For the University of York’s student publication Nouse, it remains in a unique position going to the end of this year.
For the University of York’s student publication Nouse, it remains in a unique position going to the end of this year. It was a runner up for the Publication of the Year category at the Guardian’s Student Media Awards earlier this year. For the editor Laura Hughes, it remains to be enjoyed by the student population at York, and indeed remains a highlight for many of its journalists’ CVs.
Nouse, established in 1964, is the oldest society at the university, according to its web site, in addition to placing at the Guardian Student Media Awards and its recognition by the National Union of Students through its Best Student Media Award. Nouse encourages student participation, the web site adds.
Hughes says she got involved in Nouse straight away after coming to the university. “I came to York for the student media and jumped straight in,” Hughes said. “[I] ran around gathering news stories and then ran for the position of News Editor in my first term.”
Additionally, Hughes adds, it allows them to be prepared for going into journalism after they complete their studies, in addition to being a voice for students and the Students Union and having the ability to hold the university to account on key issues.
Recently, according to Nouse’s web site, issues such as saving university porters and divestment promises after York’s investment in the international arms trade, allowed the publication to gain much success on a national basis. “Nouse provides students with a platform to refine and redefine their writing,” Hughes said. “It provides us with the experience we need and the chance of one day becoming real journalists. The paper keeps the university on its toes and ruffles a few feathers. Nouse serves as a medium of expression for students, whether that be a creative commentary on an arts issue or a position of discontent levied at the university or society as a whole. I believe it connects students’ grievances, opinions and talents.”
For Hughes, who is seeking to be a foreign correspondent after she completes her studies at the University of York and will enter a graduate training scheme, student journalism remains a crucial part of a student’s university life, allowing a university to be held to account. “There will always be a role for student journalism,” Hughes said. “It will continue to grow as another social media tool and rely more and more on the varying forms of multimedia.”
Nouse can be accessed online at www.nouse.co.uk, where students at the University of York interested in contributing to it can learn how to join.
Editor’s note to readers: This piece is part of a series for Kettle examining UK student publications and student journalism.
