Comments Off on Woroni Communications Editor Casual Vacancy 2024
Woroni’s Board of Editors is looking to fill a casual vacancy for the new position of Communications Editor for 2024, this position will commence on the 13th of May 2024 and end on the 16th of November 2024.
The Communications Editor is a new position added this year to the Woroni Board, and is responsible for overseeing the organisations public presence and reach. This includes oversight over our social media, photography and events portfolios, managing these teams and the content they produce. It is an exciting opportunity to work with passionate volunteers to create content that matters for the ANU community, made by the community itself. The Communications Editor also sits on the Board and is a Director of the organisation, responsible in part for the overall direction of Woroni.
The successful applicant will be passionate about student media, have experience with team management, be organised and punctual, and be willing to dedicate 15 hours per week to Woroni duties. They do not have to have prior experience with Woroni, but such experience is highly recommended. They must be an ANU student.
The position is not paid, but Editors receive an honorarium for their work.
Applicants must answer the questions below, and if successful, will then go on to be interviewed by a panel of three current Editors. Applications close on the 1st of May.
Woroni is committed to accessible and diverse hiring. If the hiring process can be made more accessible for you or if you feel you have different requirements for any reason, please email woronideputy@gmail.com and we will do our best to accomodate your needs.
If you have any questions, please email woronideputy@gmail.com
Comments Off on Annual General Meeting 2024 Notice
We are pleased to announce that the ANU Student Media Inc. Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Monday the 29th April 2024.
Location: In person TBC and Zoom
Time: 6.30pm
The 2024 ANUSM Annual General Meeting Agenda can be accessed here.
You can access the references from the agenda below once the agenda is posted:
Reference A: 2023 AGM Minutes (Draft)
Reference B: 2023 SGM Minutes (Draft)
Reference C: 2024 Editor-in-Chief’s Annual Report
Reference D: 2024 Managing Editor’s Annual Financial Report
Reference E: 2023 Audited Financial Statement
Reference F: Provisional 2024 Budget
Reference G: Proposed Editor Honoraria Regulations
The Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor will present their annual reports, the 2023 Audited Financial Statement and the 2024 ANUSM Provisional Annual Budget.
If you are interested in the governance of ANU Student Media, want to get involved next semester and would like to get an update on the progress we have made in the past year, we invite you to come along. We will also be having a discussion on Woroni’s name directly following the AGM. For more information please see the statement made by Editor-in-Chief Matthew Box here.
If you have any accessibility requirements or questions, please email Charlie Crawford, our Deputy Editor-in-Chief, at woronideputy@gmail.com.
Woroni TV is hiring for the second half of Semester 1 2024!
At Woroni we are committed to:
producing interesting, entertaining, informative and regular content across our print, multimedia, radio and online media platforms;
contributing to a sense of university identity and reflecting the scholarly and cultural diversity of the ANU community;
promoting open public dialogue and debate in the ANU community;
promoting awareness of the variety of curricular and extra-curricular activities undertaken by students at ANU;
discovering and developing the creative talents of students at ANU in journalism and the media arts;
promoting the best practice in professional journalism; and
being innovative and exploring new media forms.
A great student media organisation is for everyone. Student media should promote conversations, and provide a platform for people with different views, identities and lived experiences. Our ultimate aim is to build a culture of inclusivity and diversity across our platforms. A large portion of ANU’s students relocate to Canberra to study, which means our community is extremely diverse. Woroni is funded by, created by and consumed by ANU students, and our mission is to produce print, radio and television content that truly reflects this community.
Woroni is committed to diversity in hiring and encourages applications from ANU students of all backgrounds. These are volunteer positions, however individuals may receive an honorarium based on their commitment to the role. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact woronieic@gmail.com. If you would like to contribute to our mission, see below for how you can get involved with student media!
Applications will close at midnight on Friday the 3rd of May 2024. Interviews may be conducted at any time throughout or after the application period.
The TV team at Woroni produces video content ranging from campus life to news reporting. We’re looking for fun, creative, and passionate sub-editors and senior sub-editors to join the team!
Production Assistant:
The Production Assistant role is a versatile, entry-level position crucial to the video content production process within a team. Key duties include developing video concepts, filming with audio and camera equipment, and video editing using Adobe Premiere Pro. This position offers an opportunity for skill development in various media production areas. Although prior experience in media production is advantageous, it is not mandatory. The role is expected to require approx. 8-10 hours of work per week, including compulsory weekly team meetings that you must be available for. This is a volunteer position, with the possibility of honoraria.
Producer:
The TV Producer role is essential for facilitating video production in small teams, focusing on all production stages for quality delivery. This position, which reports directly to the Executive Producer, involves scheduling, creative direction, and collaboration with Production Assistants. Candidates should have basic to intermediate production skills (camera, editing, production). This position is ideal for individuals familiar with media production looking to leverage their creative skills in a team environment. The role is expected to require approx. 8-10 hours of work per week, including compulsory weekly team meetings that you must be available for. This is a volunteer position, with the possibility of honoraria.
Executive Producer:
The Executive Producer role is a leadership position within the video production team, requiring close collaboration with the TV Editor for effective management. Responsibilities include coordinating a production team and contributing to video development, as well as camera operation and video editing, and providing both assistance and troubleshooting in these areas. This position is ideal for someone with experience in film production and managing a team, who is able to manage a more significant time commitment. The role is expected to require approx. 10-15 hours of work per week, including compulsory weekly team meetings that you must be available for. This is a volunteer position, with the possibility of honoraria.
