By Emily Delgado
The Daily Iowan, an independent student newspaper serving the University of Iowa and surrounding communities, expanded its position as a hands-on learning opportunity for students by acquiring two local newspapers.
The newspaper acquired the Solon Economist and the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun in February. Jason Brummond, publisher of The Daily Iowan, was approached by Woodward Communications last fall about a potential acquisition.
The current staff of the two newspapers will remain in their respective cities and continue writing stories for their communities. Subscriptions have continued uninterrupted. 
The Daily Iowan’s roots as a student newspaper go back to 1868 and student journalists have reported on national, state, local, and campus news. The campus publication, while not directly connected to the School of Journalism and Mass Communication in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, has given students the opportunity to gain real world experience as they pursue a career in journalism.
With this recent acquisition, students will have even more opportunities to gain first-hand experience reporting, writing, and researching.
“The acquisition serves as an opportunity for University of Iowa students to be on-the-ground journalists for a local Iowa newspaper,” said Sabine Martin, a fourth-year student studying journalism and mass communication and who serves currently as executive editor of The Daily Iowan.
Student journalists have been working with both papers this year and writing content for them.
“There will be opportunities through internships, journalism classes, or assignments through the Daily Iowan to contribute to the Mount Vernon and Solon newspapers,” Brummond said.
Already around the Adler Journalism Building, there are flyers advertising internships in news reporting and digital design through this acquisition. 
“Students will also get their bylines published, which is a great experience to have as a college student. Connecting with a more rural community than Iowa City while reporting will also be a learning experience for the students,” Martin said. “I personally have reported on some of my best articles when it's me connecting with a group of people who open up about issues or successes they are experiencing.”
Students will be contributing to the content for both papers by covering local news, Hawkeye sports, and political coverage.
The motivation behind the acquisition, Brummond says, will not only help boost community newspapers and The Daily Iowan, but it will also allow students to build up their portfolio while still in school.
“Community newspapers are important. These are two nearby communities that are strong and vibrant, and they deserve strong newspapers,” Brummond said.
Brummond hopes this acquisition alongside the work produced from it continues the University of Iowa’s reputation as a strong public university of writing and communication.
“To me, this fits right into the Writing University. The Daily Iowan is proud to contribute to Iowa's legacy of producing great writers – and the acquisition of community newspapers is the newest chapter,” Brummond said. “We are excited to see where it will go from here.”