The Hullfire

Hullfire
Format Newspaper, Online Radio, Online Television
Language English
Headquarters Hull University Union
Website thehullfire.com

Hullfire is the official student media group of Hull University Union, at the University of Hull. As of February 2014, The Hullfire brand has united the newspaper, radio and TV outlets at the university into one.[1]

The Hullfire Newspaper

The Hullfire is Hull University Union's student produced monthly newspaper covering news, life, music, arts, fashion, sport and science around the University of Hull and local area of Kingston upon Hull, England.

History

In the past, The Hullfire has been in both magazine and newspaper form and is currently in the latter. Until 2007–2008 the VP Media & Communications, now Chair Media, was the Editor-In-Chief, however, due to increased responsibilities, the editorial role has been taken over by an elected student volunteer along with a team of student sub-editors.

Former editors include Tristan Vere-Hoose and Grace Wood. Former writers include Samuel Stevens, sports writer for The Independent.

Readership

The Hullfire newspaper can boast a circulation of 2,000 per month and is generally considered to have improved year-on-year, and with the relaunch of the student media in 2014, is likely to increase readership. www.thehullfire.com however attracts more than 100,000 hits on articles per academic year, making it a success with students at the university and neighbouring universities.

Controversy

During the academic year of 2011-2012, the then Editor, Dominic Fog, neglected his duties as Editor as he slowly began to investigate the works of Karl Marx. Additionally, a meme of an African child with the text "woke up this morning" "Wasn't taken by Kony" was perceived to offend African students and caused the paper to be pulled. After much deliberation, it was agreed that the meme would be cut out, enabling the paper to circulate again.

Jason Birbas, the then joint News Editor, also wrote his sex industry piece "Clamps, Clips and a Lap Dancers Hips". It featured an interview with a lap dancer and dominatrix. A notable part of the article was dedicated to a fluorescent pink cage containing a dog bowl that was only looked at and not discussed. Despite being submitted it did not make the printing press, though he did win the 'Best Article Award' at the annual awards dinner.

Hullfire Radio

Hullfire Radio is the official student radio station of Hull University Union. The station currently broadcasts online and within the Union's University House building.

History

The station was founded in 1983,[2] originally named URH (University Radio Hull), broadcasting on an induction loop system around halls of residence and in the Union buildings. In 1997, the station became the first student radio station in the UK to broadcast on AM frequency, as Jam1575. From 2007, the station was broadcast as an internet only service. The station was re-launched in 2014 as Hullfire Radio, as the radio faction of Hullfire Media.

Studios

Hullfire Radio broadcast from studios in the Hull University Union Building. Two studios are used for the production of shows: a production studio and a live broadcasting studio.

Software

Automated playout software, Myriad, was written by two former members of the radio station. The software was initially developed for use by the student radio station, but has since been used by independent radio stations globally.

Torch TV

Torch TV is the official student television station of Hull University Union.

History

The official date of establishment of the student television station is unknown, however, video footage of University student life dating from 1951[3] and 1981[4] exist. Archive footage from the 1980s was also believed to exist, but has since been lost.

HUUTV was established in 2010[5] under University Union VP Community, Tom Peel. More than 35 programmes were broadcast online between 2011-2012.

In 2014, the station was re-launched as Hullfire TV, as the TV faction of Hullfire Media. Since re-launch, the station have broadcast news and factual content, including NaSTA award nominated science based show, Science Guys, and coverage of all Union elections.

In 2016, the exec committee and members voted to rebrand the station to "Torch TV" in an attempt to distance itself from HUU. Despite Union Council Members voting against the change, Station Manager Josh Baker ignored their ruling and duly rebranded to Torch TV citing that it was the members of the station whose opinion matters and not Union Council. In 2016, the station won their first NaSTA Award in its history, winning the Highly Acclaimed Award for Best Drama with the short film "Your Number Is Up".

See also

Notes and references

  1. Wood, Grace (3 February 2014). "HUU Media Relaunches". The Hullfire. Retrieved 5 February 2014.
  2. adipalaz.com, Adriana Palazova -. "Jam Radio Station". www.hull.ac.uk. Retrieved 2015-09-19.
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ac0PzYBibLY, retrieved 2015-09-19 Missing or empty |title= (help)
  4. "Hull History Centre: Online Catalogue". www.hullhistorycentre.org.uk. Retrieved 2015-09-19.
  5. "HUUTV". huutv.tumblr.com. Retrieved 2015-09-19.
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