Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Indiana Daily Student (IDS) FAQ page, where we aim to provide answers to some of the most common questions about our organization.
What is the IDS?
The Indiana Daily Student is an independent, student-run news organization based in Bloomington, Indiana. We are a staff of around 200 Indiana University students working to inform the IU community and beyond. The IDS is accessible online, in our weekly print newspaper and on social media.
How is the IDS funded?
The IDS generates revenue from ad sales, donations and other design and marketing services. For advertising inquiries, reach out to advertise@idsnews.com. You can also donate to the IDS.
Who owns the IDS?
The IDS is an auxiliary business service organization owned by Indiana University. Other examples of auxiliary operations on campus include parking operations and campus bus service. Like all auxiliaries, the IDS is expected to generate its own revenue and does not receive funding from the university.
What is the relationship between the IDS and the university?
While Indiana University owns the IDS, it does not exercise any decision-making control over editorial content. Students control all editorial decisions over what content they publish. The IDS also employs five full-time professionals who are IU staff employees.
What is the role of the professional staff?
Professional staff members are available to provide support, training, and general advice to students. They also oversee the advertising and business operations of the IDS.
Who decides which stories are in the IDS?
Students have full editorial control over which stories run in the IDS. Stories go through a structured editing process involving at least one student editor and one managing editor before being published.
How can I submit a letter to the IDS?
Email submissions can be sent to letters@idsnews.com or mailed to 601 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN, 47405. If a letter is selected for publication, you will be contacted.
How can I submit a news tip?
News tips can be sent to newstip@idsnews.com, which notifies student editors. A reporter or editor may follow up with you for more information.
Do IDS staff members get paid?
Reporters, writers, editors, photographers, designers and advertising staff members are all paid for their work. Students are paid on a per-project basis or hourly depending on the situation.
Is the IDS a club?
The IDS is not a club, but rather an independent news outlet. Any IU student can apply to join the IDS, but must complete an onboarding process and join payroll before officially becoming part of the staff.
What is the Student Media Publications Board?
The publications board is a group of professors, administrators, alumni, students and media professionals who elect the Editor in Chief of the IDS each semester. Some positions on the board are appointed or elected. For more information, see our charter.
