[1] The Vidette was first published in 1888 and operated as a subscription publication until 1915 when it began receiving support through student fees.

The Vidette covers international, national, state and local news as well as in-depth features and reviews and editorial opinions.

[2] In addition, the paper provides ISU students with professional work experience as journalists, graphic designers, web developers and media advertising sales representatives.

[citation needed] The Vidette formerly had a circulation of 4,000 issues a day on Tuesdays during the fall and spring semesters and a digital edition published four times during the summer.

[2] In addition to the daily issue, the newspaper staff also produced four special magazine sections throughout the year on a range of topics.