UMass Boston

This year marks the 60th anniversary of UMass Boston’s independent student newspaper.

Written and produced by a team of 30 student staff members, The Mass Media is financially supported exclusively by students and operates independently within the Office of Student Activities & Leadership. In addition to serving as “the paper of record” for the university, The Mass Media plays an important role in covering local Boston news, providing a platform to amplify student voices, and serving as the primary opportunity for UMass Boston students to gain experience in journalism. Editor in Chief Elijah Horwath ’27 recently shared five facts you might not know about The Mass Media and described its unique role as a student newspaper at a public university.

• The Mass Media distributes 1,500 copies of each of its 16 biweekly print editions across 12 newsstands (a total of 24,000 copies per year!). The staff collectively dedicates more than 150 hours to writing, editing, and producing each issue. They also post breaking news and additional articles on The Mass Media website and social media between issues.

• The Mass Media Student Newspaper Collection in UMass Boston’s Joseph P. Healey Library archives includes 1,212 issues of the paper, dating back to its founding in 1966. The 60th anniversary issue, distributed on January 28, 2026, featured standout articles from these archival issues. “The work we’re doing today is a continuation of the work they did in 1966,” Horwath said. “It’s the same project—trying to engage in community, trying to empower students, trying to empower the freedom of speech on campus.”

• The Mass Media charts a long history of UMass Boston student organizing and advocacy for First Amendment rights. One notable example: Special issues from May 7–25, 1970, showcase student, faculty, and staff participation in the nationwide student strikes in response to the Vietnam War, political repression, and killings of student protestors at Kent State University. 

• The paper’s staff recently received accolades from the Society of Professional Journalists, which maintains ethical standards for the field and recognizes the best collegiate journalism through its annual Mark of Excellence Awards. Anya Tongprasith ’29 won an award for her illustration in The Mass Media’s coverage of the Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812 performances at the University Hall Theatre in November 2025. Photo Editor Bridget Lord ’28 and Managing Editor Joshua Levin ’28 were finalists for their photography and breaking news reporting, respectively.

•  The Mass Media invites contributions from all members of the UMass Boston community—including alumni! If you’re interested in having an article published, submit your work for consideration through The Mass Media website.

Visit umassmedia.com to check out the latest issue or learn more about the newspaper.