Broadsheet Editor resigns in protest
Matthew Hartfield, the Editor of Broadsheet, has resigned, citing an "incredible amount of intervention from certain PSU and Life Union executives". Hartfield feels his position has been made "redundant and unworkable" due to constant interference from Union officials in what is an editorially independent newspaper.
The situation became complicated this year as a result of the merger of the Life and Physical Sciences Faculty Unions. Prior to the merger, Broadsheet had a healthy non-interventionist relationship with the PSU executive. After the merger, it was thought that a co-editor arrangement with one editor brought from each of the old faculties would better represent the whole student body. Daniel Chowdury, Life Sciences' Communication Officer was appointed Hartfield's co-editor.
Although Hartfield fought a campaign to be elected Editor by Physical Sciences students, the Natural Sciences Executive appears not to have considered the importance of democratic elections. Chowdury told Felix that he did not "know why there was no election. Lack of time, I guess".
The news of Hartfield's resignation has brought comment from many, including Alex Guite, who said, "It's a disgrace that a democratically elected editor has been forced to resign because he feels his editorial independence has been so compromised."
The Life and Physical Sciences' Unions refute the accusations of attempting to interfere with the newspaper's editorial independence. They have launched an internal review to investigate the matter.
The Faculty Unions have expressed their regret at the resignation and have described Hartfield as "a valued member of the PSU Executive whose work on Broadsheet was recognised and greatly appreciated by all".
Rupert Neate
Felix's View:
Union officials should never be allowed to interfere with an editorially independent publication. Matthew Hartfield was right to tender his resignation. Although the Life and Physical Sciences Unions have launched an internal investigation, Felix believes the Unionproper should look into the matter. Faculty Union Executives have scored an own goal with this one. Hartfield is a talented and wellrespected journalist Broadsheet's many readers will be the ones who lose out as a result of this squabble.
Although Felix is deeply saddened by Hartfield's resignation, we are glad that he will now have more time to dedicate to this newspaper.
