About Us

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between College Media Network [CMN] and College Publisher?

College Publisher is the content management software that CMN owns and operates. All CMN partner publications run on College Publisher, the only multimedia publishing platform built specifically for the needs of the campus newsroom.

How much does it cost to use the College Publisher (CP) software?

It is 100% free to join CMN, and CMN offers the CP software exclusively and at zero cost to all member publications.

How does CMN stay up-to-date with the latest media technologies and trends?

In 2008, College Publisher is adopting a dramatically improved online publishing system that will ensure member publications stay ahead in the competitive and shifting world of online media.

We are also regularly adding new features in response to our partners’ needs and requests. Some of our latest additions include:

  • Facebook widget that allows CMN members to deliver a stream of updated headlines directly to readers in their newsfeeds and main profile pages.
  • Interactive Dynamic News Module that showcases the most popular, most read and most commented-on articles, as well as top podcasts.

How large is your network and what papers are in it?

CMN is the largest interactive network of online college newspapers in the United States. We serve nearly 600 student-run publications and counting, at institutions with a combined enrollment of 5.5 million students. Our member papers boast a combined average of 5 million unique users per month. Click here for an up-to-date listing of all our partners.

How does CMN protect my paper’s editorial rights?

CMN is dedicated helping your online paper reach its full potential, and that includes ensuring (by contract) that all partners maintain complete editorial control of their publication.

Will my paper keep control over advertising?

Student publications have three online advertising spots. You will keep 100% of any revenue that your publication receives from these spots. Additionally, with CMN’s online advertising solutions, publications have the tools to more effectively sell and capitalize on their local inventory. CMN will also receive two additional national advertising spots.

Can you give me a sampling of some of the benefits CMN offers?

  • Website hosting and storage
  • Domain management
  • Reporting tools for web metrics
  • Free training and support
  • Advertising Manager/Ad serving tools
  • Media manager of photos, audio and video
  • Search tools
  • Email newsletter
  • User Registration
  • Blogging tools/reader forums with moderating admin
  • Content feeds and syndication ability (RSS)

Is CMN owned by MTV?

mtvU, a 24-hour college television network, is dedicated to promoting student content. College Media Network is a proud component of mtvU, a fact that arms us with all the assets accompanying the MTV brand (including on-air, field correspondent and internship opportunities), but keeps in tact the creative freedom representing the core of the college market. As

a result, CMN is able to create opportunities for your paper’s staff – helping your journalists break stories and driving added attention and traffic back to your paper.

Can I work with 3rd party plug-ins?

We can definitely support outside vendors—whether you are using photo brokers, classified management vendors or other 3rd party plug-ins. Please Contact Us for more details.

How can I advertise on CMN?

Our national advertising is deployed by MTV Networks. Check here for more information.