TV-News Producer:
This position plays a crucial role in bridging the TV and News portfolios to produce multimedia style journalistic content. Working closely with the TV-News Executive Producer, this position requires attendance at weekly team meetings across both TV and News. Responsibilities include content development, camera operation, and video editing. This position is ideal for someone with some experience in media production who is passionate about multimedia journalism.The role is expected to require approx. 8-10 hours of work per week, including compulsory weekly team meetings that you must be available for. This is a volunteer position, with the possibility of honoraria.
If anything can be done to make the application process more accessible, please contact woronitveditor@gmail.com.
Comments Off on Statement From the Editor-in-Chief on the Name ‘Woroni’
Australian National University Student Media Inc. (ANUSM) currently trades and publishes under the name ‘Woroni’. Woroni is a word which was stolen from the Wadi Wadi nation by Editors in 1950 without consultation or recognition. The Wadi Wadi language is now extinct which has made various attempts at consultation on the use of the name over the last 5 years challenging, this however is no excuse. In the middle of 2020 ANUSM began recognising the theft of the word publicly in the Acknowledgement of Country on the back of the Woroni magazine.
This year we have once again attempted consultation with the Murray and Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations on the name, however the ANUSM Board strongly believes that the association should be a democratic, student led, and informed organisation. In light of this, we will be holding an open discussion immediately following our Annual General Meeting on the 29th of April 2024. The AGM begins at 6:30pm and is likely to run for approximately 30 minutes so we anticipate this discussion to begin at approximately 7:00pm. The discussion will not take place as a part of the AGM as we do not expect there to be a final resolution on the topic that night and the structure of a General Meeting does not provide the same opportunity for discussion as we think would be productive.
For some additional context, ANUSM is an incorporated association and thus it and its directors are legally bound by its constitution. Currently section 14.2 of the ANUSM Constitution requires that “The Association must manage print and media platforms with the masthead Woroni.” Given this we cannot begin publishing under another name until the members of ANUSM have approved a change to the constitution and this change has been ratified by ANU Council. All ANU students are automatically members of ANUSM and are invited to participate in this discussion.
Details of the discussion will be released in due course. We acknowledge that not everyone with an opinion on the matter will be willing or able to attend the discussion and so encourage anyone to contact the Editor-in-Chief at woronieic@gmail.com if you would like to contribute your thoughts to the discussion.
Comments Off on Decoding ChatGPT: What lies below the surface and what lies in the future?
It’s hard to believe that ChatGPT was only launched a little over a year ago. In such a short span of time, it’s completely transformed the way we study, work, and even live to some extent. Whether you’ve personally used conversational artificial intelligence or simply heard of it, its impact on the world is undeniable.
When interacting with ChatGPT, it’s easy to forget that you’re talking to a meticulously designed piece of software and not an extremely knowledgeable friend. The AI’s casual and humanistic tone, combined with its smooth integration of language nuances and contextual understanding, blurs the line between an artificially intelligent tool and a genuine conversational partner.
However, amidst all these seamless conversations, have you ever wondered how ChatGPT actually works? What lies beneath the surface of the chatbot that we’re so familiar with? Where does its intelligence come from, and how intelligent is it?
***
The AI field has a well-known ‘black box’ concept, which refers to a lack of transparency and understanding of an artificial intelligence system. Whilst an AI may be able to provide useful outputs as needed, the actual mechanisms and processes that dictate just how it produces such an output may remain opaque and unclear to users. Many scientists have warned against the “black box” AI system, as insufficient understanding of the AI’s reasoning and decision-making may lead to concerns regarding control, accountability, and bias. Thus, new precautions and efforts are being made to reduce the likelihood of ‘black box’ AIs being developed as scientists seek to better understand the systems they are producing.
In a similar logic, it is important for us, as responsible users of ChatGPT and other AI systems, to have a fundamental understanding of how these systems work. While you don’t need to have a detailed knowledge of the software, it’s useful to have a basic comprehension of this clever piece of technology and not just view it as the aforementioned mysterious ‘black box’.
***
ChatGPT was developed by OpenAI, an AI research lab founded in December 2015 by Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, Ilya Sutskever, Wojciech Zaremba, and John Schulman. As an app, ChatGPT is powered by an underlying language model, which provides it with its intelligence. The ‘GPT’ in ChatGPT stands for Generative Pre-trained Transformer, which is the name of this model.
The model is constantly being updated and improved, but the current versions are GPT-3.5 Turbo and GPT-4. Interestingly, these models have been around for a while, powering other tools like Bing’s AI features, Jasper, and chatbots from across the Internet. However, ChatGPT really brought these models to the public, enabling everyone to interact with and use an AI text generator.
***
So, how do these language models work? Firstly, something important to understand is that machine learning is all about data, training and — you guessed it — learning. To put it in simple terms, the model trains by passing through data and using mathematical algorithms to “learn” from it and then fine-tuning itself so that it can be more effective. On the Internet, an almost incomprehensible amount of information and data is available. A vast amount of this data was fed to GPT to train it, and through its programming and carefully designed mathematical algorithms, the model was able to learn and then improve itself.
Interestingly, before GPT, the best AI models used ‘supervised learning’, which is when the model learns from data that is categorised and labelled with descriptions. Since the datasets provided are labelled, these models can use them to train their algorithms to recognise patterns and predict outcomes by comparing the data it has labelled itself with the ‘true’ labels provided.
