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You’ll find something new in this week’s print edition of The Prince George Citizen.
Turn to the centre of the paper to see the 16-page first edition insert of the latest volume of Over the Edge, the campus newspaper of the University of Northern British Columbia. Their paper features a new board of directors (all students), a fresh look, and an updated approach to covering what’s important on campus.
Student-run college and university newspapers play a vital role. They explain campus life to students and help them share their stories with one another. They inform, educate, and entertain. However, campus papers have traditionally been focused on, and available at, those same colleges and universities.
This is something different.
Over the Edge has been part of UNBC life for decades, evolving through various formats, as outlined in today’s issue. The latest board, however, aims to take the paper in a new direction — one that honors past traditions while embracing the university’s future. In addition to a website, they wanted a physical paper with real newsprint that students could pick up and read.
Earlier this year, the board of directors of Over the Edge approached Citizen owner Cameron Stolz about the possibility of printing the paper. Stolz took it a step further by offering an arrangement where Citizen staff would assist and mentor the Over the Edge team in creating a publication that, once a month, would be included in the 23,000 copies of The Citizen. As well, it will be distributed on the UNBC campuses in Prince George, Fort St. John, Terrace, Prince Rupert, Quesnel and Gitwinksihlkw.
That’s what sets this new take on the student paper apart. People in Prince George, many of whom have no connection to the university, can read about what’s happening up on the hill. This will help them understand and appreciate the significance of UNBC and its continued impact on our community.
The paper’s content will be written by students, for students, featuring a mix of news, advice, and opinions. Since UNBC does not have a journalism program, this initiative provides students with an opportunity to learn about writing for media in a professional setting—a crucial skill for any profession.
It’s important to note that Over the Edge pays its writers; this is not an amateur effort. The board has made it clear that they will run the publication professionally. As well, in addition to The Citizen staff assisting with the editing and layout of their paper each month, they will be holding seminars for Over the Edge writers, as well providing an introduction into editing and laying out their newspaper.
Advertising will also play a role as 23,000 copies of the 16-page issue of Over the Edge is inserted into the 48-pages of The Citizen. As a free-distribution newspaper, this collaboration offers a way to reach both UNBC students and city readers.
Beyond the business aspect, we view this as an opportunity to connect the university and the community. The campus, with its striking silver and traditional BC wood design, is visible from many neighbourhoods in Prince George. It may be elevated above the city, but it remains connected to it. By collaborating, The Citizen and Over the Edge can highlight this connection, illustrating the importance of having a university campus here in PG while helping students—especially those from out of town, out of province, or out of country — understand that they are part of two communities.
As UNBC president Geoffrey Payne states in a message in today’s edition: “With the return to physical newsprint, a new partnership with Prince George’s Citizen, and a renewed digital presence, Over the Edge is positioned to reach new heights. This publication will not only enhance student life at UNBC but also strengthen connections between our university and the wider community.”
That’s the goal. We hope you enjoy this latest addition to The Citizen. Look for it wherever you find your Citizen.
