We have recently received letters pertaining to the purpose of The Appalachian and we would like to take this space to explain our role on campus.
   Since 1934, the role of The Appalachian has not wavered: to inform, to guide and to entertain. The tactics to complete this goal twice a week, however, vary slightly from year to year.
   Using news stories, features, editorials, columns, photo essays, letters to the editor and “Free for All” messages, university issues from all facets can be explored from different angles, supplying you, the reader, with balanced information.
    The role of The Appalachian is no different than that of other newspapers. Our publication always strives to make truth its ultimate goal.
    The Appalachian serves as a vehicle of communication in three ways: by providing readers information about events affecting their lives at Appalachian; by providing readers a means of responding to this information through letters to the editor; and by acting as a historical record of events at the university.
    Our job is to report issues that directly affect the students, faculty and staff of Appalachian State University. Many newspapers are sold on campus that cover national and state news and it is not our job or calling to cover those issues.
    We can often relate such news to our community such as state budget cuts and the war on terrorism, but most national news does not directly link with our campus. It is this reason readers will not see news wire stories anywhere in our publication.
    In this student-run newspaper, the separation of the news page from the editorial page is intended to serve the reader, who is entitled to the facts in the news and to opinions in the editorials and columns.
    Nothing in these functions is intended to eliminate from the news honest, in-depth reporting or analysis and commentary when plainly depicted as such.
    Unlike public relations, newspapers print the good along with the bad to portray the complete story.
    We strive to keep stories fair and accurate while portraying all sides of an issue on the news page. Readers can make their own opinions about the issue.
    Writing letters to the editor and calling the “Free for All” hotline allow readers to express these opinions.
    Newspaper reporting distinguishes itself from broadcasting because of its permanence and less restrictive nature.
    Readers have the opportunity to respond to what is printed, while broadcast audiences often do not have this chance.
    The Appalachian is a service to the people of this campus. We strive to take a lead on issues that directly affect the lives of our readers.
    We are proud to be a part of “Your student newspaper since 1934” and will continue to deliver the most accurate portrayal of university life this year throughout our pages.