However, GPT employs a technique called generative pre-training, which is when the model is given some ground rules and then fed unlabelled data. The unsupervised model is then allowed to go through the data independently, developing its own patterns and relationships in the datasets.
***
All this training creates a deep-learning neural network, which is a multi-layered and complex algorithm. The neural network is reminiscent of the brain, allowing GPT to develop intelligence and mimic human responses.
GPT’s network uses a transformer architecture, which is a specific type of network. The core concept distinguishing transformers from other network types is a process called “self-attention”, which refers to the ability of transformers to read every word in a sentence at once instead of simply reading from left to right like older networks. Transformers have this ability as they can do multiple computations in parallel. This enables GPT to focus on the most relevant words and form more complex and nuanced connections between different words in the sentence, leading to a better understanding. In addition, this ability significantly reduces training times, making AI models both faster and cheaper.
***
But how can text be understood by an AI model? The answer lies in something called “tokens”.
Tokens are simply chunks of text encoded in number form, more specifically as vectors. The closer the two vectors are, the more related the text is. The model itself maps the tokens in a vector space, which allows it to assign meaning to tokens and predict follow-on text. Thus, tokens enable the models to take in text and convert it to a form that is usable for them.
***
Before GPT was deemed suitable for public release, it underwent additional refinement. A technique called RLHF (reinforcement learning with human feedback) was used to help improve ChatGPT’s dialogue abilities. Demonstration data with expected responses for different situations was created and fed to the model to help it learn the best response to different scenarios. This more supervised approach was essential for fine-tuning and optimisation.
***
Now that we better understand how ChatGPT and other large language models work, we can start to theorise about what might lie in the future for these powerful tools. While ChatGPT and other language models are far from perfect, it is undeniable that they will continue to improve and have an increasingly influential impact on the world. New models are currently being developed with higher accuracy and faster adaptation times, enabling them to provide better responses and keep up with the rapidly changing language patterns of humans. As language models advance their dialogue systems, they will likely be incorporated into a broader range of applications.
For example, some scientists believe that ChatGPT has the potential to revolutionise education, as it can provide more personalised and interactive experiences that match specific needs. In the future, language models could be used as virtual tutors to provide instant feedback and tailored teaching. Furthermore, ChatGPT can help increase accessibility in education, giving students in remote and regional locations the same access to expert knowledge as students in metropolitan areas.
In addition, ChatGPT may also be used to enhance personal productivity by providing virtual assistant services and playing vital roles in project management. Some experts have even suggested that ChatGPT be used as a virtual therapist or counsellor in mental health treatment to provide more accessible and cost-effective help.
***
However, as with all new and exciting technologies, it is vital that we do not forget the ethical implications of ChatGPT and new artificial intelligence models. I’m not referring to the risk of ChatGPT and artificial intelligence taking over the world – although I do have a friend who starts every ChatGPT conversation with ‘Hey babe’ as he wants ChatGPT to spare him if it does one day decide to end humanity. Instead, I’m referring to issues related to bias and the potential misuse of these powerful technological tools.
As ChatGPT and other AIs become more advanced, the possibilities for misuse also grow. If not properly monitored, these open-source models could be used to spread misinformation or portray certain opinions. Regarding the issue of bias, ChatGPT’s output is dependent on its input data. And so, if the input data for ChatGPT contains certain biases, then the output will reflect them. Thus, it’s essential to ensure that open-source models remain objective and trustworthy sources of information, as they have the potential to shape public opinion. Other issues, such as privacy and the ethical considerations related to ChatGPT replacing human workers, must also be carefully evaluated.
It is vital to ensure that as technology and language models like ChatGPT advance, our laws and regulations do not fall behind. Ultimately, these new laws and regulations must be built upon understanding, which is why it is so important not to just let new artificial intelligence technologies become a black box. We need to dive below the surface in order to properly predict what is to come.
At any given moment in time, there are countless ripples travelling through spacetime, traversing the very fabric of our universe. These ripples are known as gravitational waves, and were first predicted by Albert Einstein in 1916 in his general theory of relativity.
Almost a century later in 2015, direct evidence of gravitational waves was finally obtained when the Advanced LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) detectors, located in Hanford, Washington and Livingston, Louisiana, USA detected the long-awaited signal.
The 0.2 second audible signal, which was described to resemble the “chirp” of a bird, was actually the product of a black hole collision. This event occurred more than 1 billion years ago. Two massive black holes merged into one, warping the fabric of spacetime and sending ripples through the universe which were eventually detected on Earth as tiny vibrations.
The successful LIGO experiment sent its own waves through the science community. The search for gravitational waves had consisted of decades of unrelenting hard work by over a thousand physicists around the globe and billions of dollars of investment, so the news was both extremely exciting and highly anticipated.
Now you might be wondering what is next for gravitational wave research. After all, the amazing detection of gravitational waves was already accomplished in 2015.
However, in reality, the exploration of gravitational waves has only just begun as researchers continue to use LIGO and a growing network of detectors around the world (e.g. LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA collaboration) to investigate the nature of our universe. In exciting news, the ANU, as part of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC), will play a central role in this global venture.
Last year I was lucky enough to get the chance to interview Dr Lilli Sun and Dr Jennie Wright, astrophysicists from ANU’s Centre for Gravitational Astrophysics to gain some further insight into the current field of gravitational wave research and ANU’s new LIGO remote control room.
