The Oracle: A History of USF's Student Newspaper
Every university has a heartbeat, and for the University of South Florida (USF), that pulse has long been captured by its student-led news organization. The Oracle serves as the primary record of campus life, evolving from a modest supplement in a city paper to a standalone publication known for its innovation and dedication to student journalism.
The Origins of Campus News
Before the birth of The Oracle, USF relied on the Tampa Times for its news coverage. The city paper produced a specific "Campus Edition" that dedicated three pages of its Monday issues to university events—specifically the front page and the first two pages of the second section. To ensure these reached the student body, the Tampa Times conducted a special press run after its early morning editions were finished, distributing the papers in designated racks across campus and nearby locations.
At the time, USF had not yet established a formal school for mass communication. Consequently, the responsibility for campus news fell to the English department, which managed a small journalism effort consisting of four or five foundational courses in news writing and editing.
The Birth of The Oracle
The landscape of campus media changed in the summer of 1966. Dr. Arthur M. Sanderson, an English professor and the director of student publications, brokered a deal with the St. Petersburg Times to print a completely independent newspaper. This new publication was scheduled for distribution every Wednesday.
The naming of the paper was a collaborative effort between general manager Steve Yates, editor-in-chief Harry Haigley, and photographer Tony Zappone. They chose the name The Oracle, a Greek term denoting an infallible authority. Interestingly, the team had considered a more playful alternative: the "USF Bull Sheet."
The initial team comprised approximately 20 student volunteers and part-time paid staffers. They operated out of a small office on the second floor of the original University Student Center, which has since been demolished and replaced. To provide guidance, Steve Yates served as the academic faculty coordinator, maintaining an office adjacent to the newsroom alongside Dr. Sanderson.
Innovation in Print and Production
The Oracle distinguished itself early on through visual innovation. Editor Harry Haigley tasked Tony Zappone, the paper's first staff photographer, with producing one color photograph for the front page of every issue. At the time, this was a unique feature that no other university newspaper offered, made possible through a partnership with the St. Petersburg Times (now known as The Tampa Bay Times).
The production process was a labor-intensive journey. Every Tuesday, Haigley, Zappone, and a rotating third staff member drove 30 miles from the North Tampa campus to the St. Petersburg headquarters. They spent the afternoon supervising the composing room staff as they assembled the mechanicals and plates for the late-night press run. The finished newspapers were then trucked back to campus in the early morning hours to be placed in distribution racks.
The Oracle Today
From its humble beginnings in a small office, The Oracle has grown into an award-winning publication. While it began as a weekly Wednesday print, the current print edition is published on Mondays and Thursdays, supplemented by digital updates throughout the week to keep the campus community informed in real-time.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1966, replacing the USF Campus Edition of the Tampa Times.
- Naming: Named "The Oracle" (Greek for infallible authority) over the alternative "USF Bull Sheet."
- Pioneering Feature: First university newspaper to feature a color photograph on every front page.
- Printing Partner: Originally partnered with the St. Petersburg Times (now The Tampa Bay Times).
- Current Schedule: Print editions on Mondays and Thursdays with continuous digital updates.
| Era | Publication Name | Frequency/Format | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-1966 | Tampa Times (Campus Edition) | Mondays (3 pages) | Supplement of a city newspaper |
| 1966 (Early) | The Oracle | Wednesdays (Standalone) | First independent student paper |
| Present | The Oracle | Mon/Thu (Print) & Digital | Award-winning multi-platform news |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the precursor to The Oracle?
Before The Oracle was established, USF's news was handled by the Tampa Times, which printed a special Campus Edition every Monday featuring three pages of university news.
Why was the newspaper named The Oracle?
The name was chosen by Steve Yates, Harry Haigley, and Tony Zappone. They selected "The Oracle" because it is a Greek term signifying an infallible authority.
What made The Oracle unique among university papers in its early years?
The Oracle was the first university newspaper to include a color photograph on the front page of every issue, a feat achieved through cooperation with the St. Petersburg Times.
How was the newspaper produced before digital technology?
Staff members drove 30 miles to downtown St. Petersburg every Tuesday to supervise the assembly of mechanicals and plates in the composing room before the papers were trucked back to campus.
Who managed the newspaper before the school of mass communication existed?
The publication was the responsibility of the English department, which offered a few basic news writing and editing courses to support the effort.