The two pre-existing student outlets OPUS (est. 1954) and Yak (est. 2011) both lack true independence. In the case of OPUS, it is run by the Media Officer of Newcastle University Students’ Association (NUSA) Inc. and Yak by the University of Newcastle itself. Obviously, neither is particularly ideal. OPUS cannot criticise NUSA and is subject to political jockeying for votes on council. Yak cannot
criticise the University or the commercial operations on campus (and let’s be honest, it’s 50% ads). We’re a group of students that saw a need for a fearlessly honest and irreverent student publication and we’re determined to make it happen. Our mission is to be a catalyst for debate and discourse of all kinds, and entertain you along the way. The student publications of other campuses around the country make noise, challenge authority, print pictures of genitalia, and generally act like ratbags. We also value the melting-pot of ideas and expertise that a student publication can be. It’s a collaboration that brings people from all disciplines together to develop and share their skills. University should be about expanding your mind and getting out of your comfort zone. A student publication is an indispensable forum for students to try their hand at something different. The Mosquito is students from the ground up and we need you. To get involved, send tip-offs, or hurl abuse you can contact us through our social media or send an email to [email protected]