Firstly, could you explain what a gravitational wave is in simple terms?
Jennie: A gravitational wave is a sort of stretching and squeezing of spacetime itself. When we have mass in the universe, it causes spacetime to curve, as explained in the theory of General Relativity. A gravitational wave is like a ripple instead of just a curve that stays still.
Lilli: You can also think of an analogy like a water wave – for example, dropping a stone in water and then seeing ripples spreading out. When we have something very heavy, like black holes that collide, they trigger those ripples in spacetime.
What are your specific research focuses and what are you currently working on?
Lilli: I do mostly astrophysics; using gravitational waves to study black holes, neutron stars, and even searching for dark matter. I do a lot of data analysis to see what the gravitational-wave signals tell us – e.g. whether it tells us that Einstein and his general theory of relativity is right or if there is something unexpected.
One of my projects is about searching for dark matter particles using gravitational waves – we don’t know if they exist or not, but analysing gravitational wave signatures is one possible way to look for them. I also work a bit on detectors, working with instrumentalists like Jennie.
Jennie: What I work on is somewhat related. I’m an instrumentalist as Lilli said, so I’m an experimental physicist and my job has two parts. Half of my time I spend at ANU, working on technologies that we can use to improve gravitational wave detectors of the future. We’re making them more sensitive so they can see further out into the universe and also can see a wider range of signal frequencies. And so, I work on developing technology that basically tries to distinguish things near the detector that look like gravitational wave sources, but actually aren’t – like a truck breaking near the detector, or just air moving near it.
The other part of my job is to help improve the current detectors. Since we use light in the gravitational wave detector to measure the stretching and squeezing of spacetime, we want to have as much light in there as possible. But, because mirrors and optical systems aren’t perfect, we sometimes lose quite a lot of light, so I look at those diagnostic measurements to try to figure out where we’re losing light.
Now that gravitational waves have already been detected, what is next for the field of gravitational wave research?
Lilli: There are many aspects actually: the 2015 discovery was only the beginning. The 2015 event for two black holes colliding into each other and the famous 2017 event for a two neutron star collision are very highlighted events, but now we are collecting many more of them including some special systems. The large number of detections will bring us important information of the population.
There are other types of gravitational waves. For example, we are looking for very faint gravitational waves from a single spinning neutron star. Neutron stars are not perfect spheres, so when they rotate they can generate very weak gravitational waves, which is something we are searching for. Another example is to probe dark matter using gravitational waves. So, we need more sensitive detectors and more of them in the network.
Moving onto the ANU remote control room, what exactly is a control room and how specifically would the remote control room work?
Jennie: So, a control room is usually a room you have next to a lab with an experiment in it: usually one that needs to be in either a really clean environment, or a slightly dangerous environment. So, you set all the physical parts of it up, so you can obtain electronic signals through to your control room that tell you what is happening. And then you can do all the data-taking and analysis from that control room.
In LIGO, they have the control rooms right next to the detector because they don’t want to be walking around next to the detector while it’s running, as they might introduce noise to it. They also have a whole bank of screens which decipher how each sub-system is working.
About the remote control room: whilst we don’t have a gravitational wave detector in Australia, many Australian scientists have been involved in gravitational wave detection from the start, and so this allows us to participate in improving the detector remotely. So, you can see on some of the screens here, I have a read-out of the different sub-systems and if they’re working correctly. For example, green tells us that they’re observing data and red tells us that they’re down and need to be fixed. And this is all in real time.
That’s really useful, because before we had this, we just had the little screen on our computers, and you had to try to view everything simultaneously and it was quite difficult. My colleagues and I will also occasionally do shifts when the detector is running, because we might have to call up people in other countries. If there’s an exciting gravitational wave event, we sometimes need to announce things to other astronomers, so they can point their telescopes to certain parts of the sky.
Lilli: Although it’s a ‘remote’ control room, you can still control some of the sub-systems of the detector. It’s just that we need to be very careful, especially during observation. There will be someone in charge in the real control room, and we can collaborate with them. The advantage of having the remote control room is that it makes it much easier for Australian colleagues, as we are not close to the detector, but we can read off the real-time information in a much more convenient way, on the other side of the world.
So, the detector isn’t always on all the time?
Jennie: There’s a trade-off between the physicists who work on improving it, and the astronomers who want to collect data using it. If you improve the sensitivity, you’re more likely to see really exciting events we haven’t seen before. But if you increase the time the detector is on for, you’re also more likely to see more events. So, there are sometimes periods where we’re not touching the detector for around 18 months, and periods where there is no data collection for a year, and maintenance and upgrading occurs.
From a bigger perspective, what role is Australia and ANU playing in the further research of gravitational waves?
Lilli: Australia is one of the major collaborators in the large international LIGO-VIRGO-KAGRA collaboration. There is a large group here working on gravitational wave astrophysics and detector science. These days, Australian scientists also want to propose and work towards building an Australian detector in the future, which is pretty exciting.
Right now, we are also thinking about the next generation detectors – like what kind of design and technology is needed that can give us a one-order of magnitude increase in sensitivity, which can get us much deeper into the universe. Australian colleagues are working on both the existing science of gravitational waves, but also the future.
