The Battalion

The Battalion (The Batt) is the student newspaper of Texas A&M University. Started in 1893 as a monthly publication, it continues to this day, now as a weekly paper. The first paper at Texas A&M University was the Texas Collegian published in 1878. It was later named the College Journal from 1889 to 1893 and then The Battalion.

The Battalion
TypeStudent newspaper
FormatBroadsheet
Owner(s)Texas A&M University
PublisherTexas A&M University Student Media
Founded1893 (1893)
HeadquartersCollege Station, Texas, US
Websitewww.thebatt.com

History

The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (now known as Texas A&M University), had two literary societies, the Callipean and the Austin. The societies collaboratively published a literary magazine, College Journal from 1889 until 1893. The College Journal appeared monthly, describing the activities of the college and its students in "the flowery prose of the time."[1] College Journal ceased publication in 1893 when the two societies collaborated on a newspaper, called The Battalion. This new publication used a more journalistic style as it covered campus events, and even included photographs.[1] The paper later had weekly distribution, and then began publishing daily. For years, the masthead included the words Lawrence Sullivan Ross – Soldier, Statesman, Knightly Gentleman.[1]: 226 

Singer-songwriter and actor Lyle Lovett wrote for The Battalion as a journalism student.[2]

Distribution

The Battalion is published on Thursdays during the fall and spring semesters, and on dates corresponding with New Student Conferences during the summer sessions. The print version is distributed throughout the Texas A&M campus to interested students, faculty and staff. Many places throughout College Station, such as restaurants and apartments, receive copies to distribute to their customers.

In February 2022, Texas A&M University administration unsuccessfully attempted to cease The Battalion weekly print release, despite the organization's independent status.[3][4][5] This led to significant backlash from the publication, as featured in their "Print is not dead" edition, and started a student movement, #SaveTheBatt. The publication continues to print weekly, each Thursday, and distributes across Texas A&M's campus and the Bryan-College Station community.

Honors

Princeton Review named The Battalion as the twentieth best college newspaper in the nation in its 2008 edition of The Best 361 Colleges.[6] Along with four other university newspapers, The Battalion received honorable mention in the 2004 National College Newspaper Convention held by the Associated Collegiate Press.[7] The paper was named the winner of the 2008 and 2019 National Pacemaker Award. It was also a Pacemaker finalist in the 1996–97 and 1995–96 scholastic years, and won the Southwest Regional Pacemaker for the 1991–92 school year.[8][9]

In October 2022, The Battalion was recorded as having an average of 116 shares per article and was ranked 8th in the U.S. for most consistent engagement per article.[10]

Current editors
  • Zoe May – editor-in-chief
  • Kyle McClenagan – managing editor
  • Caroline Wilburn – news editor
  • Kenzie Finch – news editor
  • Ana Renfroe – assistant news editor
  • vacant – sports editor
  • vacant – sports editor
  • Luke White – assistant sports editor
  • Ruben Hernandez – life and arts editor
  • Emma Lawson – assistant life and arts editor
  • Caleb Elizondo – opinion editor
  • Ryan Lidner – assistant opinion editor
  • Ishika Samant – photo chief
  • Jonathan Taffet – assistant photo chief
  • Emma Moser – business manager
  • Dan Hung – business manager
  • Skylar Cheek – social media editor
  • Megan Williams – page designer
  • Evelyn Peterson – page designer
  • Douglas Pils – general manager and adviser

See also

Notes
  1. Benner, Judith Ann (1983). Sul Ross, Soldier, Statesman, Educator. College Station, Texas: Texas A&M University Press. p. 225. ISBN 9780890961421.
  2. "Lyle Lovett & His Large Band".
  3. "Breaking: President Banks demands The Battalion stop printing". The Batt. February 12, 2022. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  4. McGee, Kate (February 12, 2022). "Texas A&M students protest after president ends print publication of 129-year-old Battalion newspaper". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  5. Jaschik, Scott (February 14, 2022). "Texas A&M President Forces Student Paper to Be Online Only". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  6. The Princeton Review 2008 Best Colleges Rankings Princeton Review Accessed August 22, 2006.
  7. "National College Newspaper Convention". Associated Collegiate Press. Archived from the original on February 18, 2008. Retrieved February 13, 2008.
  8. Zdenek, Meredith (November 3, 2008). "The Battalion staff honored with award". The Battalion. Retrieved November 3, 2008.
  9. "2008 ACP Newspaper Pacemaker Winners". National Scholastic Press Association/Associated Collegiate Press. Archived from the original on October 24, 2008. Retrieved November 3, 2008.
  10. Levy, David (October 4, 2022). "We ranked the best college newspapers in 2022 by traffic and engagement". Degreechoices.com. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
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