VOTE THEO #1 - Fairness and Equality Throughout Student-Led Media
The main event is days away. I'm excited. In a similar way to how a child may feel before Christmas morning, or how football fans feel in the days leading up to the cup final. That kind of tangible cocktail of excitement, anticipation and nerves, all mixed up in similar spell-binding quantities.
And, similarly to Christmas and the football, media coverage of this year’s Guild elections is EVERYWHERE. You log on to Facebook, candidate faces litter the Home Page. You grab a bite to eat in the Guild, it’s impossible to escape the grinning visages of various candidates (not myself; more about that later). There are even proclamations of “Change” when you visit the W/C. Literally, everywhere. And that is a great thing; with this year’s contest shaping up to be one of the most hotly-fought in recent memory, where there is little to separate the ten candidates, student-led media is playing an integral part. Rightly so, I reckon.
However, I must clear some things up. Those of you that have familiarised yourself with my manifesto (http://www.so-elections.com/members/theo/profile ; it’s a great read) will know that I have spent the last six months being heavily involved with our student media scene. I have held the position of Sports Editor on LiverpoolStudentMedia.com since November, I have been ICON radio’s Head of News since September, only changing after a recent promotion where I ascended to Station Manager as the previous incumbent wished to focus on his studies. All these positions have been fantastic and have enabled me to bring student views to the fore.
I do all of this for two pivotal reasons: primarily, I harbour ambitions to become a sports journalist in later life, but also because I am fed up with the fact that we, as students, get very little coverage of our views and opinions. Too often, our feelings are either swept under the carpet or just ignored. I know for a FACT that we can change this. After visiting various universities around the country (Sheffield, Nottingham, Leeds, Manchester to name but a few), I have seen they have phenomenal media scenes. Let’s join them.
I was delighted yet surprised to be chosen to take over as Station Manager. As I said, the radio had become stagnant, bogged down by apathy and burnt-out enthusiasm. However, it was a twist of fate that the outgoing Manager asked me to step up. A charming set of events, which would provide another string to my already vast bow.
And that was all it was: coincidence. For clarification, ICON is a personal project; and since taking up the position, me and Sam van Geffen, the assistant Station Manager (who’s equally running to be Student Trustee Officer and a great choice for your vote (http://www.so-elections.com/members/samvangeffen/profile/), have overseen great change.
However, for me, this election is a professional opportunity. The two projects are completely separate. Whilst ICON is a great conduit to display my determination, drive, innovation, enthusiasm and passion, it will not be exploited. I believe strongly in a fair election where each candidate has equal exposure and air-time, something that Sam and I will work tirelessly to implement whilst still keeping a professional distance from proceedings.
Finally, posters. Ah yes. Those things which have recently re-decorated our Guild/campus/toilets/footpaths. Basically, I don’t believe in them. Our Guild has worked tirelessly to implement a “green” way of thinking, where recycling is the focus. How can printing off reams and reams of paper support this? I am proud to announce that the few posters and fliers I will use will all be made from 100% recycled paper, and I will encourage the recipient to recycle after use.
In my opinion, posters are a quick-fix way to boost the candidate’s profile, whilst also providing a healthy ego trip. These elections are about us, the student body, as a whole. Not the individual or personal glory.
Elections in general involve talking to potential voters as to earn their vote. How can we, as potential leaders, know what to implement if we haven’t taken the time to talk to the lifeblood of this University, the student body? This is why my campaign will be conducted on a face-to-face basis.
And so, I’ll sign off by thanking you for your time, patience and attention. When voting does open on Thursday, I would be TRULY HONOURED if I feature anywhere on your voting slip. Of course, I’d love to be your #1 choice but your vote is much-apprciated.
In the meantime, join the swathes of campaign followers on Facebook as to keep up-to-date with all news and views ... and quirky campaign vids.
www.facebook.com/votetheo
Or, equally, check out the campaign vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doyvHEMkdB0
VOTE THEO #1 – Putting U First In University
