IDS, IUSTV, WIUX to converge
IU Bloomington’s three flagship student media operations will converge into a multiplatform network under a plan that seeks to strengthen the student experience and ensure the outlets’ longevity through the establishment of a financially sustainable business model.
Drawing on recommendations presented by an ad hoc committee of students, staff, faculty, and alumni, the plan lays out a vision for an editorially independent and financially viable learning lab that leverages multiple brands, creates opportunities for innovation, and serves local and university communities. The Indiana Daily Student, IU Student Television, and WIUX student radio will share business operations and professional staff but will maintain their distinct platforms and brands.
“Successful media organizations are not afraid to reinvent themselves, and we have big dreams for student media at IU,” said Media School Dean David Tolchinsky. “We are proud of our tradition of excellence in student media. Through innovation, we will amplify the storytelling our students already do so well by reaching audiences where they consume content and generating revenue to support the organizations, enabling them to become the best learning labs they can be.”
A sustainable business model
The IDS, which has operated as an independent auxiliary since 1969, has faced steady revenue decline for more than 10 years — consistent with a national trend of local newsrooms in economic crisis. The Office of the Provost provided about $1 million in support this July, clearing the IDS’s deficit and enabling the organization to restructure on solid financial footing.
IUSTV and WIUX are budget-neutral but have limited revenue-generating capabilities under their current structures.
The plan seeks to achieve budget neutrality for the converged organization within three years — with two additional if-needed “buffer years” — through increased financial support from IU and The Media School, realization of organizational efficiencies, pursuit of new revenue opportunities, and reduction of costs.
Increased financial support includes:
- Ad expenditures from the Office of the Provost.
- School coverage of deficit incurred during a three- to five-year implementation period.
- Transitioning dedicated IT role from the IDS to The Media School. The position will remain focused on student media.
- Introduction of two to three Student Academic Appointment positions, filled by graduate students, to support student media.
- Funding for the development of a converged mobile app.
Existing financial support from The Media School — partial coverage of salary and fringe benefits for the director of student media, fundraising support, tuition recapture on student media credit hours, and facility provision and support — will continue.
Cost savings will be realized through a strategic reduction in the IDS print edition, printing special editions only beginning spring 2025.
Supported by the operation’s shared business operations, WIUX and IUSTV will restructure as revenue-generating entities. New converged products — a mobile app and a newsletter — will also present revenue opportunities.
A premier student experience
In addition to its financial solutions, the converged operation will strengthen experiential opportunities — an emphasis of IU Bloomington’s strategic plan, IUB 2030 — by removing barriers for students to gain experience across platforms, fostering increased collaboration, and functioning within a contemporary structure more aligned with students’ future employers.
IUSTV and WIUX will now receive the same professional staff support as the IDS, presenting increased opportunities for growth and innovation. A committee of Media School faculty and staff members will work alongside students and student media professional staff to guide the transition and help form a collaborative culture among the different outlets.
“A converged media organization has the potential to enhance the learning experience for all who participate in student media,” said Jim Rodenbush, director of student media. “It is important to maintain the current outlets and protect their brands and histories. Moving forward, it is my hope this will encourage students to think about participating in storytelling across all platforms.”
A council of alumni industry leaders will advise the organizations on best contemporary industry practices. Student leaders will meet with the council annually and will have the opportunity to pitch innovative new operational ideas for additional funding.
The plan also calls for the introduction of new resources to support student journalists’ mental health: semester-long courses on media and mental health and trauma-informed reporting, Story Lab sessions on journalistic self-care and trauma reporting, an annual non-credit self-care and trauma reporting workshop, and a plan to protect student journalists against threats to their physical and emotional safety.
Implementation will begin this semester, guided by a committee of faculty and staff.