Jennie: In the past, Australia has developed sub-systems which are now used in the detector, contributing mirrors for example. Also, Lilli is in charge of the calibration group for LIGO, and that’s just an example, but we have a lot of staff in Australia who are leading some aspect of the LIGO scientific collaboration’s research. We’ve also been instrumental in the design of something called the Squeezer which is used in LIGO to improve its sensitivity, making the detectors the quantum instruments that they are.
Lilli: Regarding astrophysics and data analysis, there are quite a few large groups from different Australian universities within OzGrav working on the data being collected these days. A lot of studies are carried out in Australia, but we also work very closely with international colleagues.
What are some benefits of these large-scale projects, e.g. do they help bring countries closer together and encourage international cooperation?
Lilli: I think yes, definitely. These days, it’s getting difficult to do small narrow research projects by yourself. With projects like gravitational wave detectors, you have large instruments, and that involves many different aspects: you need to work with engineers on different sub-systems, theoretical physicists to understand how the astrophysics work, software engineers and data analysts for dealing with huge amounts of data, and also astronomers who do different kinds of follow-up observations. All these people are playing important roles, and they come from different countries, different parts of the world. Close collaboration is critical.
Jennie: I think it’s really useful to have these big projects, because any falling out between countries can get in the way. It also definitely broadened my horizons, as I’m from Scotland, which isn’t as multicultural. Without science, I definitely wouldn’t have travelled and experienced different cultures as much.
Last question, what’s your advice for students looking to get into this field or just interested in your research?
Lilli: I think there are lots of chances for students to talk to us and do small projects. If they’re really interested there are lots of ways to get into the field. We do lots of summer/winter projects and we also teach undergraduate courses, where we discuss gravitational waves at a more basic level. Many students are interested, and we have extended discussions and they come to us for small projects or Honours and end up staying for PhD.
Jennie: I think definitely the best way is just to email someone who works in the fields. Academics love students being interested in their research, otherwise they wouldn’t be working at a university and teaching. I’m really happy whenever a student asks me, and I think that’s how I got involved in the field too.
Lilli: Yes, definitely talk to academics and lecturers in the field if you’re interested.
Jennie: And I think that’s the same in all areas of science as well, people are super keen to tell you about their research, you just have to ask them.
Photograph of some of the screens in the control room.
Dr Jennie Wright (left) and Dr Lilli Sun (right) in the remote control room.
A huge thank you to Dr Lilli Sun and Dr Jennie Wright for taking the time to do an interview and for so generously sharing their knowledge.
Comments Off on Woroni is Hiring for Semester 1 2024!
Woroni is hiring for Semester 1 2024! Positions are available across our Art, Management, News, Radio and TV portfolios.
At Woroni we are committed to:
producing interesting, entertaining, informative and regular content across our print, multimedia, radio and online media platforms;
contributing to a sense of university identity and reflecting the scholarly and cultural diversity of the ANU community;
promoting open public dialogue and debate in the ANU community;
promoting awareness of the variety of curricular and extra-curricular activities undertaken by students at ANU;
discovering and developing the creative talents of students at ANU in journalism and the media arts;
promoting the best practice in professional journalism; and
being innovative and exploring new media forms.
A great student media organisation is for everyone. Student media should promote conversations, and provide a platform for people with different views, identities and lived experiences. Our ultimate aim is to build a culture of inclusivity and diversity across our platforms. A large portion of ANU’s students relocate to Canberra to study, which means our community is extremely diverse. Woroni is funded by, created by and consumed by ANU students, and our mission is to produce print, radio and television content that truly reflects this community.
Woroni is committed to diversity in hiring and encourages applications from ANU students of all backgrounds. These are volunteer positions, however individuals may receive an honorarium based on their commitment to the role. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact woronieic@gmail.com. If you would like to contribute to our mission, see below for how you can get involved with student media!
Applications will close at midnight on Sunday the 18th of February 2024. Interviews may be conducted at any time throughout or after the application period.
ART
The Woroni Art team has many exciting opportunities available for ANU students interested in all aspects of art and graphic design. We encourage absolute creative freedom in your artistry. Becoming a part of the team is a great way for you to get experience in having your work published (and looks great on any resume or in any portfolio). It can also help with giving you as an artist an extra boost in confidence in your own skills and ability by providing you with a platform to show off your skills. The actual workload is bent to accommodate each individual’s other commitments. There will be three different Sub-Editor roles available within the Art portfolio and all Sub-Editor will be responsible for creating a number of pages for each Woroni print edition. Each role will then have additional duties, as detailed below. If anything can be done to make the application process more accessible, or if you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact woroniart@gmail.com.
Artist:
Artists are responsible for creating consistently high quality art for Woroni and must be able to stick to strict deadlines. Usually, this is three to six pieces of art per print cycle, to be published either online or in print. Additionally, the work requires proficiency in producing art of specific structural qualities (PPI, sizing, CMYK colour palette etc.). Artists must be responsive to the Art Editor and are expected to attend meetings, Woroni events and social activities. Artists are also expected to contribute to the marketing and promoting of content. Some experience in producing art and/or designs under instruction is preferred but not required. Ideally, Artists would work well within a team, are approachable, and want to bring their own ideas to the team!
Apply to join the Art Team here
MANAGEMENT
If anything can be done to make the application process more accessible, or if you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact woronieic@gmail.com.
Social Media Sub-Editor:
Social Media Sub-Editors work with the Woroni board and other sub-editors to manage our online platforms and overall image. This includes scheduling posts across platforms for teams, creating and designing infographics, and pitching and making independent posts.
