I have been editor of the student magazine since February now.
The latest issue went quite well, and here are some pictures of the cover and the aspects of design that we did, that I liked best:
I got the editor position through a sort-of bi-election at the very end of January.
However, now it is the official election season, so I have to run for the position again.
I am running unopposed, so unless people vote for a 're-run' (if they really really hate me), I will get the position again.
Here is my manifesto infographic:
Full manifesto here:
Catriona
O’Sullivan for Orbital Editor
Royal
Holloway University of London Student’s Union
My vision for Orbital is:
1. A more student
focused publication.
An acknowledgement of the fact that
students are intellectually curious and engaged. I have a strong background in journalism, as
a mature student, and have written, and continue to write for national and
international publications such as The Independent and The Guardian. This
experience would undoubtedly be helpful in achieving this goal of a serious,
yet cutting-edge tone.
2. Develop the
re-design that has already begun.
I would like to re-design the publication
so that it reflects the student population and appeals to as many students as
possible. Having worked in design across various contexts, I have a strong
belief that the design is just as important in conveying messages as the
content itself. The kinds of publications that would be ideal to draw inspiration
from design-wise would be print magazines such as Dazed & Confused,
Suitcase, Cereal, Kinfolk, and National Geographic. Of course, however, it is
of paramount importance that the team of student journalists, and as many
people in the wider student population are involved in this decision as
possible.
3. Champion student
achievement.
This would be central to my vision
for Orbital.
4. New sections in the
magazine.
Such as Humans of Holloway to engage
with students further and get stories from the diverse range of people
attending university here.
5. Increased events.
Something similar to the highly
successful ‘careers in journalism’ event of last term, which was fully-booked,
and even required another room for the event to be live-streamed in. This shows
that there is real demand for this kind of event in the future.
6. Co-operation with
the other student media outlets.
This would be key to boosting the
reach and engagement. Creating inter-media outlet events or articles, as well
as cross-outlet projects would be an exciting way to make use of the new
media-suite, and create new kinds of content in this new era of digital innovation.
7. A continued and stronger social media outreach
activity.
This is key to engaging students
across media. We could employ an array of social media such as Instagram,
Pinterest, Twitter, Tumblr and so on to create excitement around the publication,
but perhaps more importantly, to allow the wider student population to stay
updated on the activities of Orbital.
8. A democratic style
of managing the team.
In order to create a healthy and co-operative
working environment, this is crucial. Weekly e-mail updates and posts to the
Facebook page for the student journalists. Meetings with the editorial team on
a weekly basis, or where appropriate. Good
incentives for being on the team, such as industry networking opportunities or
journalism training days. A real feeling that the team are actively involved
and part of the creative process, and use feedback sessions to ensure that
members are finding it a useful and enjoyable experience for further
development in the field.
So far, as editor, I have achieved:
Having only been editor since the
beginning of February, I have already made some changes-
-
A slight re-design to create a different aesthetic, perhaps more
appealing to a greater number of students
-
A cover page with an inspirational alumni, who represents minorities and
oppressed groups. (Female and disabled).
-
Good-communication with section editors
Vote Catriona O’Sullivan for Orbital
Editor if you would like to see some of these ideas become a reality!
Vote +1
ReplyDeleteYou're wonderful
haha thank-you!!
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