Higher purpose since 1893

We are honored to introduce this year’s editorial board.

The board consists of the minds behind the unsigned editorials. We are joining a long and prestigious history in student journalism, reaching back to the genesis of The Daily Tar Heel in 1893.

In the late 1930s, the DTH published a banner under its masthead declaring itself “The Only Daily College Newspaper in the South.”

Although we are the oldest, we’re no longer the only daily college newspaper in the South. But our ego is certainly still intact.

Jokes aside, we acknowledge and embrace our established and essential role in the community, as well as the heavy responsibility that comes with being the major driver of conversation at UNC and the greater area.

The “Aim of the Paper,” written in 1932, summarily defines this year’s guiding principle for the editorial mission.

Eloquently written to hold the paper to a higher ideal of truth and dialogue above sensationalism, it reads:

“It is the aim of The Daily Tar Heel to foster open-minded and genuine liberality, which will admit the possibility of two sides to every question. The Daily Tar Heel attempts to throw the weight of its influence toward those sides of questions of great moment, which in the opinion of the editorial control are more nearly right. It also holds its columns open always to the other side, with the single reservation that only the truth must be spoken.”

Our purpose is intertwined with that of the news, but ultimately it is unique.

We do not report the news. Instead, we comment on the news that the newsroom reports.

The opinions expressed by this editorial board do not necessarily reflect those of the newsroom.

It is the responsibility of the newsroom to report the facts in an objective manner by removing personal opinion.

But the editorial board’s purpose is instead to provide informed commentary and to hold public figures responsible for their actions. This commentary takes its shape in signed columns and unsigned editorials written by board consensus.

The editorial board’s greatness comes primarily from the ability of you, the reader, to respond to and interact with the board.

Letters to the editor give the opinion page a community voice and hold the board accountable for its commentary.

Therefore, we implore you to send us your letters, tweets and kvetches.

Opinion should be derived from knowledge (although, regrettably, not everyone shares that conviction), and the tens of thousands of our unique readers each have equally unique experiences from which to offer perspective.

We invite that perspective through reader engagement with the paper.

Just as many depend on us, our existence depends entirely on you.