Social Media sub-editors are expected to work 5-10 hours per week, including attending a fortnightly meeting. We’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic, skilled with social media, and wants to get involved in student media.
Apply to join the Social Media Team here
Senior Events Officer:
The Senior Events Officer will work alongside the rest of the management team, including two events officers, to organise, coordinate and manage events run and funded by Woroni. The individual will work closely with the Executive and the rest of the Board to plan events and ensure the administration work of organising events is completed effectively and in a timely manner. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in organising events, will be effective in both written and verbal communication and will be able to help manage a small team. The successful individual will be expected to commit an average of 7-10 hours a week across the semester.
Events Officer:
Woroni is looking for an Events Officer to help us run and manage a variety of events throughout the semester. With a large budget and organisational support, this is a great chance to get involved in event planning and understand the administration of Woroni. Experience organising events in and outside ANU is preferable but not required. Required work includes planning events, contacting suppliers, booking venues, MCing and helping to support our Board as they run events. Events Officers are expected to dedicate an average 5-8 hours per week and attend fortnightly meetings.
Apply to join the Events Team here
NEWS
Woroni’s News Team reports on the current affairs impacting the ANU community and students in particular. It is a fast-paced work environment where members of the team report on a variety of topics, ranging from student politics, changes to the University’s policies, to the Federal Budget. The News Team meets each week and everyone meets tight deadlines. It is a fun, closely-knit team that helps create excellent writers who work well under pressure. If anything can be done to make the application process more accessible, or if you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact woroninewseditor@gmail.com.
Senior News Reporter:
Senior News Reporters are responsible for the coverage of news stories and relevant information, while also sourcing news leads, researching and investigating stories, writing drafts and also editing the drafts of news reporters. They must be highly active in their communication, with the role requiring a commitment of 10-15 hours per week. Senior reporters should be confident writers, able to give clear, constructive feedback, work to tight deadlines, competent in pitching articles and capable of instructing news reporters. Prior experience in student journalism is a strength.
News Reporter:
News Reporters regularly write articles for Woroni News on events and issues that impact ANU students. They are expected to engage with campus life, write, on average, an article a week, and attend weekly team meetings. The role will also involve attending various events throughout the semester, like festivals, non-autonomous collective meetings, protests etc. News Reporters must be able to: write concisely and accurately; meet deadlines at short notice; pitch story ideas; work well in a team environment; and be confident in independently investigating issues further. A Woroni News Reporter is required to dedicate 5-10 hours per week to their role, and must write one article per week.
News Columnist:
News Columnists write articles that include the usual reporting with some additional commentary and analysis. They will primarily be tasked with news topics which require more contextualisation than a regular news article can provide. A columnist should show an appetite for complex topics and should demonstrate an ability to create comprehensive and sophisticated analysis. A Woroni News Columnist is required to dedicate 5-10 hours per week to their role, and must write one-two articles per fortnight.
Apply to join the News Team here
RADIO
The Radio team runs Woroni Radio; ANU’s student radio. From scheduled broadcasts to one-off specials, there is a kaleidoscope of content produced by Woroni Radio. We are seeking passionate and energetic individuals for the role of Producer. If anything can be done to make the application process more accessible, or if you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact woroniradioeditor@gmail.com.
Producer:
A Producer provides both technical and moral support to presenters throughout the semester. Producers and presenters will work together to create engaging radio shows that air on a weekly basis. They will also assist their Executive Producer with either Creative or Features content production. This role is approximately 5-7 hours per week and no past experience is necessary as long as you are keen to learn and passionate about helping our presenters create quality radio content! The ideal candidate will be approachable, organised, responsible, reliable, a good communicator, a team player and a critical thinker.
Apply to join the Radio Team here
TV
The TV team at Woroni produces video content ranging from campus life to news reporting. We’re looking for fun, creative, and passionate sub-editors and senior sub-editors to join the team!
Production Assistant:
The Production Assistant role is a versatile, entry-level position crucial to the video content production process within a team. Key duties include developing video concepts, filming with audio and camera equipment, and video editing using Adobe Premiere Pro. This position offers an opportunity for skill development in various media production areas. Although prior experience in media production is advantageous, it is not mandatory. The role is expected to require approx. 8-10 hours of work per week, including compulsory weekly team meetings that you must be available for. This is a volunteer position, with the possibility of honoraria.
Producer:
The TV Producer role is essential for facilitating video production in small teams, focusing on all production stages for quality delivery. This position, which reports directly to the Executive Producer, involves scheduling, creative direction, and collaboration with Production Assistants. Candidates should have basic to intermediate production skills (camera, editing, production). This position is ideal for individuals familiar with media production looking to leverage their creative skills in a team environment. The role is expected to require approx. 8-10 hours of work per week, including compulsory weekly team meetings that you must be available for. This is a volunteer position, with the possibility of honoraria.
Executive Producer:
The Executive Producer role is a leadership position within the video production team, requiring close collaboration with the TV Editor for effective management. Responsibilities include coordinating a production team and contributing to video development, as well as camera operation and video editing, and providing both assistance and troubleshooting in these areas. This position is ideal for someone with experience in film production and managing a team, who is able to manage a more significant time commitment. The role is expected to require approx. 10-15 hours of work per week, including compulsory weekly team meetings that you must be available for. This is a volunteer position, with the possibility of honoraria.
