I want my mtvU, err...College Publisher

Word is out today that College Publisher has a new owner: mtvU, a division of MTV, which a division of Viacom.

I think this is a good thing. College Publisher is already the largest network of college newspapers, with some 450 or so partners, including talonmarks.com. The hookup with mtvU/MTV/Viacom makes it even more of a solid host for college papers and, as the news release says, brings to the table a plate of blue-ribbon advertisers anxious to reach the college market.

"This acquisition is in line with our business strategy of moving forward in the digital space and continually expanding our online portfolio of music, gaming, news and entertainment," said Judy McGrath, Chairman and CEO, MTVN.

Now, the Cerritos College Talon Marks might see a little bit of the ad revenue MTV brings to the table somewhere down the line --I hope so-- but even if we don't this is still a good turn of events for us.

• It means the continuance of a stable platform for our online edition. In days past when I tried to log on and for some reason could not connect, I was momentarily hit with the fear I had when the first online host we signed with --Campus Engine-- went belly up and and left us high and dry. If something happens now, I'm assured that it isn't because the money dried up.
• It emphasizes the seriousness and importance of college publications, especially the online editions.
• It likely will help grow the audience for our online site as the network strengthens. That's more potential readers for my students' work. That can only be good. And,
• Perhaps with a broadcast-oriented owner, College Publisher will branch out and start hosting college online radio stations and television stations and we'll be able to interconnect to grab even higher numbers of readers/viewers/listeners. That would fit in just nicely with the partnerships we're trying to forge on the Cerritos campus.
  

Tags: student newspaper, College Publisher

LATE ADD: As further proof that the college market is important, a Florida daily has purchased a Florida State University student-run newspaper. This is believed to be the first instance of a commercial paper buying a student newspaper.