Lancaster University’s first Student Media Summit, which took place on the Wednesday of Week One, has been hailed a “huge success” by LUSU Vice-President (Media and Communications) Matthew Power.
The summit took place in Elizabeth Livingston Lecture Theatre, which was filled to capacity by an unexpectedly high number of prospective journalists. Will McDonagh, station manager for LA1: TV and Rachel Harvey, Bailrigg FM’s station manager, were both “shocked” by the turnout.
During the summit Power, McDonagh and Harvey each gave presentations about their respective societies, as well extolling the virtues of the new Joint Media Membership, which gives members access to all three student media organisations for an annual fee of three pounds.
Over 100 students signed up for joint membership at the event, in addition to the 250 that had already signed up at Freshers’ Fair, a “clear indication of a positive year ahead,” according to Power.
Praising the co-operation between the different student media groups on campus, McDonagh told SCAN that: “I do think it is absolutely down to the joint membership. People who may have been only looking at writing for the newspaper now get an insight into television and radio as well.”
Harvey was equally positive about the summit and the joint media initiative in general. “Working together as a joint media team – rather than as three competing organisations – helped us out massively and I think it will only continue to be beneficial,” she said.
Tim Farnan, a third-year English Literature student, was amongst those who signed up. “The membership fee is fantastic value for money, and the co-operation is a brilliant idea as it allows you to get involved with a variety of projects,” he said.
Students who missed the summit can still get involved in student media by contacting the relevant editors and heads of department by e-mail.
