Flagler College - Newspaper

Newspaper

The Gargoyle is the college's student-run newspaper. In 2010, the Gargoyle went online-only and began publishing only from its Web site, gargoyle.flagler.edu. In 2012, The Gargoyle took first place for best independent online publication at the Society of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence Region 3 awards. The online-only publication took a total of five awards, including two more first places for Editor Michael Newberger in online opinion writing and Sports Editor Mari Pothier in online sports reporting.

Since becoming an online-only publication in 2010, the Gargoyle has won 9 Regional Mark of Excellence awards, and published three more from Flagler Communication Department classes. Before 2010, the publication had only won 2 SPJ awards in its entire history. In 2007, the publication was a finalist Associated Collegiate Press 2007 Pacemaker Awards.

In 2006 and 2007, there were several allegations of censorship or alteration of articles within the college newspaper, the Gargoyle, by the college administration. In 2006, one issue of the newspaper was removed from circulation due to an alleged error in its headlines about rising tuition. In April 2007, the college administration again exercised editorial control over the paper due to alleged fact errors. Students rallied and organized a protest against any type of censorship of the newspaper, calling for a free and independent student press.

As of September 2007, working on The Gargoyle is no longer required of communication majors. An advisory board and operating guidelines were also set up to handle any future situations which may arise, and also to help outline the function of The Gargoyle.