Transparency with the Humber Student Federation (HSF) has been an issue journalism students from both the North and Lakeshore Campuses have had over time.
In order to get interviews with the HSF staff members, students and student journalists have to fill out a media request form stating their contact information, media outlet, subject area and the content of their interview questions.
Jake Kigar, Managing editor of Humber Et Cetera said he and his reporters of Et Cetera had experienced issues with HSF in the past.
“Last semester I had issues with doing audio and video and they were particular with filling out forms. We’re journalism students, we have a tight deadline and we have to go through a strenuous process just to get a simple quote. Two Et Cetera reporters from this semester asked me if HSF was always difficult to speak to. I would say transparency is not the greatest regarding them because we had many issues already and I’m sure it will continue to be so unless it’s changed.”
According to HSF staff member, Brandon Wallace, members of the HSF have to create time to grant these interviews because they are also students. He also said that student journalists might misinterpret their comments or intentions from an interview or an event.
“Being a media student you know there is a lot that can be misconstrued in an interview, and that being said that’s part of the reason why they have to prepare for what you have to offer…different organizations have different policies and this is the specific policy for HSF,” said Wallace.
The necessity of formal media requests continues to be a hindrance to media studies students.
Tim Brilhante, President of the HSF, said it’s nothing personal. Forms were to ensure that the media was looked after properly.
