Revived Journalism Society Sees Success in First Month

After years of Covid-related issues, RMIT's Journalism Society (JSoc) is back under student administration.  A September AGM saw a handover from support staff to a new Executive Team.

Staff administrator Dr Josie Vine says new leadership "rallied student support and enthusiasm, both internally and externally of the Journalism Program.  As a result, the Journalism Society is now fully back in student-hands, run by an efficient and energetic executive committee."

Incoming President Loughlin Patrick has broad grassroots support and substantial involvement with RMIT's journalism output on Channel 31, SYN, RRR, The Swanston Gazette, City Journal and online.

He says: "It's fantastic to have the opportunity to drive JSoc's revival!  I'm excited to use my business and disability support background to deliver great outcomes to a diverse student cohort."

Patrick is supported by incoming Vice President Lily Kristanto.  She plans to use her extensive student leadership and event planning experience to facilitate connection in RMIT's community.

She says: "I feel there is a need for community within this course, and I would love to be a part of making that a reality.  I have a wide variety of ideas for events and opportunities for students."

JSoc's incoming Director of Communication is musician Oliver Winn.  He brings lengthy experience in online engagement, building large followings for two community interest pages.  Winn now facilitates the social media presence of his band The Valiants.

Incoming Director of Administration Jack Ward rounds out the team.  No stranger to community revival, he was named Youth Journalism International's 2020 Student Journalist of the Year for providing news coverage to Ararat residents after its local paper closed.

Moving Forward

The new Executive Team signed off on three core principles of Opportunities, Networking and Development.  The principles will guide future service delivery and provide clarity to members.

In its first month, JSoc has held a range of events, including a trivia night attended by more than 60 students, an information session about summer internships, and a social night out in Fitzroy.

JSoc also pursued development initiatives, sending members to commentate Australia's Ninja Challenge League finals, and securing discounted Artbound Initiative placements for members.

Still to come this semester is JSoc's inaugural Writing Prize to reward student work.  A Mystery Movie Night will build on Trivia Night to bring the student cohort together at the end of the year.

Going forward, JSoc will soon sign off on a strategic partnership with SYN Media to support local news broadcasting.  Plus, alumni are already being locked in for a 2023 speaker series.

President Patrick would like to thank RMIT Student Life staff Jack Arnold and Dana Tieman, teaching staff Dr Alex Wake, Dr Lucy Morieson and Dr Stef Markidis, RMIT Student Union President Adam Steiner and event facilitator Adam Miller for their continued support of JSoc.

People can follow JSoc's continuing initiatives on social media @rmitjsoc on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.  RMIT students may join or renew for $5.  Membership is $10 for guests and alumni.