Tennessee State newspaper funding cut

NASHVILLE, TENN. – Members of the Tennessee State University student newspaper staff expressed shock and disappointment when they received the news of budget cuts on Jan. 9.
Though a $7,500 commitment from Student Affairs officials came later that afternoon, many Meter staffers were still concerned at the prospect of not being able to print through the rest of the semester.
At a minimum, the paper needs about $16,000 to pay for necessary expenses such as printing, payment of stipends to editors and top staff members, and basic office operations.
Director of Student Publications Pamela E. Foster submitted a budget increase request for an additional $34,480 in operating funds last March and in Octover, both were denied.
“I’m glad that with the Student Affairs funding and additional revenue students plan to raise in part via a more aggressive advertising strategy, the paper now seems poised to make it through its publishing schedule for this spring,” Foster said.
“I remain concerned, however, that we don’t have a full set of plans in place to make sure a budget shortfall doesn’t happen again,” Foster continued. “I urge all who can help develop and implement a long-term strategy to please do so.”
With only enough money remaining in the printing purchase order to print one more issue of the newspaper for this semester, many of the staff members were disturbed by the news.
“I’m angry,” said Jennifer Butler, a staff reporter and copy editor. “I just don’t know who to be angry at.”
Plans to travel to regional journalism conferences have been scrapped, pending available funds. A key item still covered by the lower-than-expected available funds is travel to the HBCU Newspaper Conference hosted by Morgan State in Baltimore in February.