A lot can happen in 58 years . 1964 was the year which saw the US fall in love with The Beatles, Richard Nixon show off his badminton skills in Hong Kong, and the Civil Rights Act pass into law. In 1964, the stage was also set for the development of the University of York’s longest-running newspaper. A newspaper which has provided a place for students to turn to so that their voices aren’t drowned out amidst the noise of university life.
It was also the year our 55th Prime Minister Boris Johnson was born, setting in motion events which led to his exclusive Nouse interview in 2006, and multiple comment pieces dissecting his rise to the top. Lancaster University was founded, preparing Nouse for years of Roses coverage. Goldfinger entered the Box Office; since then, 22 more James Bond films have hit cinema screens – with MUSE covering the most recent just last year. Nouse has adapted over time to a changing print culture and published stories which hold the University and student union to account.
This year, our focus has been on digitising Nouse so that the paper remains as relevant and accessible as it was 58 years ago. With the rise of Netflix and on-demand television, students now expect their news to be available instantaneously. Newspapers compete for clicks on links and relevancy has come to largely depend on having an online presence. Like how your iPhone incessantly reminds you to update your phone, Nouse’s editors have rebooted the paper with the latest update this year. The most successful institutions and media outlets are always looking to reinvent themselves to meet changing expectations.
Despite the pandemic bringing in-person student life to a halt, Nouse’s editors have risen to the occasion this year and learnt new skills for the first time so that your stories resonate across campus. We have started long-winded investigations and put your social causes at the centre of what we do. Investigative journalism remains extremely important in student life, and as we reach 58 years of publishing we would like to thank students for continuing to trust us with your stories.
We are constantly in awe of the bravery and fortitude shown by students who never think twice about speaking out. It takes a lot of courage to go public with your stories and Nouse’s existence since 1964 has relied on student’s faith in our editors’ ability to tell your stories right. Putting together the newspaper for this edition has been like no other.
Editors have found themselves flicking through old editions, and have quickly learnt more about Nouse ’s rich history. Nouse’s editor in the year 1982-83, Malcolm Smith, returned to our offices last week and recalled his time printing the newspaper on a typewriter. He spoke of reporting on a visit from the Pope and how a rivalry with URY kept editors on their toes.
As was the case for many editors after Malcolm, Nouse was only the beginning of a long career in journalism. Malcolm later spent 22 successful years at the BBC and the enthusiasm he still has for the newspaper is a reminder of how much it has meant to students over its 58-year lifespan. This edition, our editors have decided to become part of the long list of history makers by curating an edition which is eight pages longer than usual.
This edition has also held a poignancy closer to home as well. For both of us, this marks our final edition as members of Nouse , alongside a huge swathe of our editorial team. This edition marks the end of an era. Back in 2019, Emily Hewat, Dom Smith and Lucy Cooper started their Nouse careers – characters who have been instrumental in shaping the newspaper’s vision over the last few years.
Nouse has also been lucky enough to draw on Molli Tyldesley’s insightfulness, Abi Ramsay’s super-subbing skills, Josh Cole’s wit, and the artistic buzz which radiates from Kristina Wemyss and Zara Osako.
The journalism a newspaper delivers is a product of the personalities editing the articles. Juggling seminar readings with late nights in the office is always worth it. The paper would not function without the talent of the soon-to-be alumni.
Nouse will miss their passion for the highest quality journalism, ready to chase stories regardless of the effort and time required. Lowther and Flares will also notice a drop in their takings. A big thank you as well to you, the reader, for telling us your stories, through the good and bad times. Here’s to another 58 years.
