Across the country, student newsrooms are in a moment of crisis. But it is now, more than ever, that our reporting, representation, and ability to hold institutions of power accountable, is needed.
Unfortunately, the Bi-Co News, like many other small and local-based newspapers, has been impacted by the changing times and wavering support for the free press. Our funding, once as high as $13,500 a semester, has been cut to $5000 for the entirety of the year. To put that number into context, it costs around $800 for each print edition to be freely distributed to the students of the Bi-Colleges. With our current funding, we can just barely print six editions for the entire year; every other expense (press badges, events, newsroom upkeep, even google workspace), our student journalists must pay for themselves.
This semester, SGA funding for clubs across the board took a massive hit and were cut by over $287,000. The Bi-Co News is one of many student groups lacking the necessary operating finances this semester. Still, Bryn Mawr and Haverford’s endowments have only continued to grow. This begs the question: if our institutions are only accumulating more wealth (whether it be in investments or expendable funds), why have our student organizations been forced to shrink?
The Bi-Co News requested $5,500 to cover our operating expenses, only to be awarded $2,608.76. If our budgeting cotinues to get cut, the Bi-Co News, one of the oldest institutions on either campus, will suffer. This will directly impact whether the voices of all students at both Bryn Mawr and Haverford can be heard.
Bi-Co journalists work up to twenty hours a week while also balancing classes and other academic responsibilities. We do this because we know how integral our work is to the fabric of both Bryn Mawr and Haverford colleges.
The value of our journalist hard work and unwavering dedication to the truth was especially evident this past year. Tangible change has come from our ability to hold institutions of power accountable; from Title IX investigations, to encampment policies and unjust dean’s panels, to the constant changes amidst Trump’s presidency, we have repeatedly proven our value.
I recognize and appreciate the efforts of administrative officials in supporting us. But without the proper funding, all the supportive rhetoric in the world rings hollow.
The value of the student press goes beyond Bryn Mawr and Haverford, and frankly, beyond college campuses as whole. The pattern we are seeing at the bi-co is emblematic of a larger, nationwide upheaval against independent journalists. More and more, newspapers are being forced to choose between integrity and financial security. Organizations, like the Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times, are being bought out by billionaires and forced to forgo the principles which makes journalism journalism. Smaller, local-based papers are shutting down at record rates. Last year, print circulation decreased 13% nationwide, and thousands of journalism jobs get cut each year. The President of the United States of America has repeatedly voiced his desire to limit the free press and censor journalists. I urge the bi-co community to support us, not simply because of the benefits that the Bi-Co News offers to students, but because of the paramount importance of the free press as an institution.
I urge the bi-co community to support us, not simply because of the benefits that the Bi-Co News offers to students, but because of the paramount importance of the free press as an institution.
If the Bi-Co News is forced to become an online-only newspaper (as we may well be), there will be palpable consequences. Students will have decreased access to our stories. The space we take up on campus will shrink, with students needing to actively seek out the news rather than having it available at our libraries, cafes, and dining halls. There will be no physical record of our work or articles. And, perhaps most importantly, our voices will be quieted; meaning that both administrative officials as well as students will not be held accountable for their actions.
And, perhaps most importantly, our voices will be quieted; meaning that both administrative officials as well as students will not be held accountable for their actions.
Therefore, we are writing this to bring awareness that the the cutting of our funding has serious consequences. If you read our work and appreciate our efforts, then I urge you donate to us here, or come support us in person.
On Feb. 27, the Bi-Co News will be holding a fundraising event in honor of Student Press Freedom Day. There will baked goods, merchandise, lectures, and a history exhibit of the Bi-Co News at the Haverford VCAM from 7 to 9 p.m.
If you are unable to financially support us, then please continue to read the news and share our work.
Thank you,
Hannah Epstein, Bryn Mawr ’26, Co-Editor in Chief
