Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Mass Communication and Television students in a news control room on April 7, 1986. (Photo courtesy of the Emerson College Archives & Special Collections)

Boylston, Beacons, and Broadcasting: The long and complex history of the Emerson Journalism Department

By Bryan Hecht, News Co-Editor / February 14, 2024

The journalism major at Emerson College has become an attractive destination for media-inclined undergrads as it consistently ranks highly among college...

The sun sets over Boston Common as viewed from the newsroom of The Berkeley Beacon in the campus center at 172 Tremont St. on March 12, 2021.

It’s hell, but it’s worth it: The Beacon on The Beacon

By The Editorial Staff / February 3, 2022

With The Beacon celebrating its 75th anniversary, we wanted to share our thoughts on the paper. This paper has given us a lot. It has given us a fucked...

A 1967 edition of The Berkeley Beacon, the oldest in the organizations office.

‘It’s a gateway drug’: The Beacon celebrates its 75th anniversary

By Frankie Rowley, Content Managing Editor / February 1, 2022

Seventy-five years of The Berkeley Beacon.  The Beacon has been Emerson’s only student-run independent newspaper since its first edition of Feb....

The Berkeley Beacon office in Emersons 172 Tremont St. building.

SGA passes legislation condemning The Beacon over instances of racism, discrimination

By Andrew Brinker and Frankie Rowley / December 18, 2020

The Student Government Association unanimously passed legislation in their Dec. 8 meeting condemning The Berkeley Beacon, Emerson’s student newspaper,...

Former Editor-in-Chief Chris Van Buskirk in front of a very legendary establishment.

After 1,033 days, an editor says farewell

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21 / June 30, 2020

It was a Tuesday around 6:50 p.m. when shots rang out across Boston Common. Students were told to shelter in place several minutes later but a young...

Photo credit: Ally Rzesa

How student journalism saved me during the COVID-19 crisis

By Dana Gerber, News Editor / March 20, 2020

On Friday, March 13, Emerson College announced it would close its residence halls, effectively kicking us all out of our dorms. Across campus, students...

Chris Van Buskirk, Editor, The Berkeley Beacon

Letter from the Editor: The world is changing

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21 / March 13, 2020

The view from the third floor of 172 Tremont St. may not look different from only a week ago but the tone and anxiety permeating Boston is tangible.  Excuse...

Letter: Elections Shenanigans unacceptable

Letter: Elections Shenanigans unacceptable

By Brad Dye / March 9, 2020

Brad Dye graduated from Emerson College in 2006 and served as the Student Government Association's elections commissioner for three years.  As the...

The exterior of the Kasteel Well castle

Expanded reporting from the Castle with new Kasteel Well vertical

By Katie Redefer and Lara Hill / February 24, 2020
Editors Katie Redefer and Lara Hill introduce their reasoning for establishing a new Kasteel Well vertical focused on student reporting at the castle program.
Letter: Response to “Emerson Special Olympics Event Draws Hundreds”

Letter: Response to “Emerson Special Olympics Event Draws Hundreds”

January 25, 2020

If you would like to send a letter to The Beacon please email [email protected]. Letters for print must be sent by Wednesday, 6 p.m. EST and not...

Graphic by Christine Park.

The stigma of moving on from non-monogamous relationships

By Jacob Seitz, Staff Writer / January 15, 2020

A few weeks ago, I received a text from a friend. “My man you know I love you,” she began. “But you just got out of a serious long term long-distance...

Editor of The Beacon Chris Van Buskirk.

Letter from the Editor: Incredible journalism isn’t the only thing to be proud of this semester

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21 / December 15, 2019
Editor-in-Chief Chris Van Buskirk reflects on the fall 2019 semester, the accomplishments and failures of The Berkeley Beacon, and looks forward to holiday break and spring 2020.
Marlboro College President speaks to News Editor Parker Purifoy.

Beacon announces partnership with Vermont newspaper

By Diana Bravo, Copyeditor/Photographer / November 21, 2019

The Berkeley Beacon announced a wire service partnership with an independent Vermont newspaper in a statement Wednesday. The Beacon is partnering with...

The Berkeley Beacon News Hour: Hollis update, Garbanzo, and OHRE

The Berkeley Beacon News Hour: Hollis update, Garbanzo, and OHRE

October 9, 2019

Berkeley Beacon editors went live on WECB Wednesday with the sixth episode of The Berkeley Beacon News Hour—a morning radio program dedicated to discussing...

The Berkeley Beacon News Hour: Daniel Hollis, Hong Kong, Clery Report, Workday

The Berkeley Beacon News Hour: Daniel Hollis, Hong Kong, Clery Report, Workday

October 2, 2019

Berkeley Beacon editors went live on WECB Wednesday with the second episode of The Berkeley Beacon News Hour—a morning radio program dedicated to discussing...

The Berkeley Beacon News Hour: RA Contracts, Fee Amendment, Boylston Street Construction Update

The Berkeley Beacon News Hour: RA Contracts, Fee Amendment, Boylston Street Construction Update

September 30, 2019

The Berkeley Beacon hosted the inaugural episode of The Berkeley Beacon News Hour Monday—a morning radio program dedicated to discussing both campus...

Editor of The Beacon Chris Van Buskirk.

Letter from the Editor: Ushering in a new era for The Berkeley Beacon

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21 / September 4, 2019

As another school year begins, I want to take a moment to address some changes both in our paper and on campus.  Little Building finally opened and...

EDITORIAL: What we’ve accomplished and what we can improve

EDITORIAL: What we’ve accomplished and what we can improve

By Editorial Board / December 6, 2018

At issue: Our fall 2018 semester Our take: We’re proud of our advancements, and we strive to do better. Last semester, we tried something new. For...

EDITORIAL: Moving forward one issue at a time

EDITORIAL: Moving forward one issue at a time

By Editorial Board / September 6, 2018

At issue: Editorials are our perspective of campus news. Our take: Give us a chance, we’re students too. A new semester means a new editorial...

Charlesgate Confidential will be released on Sept. 18. Photo courtesy of Scott Von Doviak.

Beacon alum draws up art heist mystery

By Ally Rzesa / April 4, 2018

On March 17, 1990, art thieves slashed 13 paintings from the walls of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Although the paintings were never recovered,...