The Orion is an independent and student-run news source at California State University, Chico. We provide in-depth coverage of university news, sports, opinions and entertainment.

The Orion’s goal is to build journalistic excellence at Chico State.

Since its inception in 1975, The Orion has provided a training ground for students interested in journalism, photography, advertising, marketing, production, graphic design and videography.

In March 2020, The Orion ended its print run and became a digital-only media outlet.

Awards

The Orion has won dozens of national, regional and state awards. It was inducted into the Associated Collegiate Press Hall of Fame in 2005 for its record of achievement.​

NATIONAL AWARDS

General Excellence

Pacemaker Award for General Excellence: 1989, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2014

Online Pacemaker Award: 2007, 2009, 2020 (finalist)

ACP National Newspaper of the Year:

• First Place: 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
• Second Place: 2006

SPJ Mark of Excellence: First Place: 2000, 2004; Breaking News, First Place: 2020

NNA Better Newspapers Contest: First Place: 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006

Associated Collegiate Press Hall of Fame: Inducted 2005

Advertising Excellence

Best Display Ad/BW:First Place: 2009

Best Newspaper Promotion Ad/BW: Second Place: 2008
Third Place: 2009

Best Display Ad Campaign:Third Place: 2008

STATE AWARDS

California Newspaper Publishers Association:

General Excellence: First Place: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013

California College Media Association:

General Excellence:
First Place: 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2017;

Second Place: 2006, 2010, 2014;

Fifth Place: 2020

Best Overall Design:
First Place: 2006, 2009

Second Place: 2007, 2010

REGIONAL AWARDS

Society of Professional Journalists’ Best All-Around University Newspaper:

• First Place: 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2008, 2009
• Second Place: 1992, 1995
• Third Place: 1991