TV-News Producer:
This position plays a crucial role in bridging the TV and News portfolios to produce multimedia style journalistic content. Working closely with the TV-News Executive Producer, this position requires attendance at weekly team meetings across both TV and News. Responsibilities include content development, camera operation, and video editing. This position is ideal for someone with some experience in media production who is passionate about multimedia journalism.The role is expected to require approx. 8-10 hours of work per week, including compulsory weekly team meetings that you must be available for. This is a volunteer position, with the possibility of honoraria.
Apply to join the TV Team here
Comments Off on Woroni Managing Editor Casual Vacancy 2024
Woroni’s Board of Editors is looking to fill a casual vacancy for the position of Managing Editor for 2024, this position will commence on the 19th of February 2024 and end on the 16th of November 2024.
The Managing Editor is the Treasurer of the Association and a member of the Woroni Executive. The Managing Editor is responsible for the financial planning, mangement and reporting of the Association and takes on a general administrative and management role alongside the other members of the Executive. Like all Editors, the Managing Editor sits on the Board and is a Director of the Association, responsible in part for the overall direction of Woroni as well as the joint editing of all published Woroni material.
The successful applicant will be passionate about student media, have a basic understanding of financial management and concepts, be organised and punctual, and be willing to dedicate 15 hours per week to Woroni duties. They do not have to have prior experience with Woroni, but such experience is recommended. They must be an ANU student.
The position is not paid, but Editors receive an honorarium for their work.
Applicants must answer the questions below, and if successful, will then go on to be interviewed by a panel of three current Editors. Applications close on the 10th of January.
Woroni is committed to accessible and diverse hiring. If the hiring process can be made more accessible for you or if you feel you have different requirements for any reason, please email woronideputy@gmail.com and we will do our best to accomodate your needs.
If you have any questions, please email woronideputy@gmail.com.
Comments Off on Woroni News and Content are Hiring for Semester 1 2024!
Woroni is hiring for 2024! Currently positions are available in our news and content portfolios.
At Woroni we are committed to:
producing interesting, entertaining, informative and regular content across our print, multimedia, radio and online media platforms;
contributing to a sense of university identity and reflecting the scholarly and cultural diversity of the ANU community;
promoting open public dialogue and debate in the ANU community;
promoting awareness of the variety of curricular and extra-curricular activities undertaken by students at ANU;
discovering and developing the creative talents of students at ANU in journalism and the media arts;
promoting the best practice in professional journalism; and
being innovative and exploring new media forms.
A great student media organisation is for everyone. Student media should promote conversations, and provide a platform for people with different views, identities and lived experiences. Our ultimate aim is to build a culture of inclusivity and diversity across our platforms. A large portion of ANU’s students relocate to Canberra to study, which means our community is extremely diverse. Woroni is funded by, created by and consumed by ANU students, and our mission is to produce print, radio and television content that truly reflects this community.
Woroni is committed to diversity in hiring and encourages applications from ANU students of all backgrounds. These are volunteer positions, however individuals may receive an honorarium based on their commitment to the role. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact woronieic@gmail.com. If you would like to contribute to our mission, see below for how you can get involved with student media!
Applications will close at midnight on Friday the 8th of December 2023. Interviews may be conducted at any time through or after the hiring period.
NEWS
Woroni’s News Team reports on the current affairs impacting the ANU community and students in particular. It is a fast-paced work environment where members of the team report on a variety of topics, ranging from student politics, changes to the University’s policies, to the Federal Budget. The News Team meets each week and everyone meets tight deadlines. It is a fun, closely-knit team that helps create excellent writers who work well under pressure. If anything can be done to make the application process more accessible, or if you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact woroninewseditor@gmail.com.
News Reporter:
News Reporters regularly write articles for Woroni News on events and issues that impact ANU students. They are expected to engage with campus life, write, on average, an article a week, and attend weekly team meetings. The role will also involve attending various events throughout the semester, like festivals, non-autonomous collective meetings, protests etc. News Reporters must be able to: write concisely and accurately; meet deadlines at short notice; pitch story ideas; work well in a team environment; and be confident in independently investigating issues further. A Woroni News Reporter is required to dedicate 5-10 hours per week to their role, and must write one article per week.
News Columnist:
News Columnists write articles that include the usual reporting with some additional commentary and analysis. They will primarily be tasked with news topics which require more contextualisation than a regular news article can provide. A columnist should show an appetite for complex topics and should demonstrate an ability to create comprehensive and sophisticated analysis. A Woroni News Columnist is required to dedicate 5-10 hours per week to their role, and must write one-two articles per fortnight.
Apply for the News Team here
CONTENT
The Content Team oversees sourcing, editing and production of written content for our magazines and website. It’s a fantastic opportunity to work in print production, understanding the editing and sourcing process, or to get your hands dirty writing creative stories, poems or insightful essays. Generally, the team is split into print and online — though working in one doesn’t prevent you from dabbling in the other.
Print:
Print sub-editors focus on the magazine. They work to produce six every year, each with their own distinct theme. They source and edit student contributions, as well as publishing pieces of their own. Best suited for somebody who is interested in print production and editing.
Online:
Online sub-editors create content for the website. We are primarily looking for reviewers and columnists. Reviewers are supported by Woroni to review the latest films, novels and whichever other media interests you, producing semi-regular content for the website. Columnists will semi-regularly contribute opinion pieces, cultural comment and analytical work for the website. Best suited with somebody who wants to write regularly and has a lot to say.
