Today, The Daily Texan begins its 125th year of publication.
On Oct. 8, 1900, The Texan circulated for the first time. Thirteen years later, the student body voted to make it a daily publication. Since then, the paper has served as a reliable source of information for the University. The Daily Texan has never shied away from the uncomfortable or controversial, going head-to-head with University administration numerous times, even during its first 50 years. In the 20th century, our coverage included the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, politically motivated faculty firings, University-wide and nationwide discrimination against Black students, student protests against the Vietnam War and much more.
Throughout our history and in the face of repeated challenges, the Texan has fought to maintain independence and impartiality to best hold University, local, state and national leaders accountable.
The past 25 years have brought some of the most significant changes in The Daily Texan. We have digitized and introduced the social media, audio, video and newsletter departments. We have expanded our coverage into another language with Texan en Español and introduced an Advocacy & Belonging board to prioritize sensitive and balanced coverage.
Our staff members have contributed to the record of significant events, including terrorist attacks in 2001, the financial crisis of 2007-2008 and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. In the last year alone, the Texan has documented Senate Bills 17 and 18 and student clashes with law enforcement on campus, both of which became prominent in national news. Working at the Texan is a privilege that puts our work at the forefront of the news cycle, but it is not without personal sacrifice and considerable investment.
As the current editor-in-chief and managing editor, we are proud to be leaders of The Daily Texan. Each time we read, hear, listen to or watch a piece of work from one of over 350 talented staffers, we are reminded that the work we do goes far beyond any one individual’s contribution — it is a part of history.
We stand as the most awarded college newspaper in the country. Our writers have gone on to win 26 Pulitzer Prizes, shaping journalism worldwide. We’re proud to have household names among our alumni, and we’re proud to have given real-world experience in journalism to each student who has passed through our doors.
The Daily Texan founding staff would not be able to conceive of what we have accomplished and what our publication has turned out to be — one that prints twice weekly but reaches its largest audience online. The power of student journalism is enduring, even with the rapidly changing nature of media. In whatever form it may be, we hope The Daily Texan will continue to find its place in the news cycle as a reliable source our communities can trust for essential information.
To any former, current and future staff member of The Daily Texan, thank you. Without you, we would not be a functioning news outlet, much less a pillar of the UT community. You make The Daily Texan what it is. To our readers and community members, we hope we have served you well for the last 125 years and that we will continue to for many more. Thank you for your continued support and readership — it’s what makes our work valuable.
Henningsen is the current editor-in-chief. Kimball is the current managing editor.
