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Purdue Exponent stocks Bloomington newsstands after IDS cuts

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, October 19th 2025 at 20:48 GMT by WISH-TV
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Purdue Exponent Expands Reach by Stocking Bloomington Newsstands After IDS Funding Cut

The daily student newspaper of Purdue University, The Exponent, is making headlines not for its investigative stories but for a strategic shift in how it reaches readers. Following a sudden reduction in print distribution support from the Indiana Department of State (IDS), the paper has begun placing copies in local Bloomington newsstands, signaling a bold move to keep the publication alive on campus and in the wider community.

The Funding Void

The IDS cut—announced in late summer—eliminated a long‑standing partnership that covered the cost of printing and distributing the Exponent’s physical editions. The department had historically subsidized the university’s print media, viewing it as a civic service that kept students informed. With the budget reallocation, the Exponent’s print arm faced a $70,000 shortfall for the 2025 fiscal year, a figure that threatened to curtail daily print runs entirely.

Purdue’s communications office confirmed that the decision was part of a broader state-wide initiative to reduce public spending on print media. “We’ve been exploring alternative revenue streams, but the immediate impact is clear: the Exponent must find a new way to deliver content to students without a state subsidy,” said campus spokesperson Erin Morrow.

New Distribution Strategy

In response, the Exponent’s editorial team rolled out a partnership with a network of local newsstands in Bloomington. The paper is now available at 32 locations—including the campus bookstore, the grocery store on 3rd Street, the pharmacy on Jefferson Avenue, and a corner stand on the university’s South Mall. Copies will be sold at $1 each, a price point that balances affordability for students with a modest revenue stream.

Editor‑in‑Chief Maya Desai explains the decision: “Print media still matters to our readership. We’re not just distributing; we’re engaging with the campus community in new ways. The newsstand presence keeps the physical edition alive and gives us a tangible way to connect with students who might otherwise scroll past a digital feed.”

The distribution deal includes a shared revenue model: the newsstand operators receive 30% of each copy sold, while the Exponent retains the remainder. This arrangement creates an incentive for local businesses to support the paper, fostering a symbiotic relationship between the university and its surrounding community.

Community Response

Local news outlets have highlighted the impact of the move. A piece from the Bloomington News emphasized that the Exponent’s presence in everyday retail spaces helps maintain a sense of normalcy for students during the transition period. “The paper’s print editions have become part of the fabric of campus life,” wrote columnist Jim Sullivan. “By bringing it into the local business ecosystem, the Exponent not only preserves its physical form but also reinforces the importance of print journalism in an increasingly digital age.”

Students have reacted positively to the new distribution. A survey conducted by the university’s Student Services Division found that 68% of respondents said they would purchase a copy if available on campus or at a nearby store. “I used to pick it up at the bookshop, but sometimes it’s closed,” said freshman Jessica Martinez. “Now I can grab a copy at the corner shop when I’m running to class.”

Digital and Print Synergy

The Exponent’s shift to newsstands is not a retreat from digital but a complementary strategy. The paper’s online platform, ExponentOnline.com, remains active with daily updates, multimedia content, and a subscription service for alumni and external readers. The print editions now feature a “Print‑Only” section that expands on digital stories, offering in‑depth analyses, longer columns, and special features.

The newsstand strategy also allows the Exponent to experiment with interactive displays. In partnership with the campus bookstore, the paper is exploring a rotating “Print‑and‑Scan” kiosk that invites readers to scan QR codes on the print copy to receive instant updates or exclusive content online. This hybrid approach leverages the strengths of both mediums, ensuring the newspaper remains relevant to a tech‑savvy student body.

Looking Ahead

While the new distribution model is a stopgap solution, the Exponent’s leadership acknowledges that sustainability will require ongoing innovation. “We’re actively pursuing sponsorships, event partnerships, and community grants,” Desai said. “The newsstand presence keeps us afloat for now, but we’re building a future where print and digital coexist, each enhancing the other.”

The Bloomington newsstand expansion has already attracted attention from other universities in the region. Dr. Alan Patel, a professor of Media Studies at Indiana University, noted, “Purdue’s approach could serve as a blueprint for other campus newspapers facing similar cuts. It’s a practical demonstration that print media can still thrive when integrated with local business ecosystems.”

As the Exponent settles into its new retail channels, the broader conversation about the role of student newspapers in the digital era continues. The decision to stock Bloomington newsstands underscores a willingness to adapt, to experiment, and to keep a vital campus voice in the hands of its readership—whether that hand reaches for a copy on a busy weekday morning or clicks through a story on a laptop.