1. What would you like the Union to do?
I, as media representative, would like the Union to govern all media societies through the IPSO code as to ensure compliance to professional journalistic standards. This would be implemented by the Union via the creation of an online framework. Such a framework - an online complaints form of some description - would be accessible on the Union website in the case of anyone needing to submit a complaint against a Publication or individual journalist. The Communications Team at the Students' Union would oversee the administration, and subsequent remonstrance, of societies if they break the code. Complaints which do not meet the code will be discarded, and those complaining informed of this outcome. Essentially, the Union will act like as a regulator for student media without breaking editorial independence.
2. Why would you like to do this?
I would like the Union to do this for the following reasons:
- This will drive up the standard of student journalism as students will have to know the code, advertised by the Union on their website, and ensure that all things written are respectful, compliant and substantiated.
- The IPSO code will also ensure that complaints are administered through the Union, as is the case in other universities, rather than those complained against themselves.
3. How will this affect students?
This will allow students to be aware of good journalistic practices. It will also allow students to be protected when complained against insofar as students will have to complain through the Union rather than via instagram or other, much more personal, channels. This would also provide students with a taste of what life is like working in the world of journalism and journalistic compliance, serving to further professionalise and strengthen student media at UCL.