The venerable title “The Student,” Europe’s oldest student newspaper, has been spared from the brink of closure thanks to a remarkable fundraising campaign by its dedicated volunteer staff. Founded in 1887 by none other than renowned novelist Robert Louis Stevenson, the creative mind behind literary classics such as “Treasure Island” and “Kidnapped,” “The Student” has enjoyed a rich history at the University of Edinburgh.
Despite being financially independent, the newspaper faced an uncertain future when a key advertiser, the university’s student association, terminated a longstanding partnership. This partnership had previously seen “The Student” provide election coverage and run advertisements for the student association.
To stave off impending closure, “The Student” initiated a fundraising appeal with an initial target of £1,000. Their call for help caught the attention of Scottish newspaper publisher DC Thomson, known for publishing prominent titles like the “Sunday Post” and “The Beano.” In a generous act of support, DC Thomson contributed £730, propelling the total funds raised to over £2,000. Remarkably, by 9:30 am on Wednesday, the crowdfunding effort had exceeded the £3,300 mark.
Lucy Jackson, serving as the President of “The Student,” expressed her astonishment, stating, “I’m absolutely blown away. We didn’t expect to get that much support.”
Operated as a student society, the newspaper relies heavily on a core group of approximately 25 dedicated volunteers. The primary source of income for “The Student” comes from the £10 membership fee charged to students who join. This financial independence allows the newspaper to maintain editorial autonomy, a critical aspect given its focus on scrutinizing the university and its operations.
With a circulation of 750 copies distributed fortnightly, “The Student” has strived to secure additional advertising from local businesses. However, challenges posed by the pandemic and the broader financial crisis made it increasingly difficult to attract extra adverts. Local pubs, clubs, and restaurants have also found more cost-effective ways to reach students through social media platforms.
“The Student” holds an illustrious history, having nurtured numerous prominent journalists and public figures, including former Labour leader Gordon Brown, who once served as its editor. Distinguished names such as BBC presenter Laura Kuenssberg, the late Labour foreign secretary and leader of the house Robin Cook, political journalist James Kirkup, and The Guardian’s own Helen Pidd, Jonathan Liew, and Phil Maynard, along with author Amy Liptrot, have all been associated with the newspaper.
Joe Sullivan, Editor-in-Chief of “The Student,” noted that their most significant expense is the actual paper on which the publication is printed. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a print presence, as the team believes it’s vital for the newspaper’s visibility across Edinburgh’s student community. In an era where digital publications often struggle for attention, being present in print form, readily available on counters and newsstands, is seen as a strategic necessity for “The Student.”
