At least once a week, we run across some article by an old media or new media pundit that traditional print newspapers died last Tuesday (even though ours continues to hit the doorstep every morning.) But here’s the deal. It is true that most newspapers are losing circulation and advertising revenues to more spontaneous and effective media channels. But according to The Wall Street Journal (paid subscription required,) college newspaper circulation is holding steady and scoring ad placements by major players like Ford, Microsoft and Wal-Mart. So it only makes sense to expect that 
traditional media publishers have decided to muscle in with the acquisition of prominent college paper. Gannett’s Tallahassee Democrat acquired Florida State University’s paper, and Viacom’s MTV University group just acquired Y2M (Youth Media & Marketing) a company that hosts college newspaper websites for 450 campus papers. "College newspapers are the most relevant brand on any campus," says Stephen Friedman, general manager of mtvU. "It immediately gives our advertisers another visceral connection with this audience." Marketing Blurb does not know how these acquisitions affect campus paper editorial policy, but the move seems promising for both parties. Photo Credit: The Wall Street Journal
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