Senior Sub-Editors:
Senior sub-editors oversee the work of sub-editors. Mentoring, copy editing and taking on more challenging pieces.
Apply for the Content Team here
Comments Off on Woroni Editor Elections Are Opening
Woroni is run and governed by a board of eight Editors. Five of these Editors run portfolios that oversee the production of a specific area of media, from radio and TV, to the design and content of our bi-monthly magazine and our news output. The other three Editors oversee the finances and governance of Woroni. As per our Constitution, we have elections each semester for several openings on our Board, and this semester, nominations will open in Week 8, campaigning will begin in Week 10, and the elections will close at the end of Week 11.
Editor terms are a year, and start on the final day of examinations of this semester. Running in this election commits you to being an Editor from the 19th of November this year, to mid-November next year.
The following positions will be open:
Television Editor
Woroni is one the largest multimedia student organisations in the country, and our Television portfolio is a key part of this. Interested in filming, TV journalism, comedy, documentaries, livestreaming etc.? This is the kind of work the TV Editor oversees and manages. It’s a great opportunity to develop technical and team management skills and produce content across a variety of televisual formats.
Content Editor
Ever picked up one of our magazines and thought that you had a great idea for the next magazine? Or, are you passionate about student expression and giving a voice to a typically undervalued portion of society? The Content Editor oversees sourcing, editing and layout for the magazine. The Content team writes and edits pieces for both print and online, and the Content Editor is the one to give the go-ahead on pieces.
Art Editor
Have you really been to ANU if you haven’t cut up a Woroni magazine for its art? The Art Editor is responsible for Woroni’s artistic output, ranging from the design and aesthetic of the magazine to designs for social media and our article thumbnails. Its an excellent opportunity to learn about print design principles, design merchandise, and develop our art sub-editors’ talents.
Managing Editor
Woroni is fortunate to have a large budget, funded entirely by the Student Services and Amenities Fee that each ANU student pays. The Managing Editor oversees the expenditure and procurement of the Association, as well as preparing the annual budget and organising the annual audit. As a member of Woroni’s Executive they play a role in the overall governance, management and direction of the organisation. You don’t have to be a Finance student to be suitable for this position, rather, good Managing Editors are passionate about accountability, transparency and media independence.
News Editor (Casual Vacancy)
Woroni has reported on the ANU, the student union, and issues in the ANU community since its inception in 1950. The News Editor is responsible for our news reporting. They oversee a team and help them investigate issues, and write and pitch articles. If you’re interested in journalism, or holding the ANU and its institutions accountable, this is the position for you.
At the end of this semester, our current News Editor will resign, leaving a casual vacancy. Casual vacancies are filled by an appointment from the Board, meaning they are not elected, but must submit an application to the current Board and then go through an interview. Applications will open in Week 8, concurrent with elections.
You can apply here.
What does it take to be an Editor?
Editors must meet a set a criteria before they can run in the elections. They must:
Be an ANU student in the Semester they are running for (i.e. an ANU student not just in this semester but in Semester 1 of next year)
Have contributed to Woroni 3 times in any media form.
Not be a member of Woroni’s Grievances and Disputes Panel
If you have any questions about the eligibility criteria, please email our Deputy Editor-in-Chief at woronideputy@gmail.com
Beyond these three criteria, Woroni Editors should be passionate about media independence, integrity and training. Editors are legal Directors of the organisation, and must approve all content that we publish. This means that Editors should be interested in their own portfolios, but will also be required to look at the proof of our magazine, draft news articles, and approve applications for radio shows, etc. We expect Editors to work 15 – 20 hours a week but this varies according to the position, with O-Week being a regularly busy period. As such, Editors should be organised, hard-working and efficient. They should be capable at giving clear feedback, as well as receiving it. They must understand principles of charity and media governance and be prepared to evaluate policy and consider long-term aims and goals of the organisation. They must also be able to work under pressure and be prepared to commit fully to their responsibilities. It is a rewarding, fulfilling and fun job, but it has moments of stress and intensity that Editors should be prepared for.
If you have questions about the specific role, we recommend you reach out to the relevant Editor. You can find their contact details on our Team page.
How do I apply?
To nominate yourself for an elected position, email woronideputy@gmail.com with your nomination. This nomination must include:
Your name;
Your university ID number;
Your current year of study;
The position(s) you are nominating for;
One example of written, videographic, photographic, or multi-media work which is your original work;
A declaration of any relevant conflicts of interest that either will, or could be seen to, create bias (refer to the Electoral Regulations for more information); and
A short biography including why you are interested in being an Editor (no more than 200 words).
If you have any questions about the nomination process, please email woronideputy@gmail.com
Campaign Rules
Our Electoral Regulations set out a number of rules for candidates who are campaigning in the election. For a full list of these, see Clauses 8 – 11 of the Electoral Regulations. Here is quick summary:
Expenditure cannot exceed 50 AUD
You must lodge a statement of intention identifying anticipated sources of campaign funding to our Returning Officer
Any electoral publications cannot:
contain discriminatory content;
resemble the content or style of another candidate’s campaign material;
be likely to mislead a voter in the casting of their vote and
be any larger than an A3 size
You cannot remove any electoral publications that are not your own
At the end of this semester, 5 editor positions will be up for election. Are you interested in running a team of student volunteers to produce exciting, creative media? Passionate about Woroni’s role in the ANU community? Then we encourage you to consider running.