Ex-SR Editor’s Plan Leads To Strike

In November, the Emerald recruited Steven A. Smith, Emerald alum and former editor in chief of The Spokesman Review in Spokane, Wash., to work as a consultant and draft a strategic plan for the future of the Emerald. In Smith’s strategic plan, he recommended hiring a publisher with a five-year contract to replace the current general manager position. Smith wrote a loose job description for the publisher position, including its responsibilities. As described in Smith’s proposal, the publisher would have supervisory control over the student editor, which the general manager does not have. This poses an obvious threat to student control and editorial independence that is key to the service we provide/ Ashley Chase & Allie Grasgree , Editor in chief & managing editor of University of Oregon Daily Emerald. More here .

• Steve Smith responds
• Eye On Olympia opines

Question: Should student newspapers at colleges and universities be autonomous?