Broadsheet student newspapers are essentially the most recognizable format for mainstream news publications, with famous examples such as the New York Times, the Guardian and the Chicago Tribune. The style of these publications is typically quite formal and non-partisan, with an emphasis on avoiding sensationalist headlines and focusing more on politics and world affairs than celebrities and entertainment. Student broadsheets attempt to replicate the style and tone of these publications, and often rely on in-depth features and investigative journalism to provide content. Examples of article topics in student broadsheets include: how the college is spending its budget, the election of new student representatives, and reviews of new art exhibitions and plays on campus.
Tabloid newspapers are traditionally smaller than broadsheets, although this distinction carries less importance now than it once did -- instead, student tabloids are often distinguished by their sensationalism, attention-grabbing headlines and articles which detail scandalous behavior or outrageous events. Student tabloids will often be more inclined to throw their weight behind a particular issue or social event than broadsheets would, and may endorse a student running for office or encourage readers to campaign against a particular college policy.
Satirical student newspapers are based on the concept of creating a publication that looks similar to a traditional newspaper, except the articles all feature elements of parody, irony or surrealism. However, these newspapers can still base their articles on current college events, and therefore satirical publications can have an informative purpose alongside a comedic one.
Avoiding the cost of physically printing and distributing a newspaper (along with the associated work of digitally laying it out and designing the pages), digital newspapers have become a popular way for students to regularly update college on upcoming developments and breaking news stories. Live-blogging (where students write about unfolding events in real-time) is a reoccurring feature of these publications, as is the integration of film and radio clips into their online content.