out this coupon, tuck it in your wallet, purse, or backpack, and then use it to save five dollars on Travelodge's already affordable room rates. It'll come in handy for a weekend trip, or during break, or when friends and family come to town to visit you. 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