Discover the Origins of the Daily Lobo: UNM’s Inspiring Student Newspaper Journey

The student-run newspaper at the University of New Mexico, known as the New Mexico Daily Lobo, has been a significant part of campus life for over 125 years. It began in 1895 as The Cactus, but that venture was short-lived, lasting just one school year.

In 1898, determined students launched The Mirage, which laid the foundation for the Daily Lobo. The goal was clear: promote higher education in New Mexico, uphold the standards of the university, and encourage literary creativity among students. Initially, The Mirage was more magazine-like, focusing on profiles and essays.

By 1903, they switched to a weekly publication to keep up with current events, thanks to a nudge from UNM President George Tight. This shift came with a name change to the UNM Weekly, boosting the paper’s revenue and readership. Interestingly, the yearbook kept the original name, The Mirage.

The UNM Weekly flourished for almost twenty years before becoming the New Mexico Lobo in 1923, maintaining a weekly schedule until 1937 when it switched to semi-weekly. A major change happened in 1971 when it began publishing five days a week, officially becoming the New Mexico Daily Lobo.

Fast forward to today, the Daily Lobo is still a vital part of student life. It publishes news online daily, sends out email updates four times a week, and retains a weekly print edition. This student-run publication remains an essential platform for aspiring journalists.

This rich history emphasizes the importance of student voices in the media. According to a recent survey by the College Media Association, student newspapers remain a trusted news source for many college students, highlighting their relevance in today’s digital age. The Daily Lobo exemplifies how student journalism can adapt to meet the needs of a changing audience.

The Daily Lobo is not just a paper; it’s a launchpad for future journalists, showcasing their work and giving them real-world experience. As journalism evolves, the Daily Lobo stands as a testament to the enduring importance of student-led narratives.

Adapted from the original by Makayla Grijalva, Daily Lobo Multimedia Editor, Multimedia Journalism and Political Science major, 2020; https://timeline.unm.edu/.

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