Redbrick (newspaper)
Encyclopedia
Redbrick is the student newspaper of the University of Birmingham
. Originally titled Guild News, the newspaper was renamed Redbrick in 1962. As with most student newspapers Redbrick is not fully independent due to funding arrangements, but is editorially independent as is set out in its charter.
Redbrick is written, photographed, edited and published entirely by University students, and is run not for profit, funded by both advertising revenue and the Guild of Students. It consists of news, comment and features, arts, music, lifestyle, film, and sport sections. Food, travel and technology sections appear on a three week rotation. A sport supplement titled The Lion is published biannually.
The newspaper is produced weekly during term time, with the exception of the summer semester as publication halts during exam season. The newspaper is to celebrate its 75th birthday in February this year. The paper is distributed free around campus and the local area every Friday, and has potentially 28,000 readers.
The newspaper continued to publish throughout the Second World War. The first issue after its declaration featured on its front page an article on the potential difference between The Great War, and the war with Germany in which the country had just become involved.
In summer 1972, just after the Gay Liberation Front
yearly conference, held in the Guild of Students, Redbrick published a controversial article titled 'Who's a Wanker?', which described practical aspects of homosexuality
, a highly controversial matter then. The issue ran out and had to be reprinted. Simultaneously, it was reported to the Press Council
because of that article, and it was subsequently withdrawn.
Over the years Redbrick has covered everything from visits by Prime Ministers, controversial politicians and even Malcolm X. The paper has featured many exposés, reports from behind the Iron Curtain, the 1968 student sit ins and from behind the scenes at the BBC's first ever Prime Ministerial debate.
The society has won recognition from various student bodies. In 2005 Redbrick won the most improved society award, following this in 2010 the newspaper won the Guild of Students Most Outstanding Society of the year award. In the same year it won the Outstanding Contribution to Sport award from the University. Recently, the Redbrick Paper website has been nominated for the Guardian Student Media Awards 2011.
The Editorial Team for 2011-2012 includes Glen Moutrie as Editor, Victoria Bull and James Phillips as Deputy Editors, Chris Hutchinson as Online Editor and Ollie MacArthur as Treasurer.
As of the 2010-11 academic year, the newspaper has a dedicated design team who have presided over the first redesign in six years. This is headed by Art Director Tom Walters, he is supported by Photographic Editor Beth Richardson and Junior Art Directors Lauren Wheatley and Jazzarie Lee.
There are many other roles available in the newspaper and these were made apparent in the Join Redbrick campaign of 2011.
In the last two years many online roles have been created. These include Online Editorial Assistants, Online Section Editors and the newest role of Community Manager.
Every section of the newspaper also has its own Twitter account which are used to keep followers updated on significant issues related to each section.
Redbrick also has a free app available from the Apple App store:
Many former editors have gone on to work for national publications, the most notable being former Reviews Editor Lizo Mzimba
who left in 1992.
More recent alumni include Nick Petrie, co-founder of Wannabe Hacks and now Community Manager at The Telegraph, editor of Redbrick Paper between 2009 and 2010.
University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is a British Redbrick university located in the city of Birmingham, England. It received its royal charter in 1900 as a successor to Birmingham Medical School and Mason Science College . Birmingham was the first Redbrick university to gain a charter and thus...
. Originally titled Guild News, the newspaper was renamed Redbrick in 1962. As with most student newspapers Redbrick is not fully independent due to funding arrangements, but is editorially independent as is set out in its charter.
Redbrick is written, photographed, edited and published entirely by University students, and is run not for profit, funded by both advertising revenue and the Guild of Students. It consists of news, comment and features, arts, music, lifestyle, film, and sport sections. Food, travel and technology sections appear on a three week rotation. A sport supplement titled The Lion is published biannually.
The newspaper is produced weekly during term time, with the exception of the summer semester as publication halts during exam season. The newspaper is to celebrate its 75th birthday in February this year. The paper is distributed free around campus and the local area every Friday, and has potentially 28,000 readers.
