The Daily Aztec is the official student‑run newspaper of San Diego State University (SDSU) in San Diego, California, United States. Established in 1913, it has served as a primary source of campus news, opinion, sports coverage, and feature stories for the university community.
Publication format and frequency
The newspaper is published in a tabloid format and is released Monday through Friday during the academic semesters, with reduced publication during holiday weeks and exam periods. An online edition is maintained at dailyaztec.com, providing digital access to current articles and archives.
Organizational structure
The Daily Aztec is staffed primarily by SDSU students who hold positions across editorial, reporting, photography, design, and advertising departments. It operates under the oversight of a faculty advisor from the university’s Department of Communication and receives partial funding from the university’s student activities budget as well as advertising revenue.
Content areas
Typical sections include:
- News – campus administration, student government, and local community issues.
- Opinion – editorials, op‑eds, and letters to the editor.
- Sports – coverage of SDSU athletics, including the Aztecs’ football, basketball, and other varsity teams.
- Arts & Culture – reviews and features on campus events, music, theater, and visual arts.
- Multimedia – video reports, podcasts, and photo galleries.
Circulation and readership
Print circulation has varied over time; recent reports indicate a weekday distribution of approximately 8,000 copies across campus buildings, residence halls, and nearby off‑campus locations. The online platform attracts several thousand unique visitors per month, expanding the newspaper’s reach beyond the immediate campus community.
Historical significance and awards
Throughout its history, The Daily Aztec has documented major university events, social movements, and changes in student life. The publication has earned recognitions from the College Media Association and the Society of Professional Journalists for excellence in student journalism, including awards for investigative reporting, design, and photography.
Educational role
In addition to providing news, The Daily Aztec serves as a training ground for students pursuing careers in journalism, communications, public relations, and related fields. Participation offers hands‑on experience in reporting, editing, layout, digital media production, and newsroom management.
Affiliations
The newspaper is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) and participates in the ACP’s annual conference and competitions.
Current status
As of the most recent academic year, The Daily Aztec continues to publish both print and digital editions, adapting to evolving media consumption habits while maintaining its mission to inform and engage the SDSU community.
