One Ball State Day 2020

Of course in 1922, the student newspaper was called The Easterner, a “live paper from a live school,” a school that was at that time called the Indiana State Normal School.

“The school paper could come only when the spirit of the school demanded it,” the editors of the first edition of The Easterner wrote.

That first newspaper staff also reported on record enrollment — 430 students — and a trip to the Pacific Northwest for geology majors.

Times have changed. The “Normal School” is now Ball State University.

And The Easterner has evolved into a rich and robust student media program that encompasses not just a newspaper, but two magazines, a television station, podcasts and a public relations and marketing and advertising agency.

These groups are recognized individually and collectively as being among the best in the country, consistently winning some of the nation’s top awards. And our students, once graduated, are sought-after employees around the state and across the nation.

As members of Unified Media, students break campus news and dig into issues relevant to the Ball State and Muncie communities, like the first-of-its-kind Partnership Project, an effort by the Ball State Daily News team to tell the stories of Muncie Community Schools’ parents, students and teachers.

The staffs all practice a digital-first approach in their coverage. Paid and unpaid positions are available in reporting, editing, design, video, photography and more, as well as within the agency.

The Unified Media team provides educational opportunities for students that cannot be taught in the classroom. The students involved gain professional, real-world experience; connect with like-minded students; network with professionals, and engage in meaningful professional development through travel and other unique opportunities.

While Unified Media groups are largely funded through advertising and creative service sales efforts from their Unified Media partner, McKinley Avenue, any gifts from alumni and friends help fund those extras that are an important part of a student’s education.

All revenue goes directly back into the operating budget for media students.

Thank you for your kind support to Fund #4907.