Question 1

Is the Daily Cal actually independent from UC Berkeley?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It is published by the Independent Berkeley Students Publishing Company, Inc. and operates separately from the university. The paper has its own editorial board and makes independent decisions about coverage.

Question 2

What sections can I write or work for?

Accepted Answer

The paper covers news (campus, city, UC system, national, investigations), sports (men's, women's, track and field, special reports), arts and entertainment (music, film, theater, books, comedy, fashion, video games), opinion (editorials, columns, the Soapbox), and lifestyle. There are also photo, design, and multimedia departments.

Question 3

Has the Daily Cal won any journalism awards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Recent wins include Best Newspaper at the 2024 California College Media Association Awards, 1st place in General Excellence at the 2023 California News Publishers Association Campus Journalism Awards, and 1st place in Best Newspaper Website at the California College Media Association awards in 2025. In total the paper won 13 awards across news, photo, design, and multimedia in 2023 alone.

Question 4

Does the Daily Cal publish special issues beyond daily news?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The paper produces themed special issues throughout the year, including a Graduation Issue, Cal Day Issue, Pride Issue, Environmental Issue, and Black History Month Issue, among others.

Question 5

Is the Daily Cal funded by a student fee?

Accepted Answer

Partly. As of spring 2026, a student fee supporting the paper was on the ballot for renewal in the ASUC elections. The paper has publicly called on students to vote to renew it.

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