History
Redbrick Paper is one of the oldest student newspapers in the United Kingdom. First published as Guild News on 5th February 1936 its current name dates to 1962. One of two student publications at the University, the other being SATNAV (Science and Technology News and Views), the paper was originally published alongside the student magazine The Mermaid this ceased publication some time ago.The newspaper continued to publish throughout the Second World War. The first issue after its declaration featured on its front page an article on the potential difference between The Great War, and the war with Germany in which the country had just become involved.
In summer 1972, just after the Gay Liberation Front
Gay Liberation Front
Gay Liberation Front was the name of a number of Gay Liberation groups, the first of which was formed in New York City in 1969, immediately after the Stonewall riots, in which police clashed with gay demonstrators.-The Gay Liberation Front:...
yearly conference, held in the Guild of Students, Redbrick published a controversial article titled 'Who's a Wanker?', which described practical aspects of homosexuality
Homosexuality
Homosexuality is romantic or sexual attraction or behavior between members of the same sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, homosexuality refers to "an enduring pattern of or disposition to experience sexual, affectional, or romantic attractions" primarily or exclusively to people of the same...
, a highly controversial matter then. The issue ran out and had to be reprinted. Simultaneously, it was reported to the Press Council
Press Complaints Commission
The Press Complaints Commission is a voluntary regulatory body for British printed newspapers and magazines, consisting of representatives of the major publishers. The PCC is funded by the annual levy it charges newspapers and magazines...
because of that article, and it was subsequently withdrawn.
Over the years Redbrick has covered everything from visits by Prime Ministers, controversial politicians and even Malcolm X. The paper has featured many exposés, reports from behind the Iron Curtain, the 1968 student sit ins and from behind the scenes at the BBC's first ever Prime Ministerial debate.
The society has won recognition from various student bodies. In 2005 Redbrick won the most improved society award, following this in 2010 the newspaper won the Guild of Students Most Outstanding Society of the year award. In the same year it won the Outstanding Contribution to Sport award from the University. Recently, the Redbrick Paper website has been nominated for the Guardian Student Media Awards 2011.
Editorial team
Redbrick appoints its core editorial team for the coming academic year via simple majority at an annual general meeting in the summer semester.The Editorial Team for 2011-2012 includes Glen Moutrie as Editor, Victoria Bull and James Phillips as Deputy Editors, Chris Hutchinson as Online Editor and Ollie MacArthur as Treasurer.
As of the 2010-11 academic year, the newspaper has a dedicated design team who have presided over the first redesign in six years. This is headed by Art Director Tom Walters, he is supported by Photographic Editor Beth Richardson and Junior Art Directors Lauren Wheatley and Jazzarie Lee.
There are many other roles available in the newspaper and these were made apparent in the Join Redbrick campaign of 2011.
In the last two years many online roles have been created. These include Online Editorial Assistants, Online Section Editors and the newest role of Community Manager.
Redbrick Online
The paper has developed significantly through its online capabilities. One of the most recent successes of the paper was its coverage of the Birmingham Riots this summer. This included live feeds from journalists, Twitter and even comments from local MPs.Every section of the newspaper also has its own Twitter account which are used to keep followers updated on significant issues related to each section.
- Redbrick Art's Twitter Account
- Redbrick Photo's Twitter Account
- Redbrick Sport's Twitter Account
- Redbrick Comment and Features' Twitter Account
- Redbrick Film's Twitter Account
- Redbrick Food's Twitter Account
- Redbrick Technology's Twitter Account
- Redbrick Travel's Twitter Account
- Redbrick Life and Style's Twitter Account
Redbrick also has a free app available from the Apple App store:
Other
It is closely linked to the other media groups at the Guild of Students: BurnFM.com, Guild Television (GTV) and PhotoSoc.Many former editors have gone on to work for national publications, the most notable being former Reviews Editor Lizo Mzimba
Lizo Mzimba
Lizo Mzimba is the Entertainment Correspondent for BBC News.-Early life:He attended the independent Solihull School and The University of Birmingham...
who left in 1992.
More recent alumni include Nick Petrie, co-founder of Wannabe Hacks and now Community Manager at The Telegraph, editor of Redbrick Paper between 2009 and 2010.