Editors seek help with re-launch of Spark student media

The Spark newspaper could be making a comeback in printed form, and student volunteers are asking academics to help them get more students involved.

Spark, the Reading Students' Union-published newspaper, took an enforced hiatus during the pandemic. After being re-established as an online newspaper in 2023, the new editorial team are looking to re-introduce a print edition.

The newspaper, which has its roots in the 1930s, is an important mouthpiece for student issues. It has helped to provide a platform for volunteer writers, editors, designers and photographers in past years, with many former student editors and writers going onto successful careers in journalism and media.

Colleagues can support the student editors by raising awareness among their students of the opportunity to get involved in student-run media.

Alper Yasarata, a second-year consumer behaviour student, is the editor for 2024-25, with Jasmine McQuade, a final-year English literature undergraduate, as deputy editor.

Alper said: "We are making strong plans for bringing back Spark in a physical form, as well as maintaining the online element, but after the gap in production we need support to get things going again.

"We know students benefit massively from having the opportunity to write for and produce our own news media, and think that the skills we can learn will help us with employability, as well contributing to the life of everyone on campus.

“So we would be grateful if academic colleagues could encourage their students - from any subject area - to get in touch with us to try their hand at writing, editing, photography, designing, publicising, and administration of the Spark."

Students who are interested in getting involved can email thesparkteam.online@gmail.com