Landon Block is a political science senior and the Opinion Editor at Mustang News.
Mustang News’ Editorial Board will begin to announce public endorsements of relevant elections.
This change marks an expansion of Mustang News’ award-winning content to further serve the Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo community through thoughtful, intentional and thoroughly researched recommendations.
Why are we making this change?
Historically, Mustang News has not officially endorsed candidates or propositions, although it has occasionally featured endorsements from individuals. However, it is common practice for many publications (such as The New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle and the San Luis Obispo Tribune), including student-run publications (such as UCLA’s Daily Bruin and the University of Pennsylvania’s Daily Pennsylvanian), to publish endorsements.
As the opinion editor, I feel it is important to inform voters as thoroughly as possible, and that means expanding our content to include opinionated and well-reasoned endorsements for races that hold significant interest among Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo’s communities.
After many conversations with the Mustang Media Group Editor-in-Chief Archana Pisupati and Managing Editor Jeremy Garza, we decided endorsements can be a powerful tool to shape public perception and inform voters about candidates and policies that impact their everyday lives.
While Mustang News reports on much of this information through fact-based news reporting, we also feel it is important to directly share our stance on certain critical public decisions. Moreover, we view this as an opportunity to provide a consistent and ongoing showcase of our publication’s principles, values and priorities. Our endorsements will directly reflect these foundational aspects of our institution.
Who will be deciding these endorsements?
Endorsements will be decided, written and published by Mustang News’ Editorial Board. The voices in this group may fluctuate to include a number of columnists and editors to eliminate any potential conflicts of interest, either through newsroom reporting or outside associations. All members included in the decision-making process will be included in a disclaimer at the bottom of the article. Reporters covering issues for fact-based stories will not be included in conversations around endorsements.
In any situation, the editorial board will be composed to represent a diverse, informed and intentional voice in the best interest of the Cal Poly and San Luis Obispo community. Our endorsements may not, and likely will not, represent the individual beliefs of each individual Mustang News contributor or reader.
How will the endorsements be decided?
Endorsements will be decided through a rigorous research process, including but not limited to: fact-finding, policy analysis, character analysis and candidate interviews. A methodology, including the editors and staff involved in the decision, will be included in all endorsements.
While endorsements may be influenced by public reporting, including that of Mustang News, the endorsement process will never interfere with how our newsroom reports on a given candidate or policy.
Furthermore, Mustang News never has, and never will, offer endorsements in exchange for advertisements or any quid pro quo incentives. Additionally, the Mustang Media Group business staff may accept politically affiliated advertisements. All Mustang News content is completely independent from these advertisements and the business and news entities exist separately for ethical reasons. Endorsements will not be associated with outside organizations or political parties.
What does this mean for future coverage?
This change in policy will have no impact on Mustang News’ typical election news reporting.
Endorsements will serve as additional content that voters can use to inform their choice when completing their ballot. They will be clearly marked under the Opinion section and the “Editorial Board” byline.
Anyone interested is still encouraged to submit Letters to the Editor with their thoughts by emailing editorial@mustangmediagroup.com. These letters will be published by merit of argument and reasoning, not by whether they align with the editorial board’s endorsement.
As Opinion Editor, I understand the responsibility the editorial board holds in providing honest and thoughtful endorsements to our readers. On behalf of all of us, I thank you for your trust and promise we will take every measure to ensure we provide as many resources as possible to inform you.
This story originally appeared in the October print edition of Mustang News. Check out more from the edition at news stands around campus and San Luis Obispo.
For more stories from the October print edition check out the featured print section on our website or the full issue.