Ructions: Difference between revisions

Leading up to the YSTV committee elections in 2004 there were three friends, all fairly new to YSTV, who were considering team leader or station director roles. They were [[Jen Ayerst]], [[James Flinders]] and [[Rowan de Pomerai]]. Rowan briefly thought about standing for Production Director, Studio Manager or Station Director. As Jen stood for [[Production Director]], Rowan went for [[Studio Manager]] and James for [[Station Director]]. Jen's production interests made this the logical position for her, and while Rowan considered SD, he decided against on the basis that (a) James wanted to run and wasn't so keen on Studio Manager, and (b) he could run for SD in his 3rd year if he desired.

All three were successfully elected to these posts. James unfortunately was in Canada for {{unsure|some time}} following the AGM, and so Rowan, as new Studio Manager, was left as acting SD. Not a lot of note happened during this time in YSTV itself. Generally YSTV was doing well, having increased its membership considerably thanks to the efforts of the [[Gang of Four]] and having made the place look better due to the recent [[YSTV Clean-Up]], which has also brought people together.

The first problems came due to the debate over the playout of [[URY]] in campus bars, long an ambition of the radio station. Whilst out of the country, James had been in contact with Tim Bateson and [[Matt Fullerton]] of URY (who was not an active member of YSTV at this point) about proposed plans for URY to be broadcast in campus bars using [[Rediffusion]]. James had responded on behalf of YSTV stating that "it would be unfair for URY to be allowed to broadcast in campus bars", not unreasonably suggesting that it would cut off YSTV's main distribution medium.

[[Richard Ash]] contacted a number of active members stating "James Flinders didn't seem to think the rest of you needed to see the attached email", forwarding on the previous correspondence. Richard also sent a message to URY pointing out that initial response had been without internal consultation, something that any major decision such as this would require. Whilst few would doubt James had good intentions, his methods were seen as somewhat undemocratic and not in the spirit a democratic society.