Aberystwyth is an anomaly. It can only be described using a series of paradoxes: modern yet traditional, quaint yet lively, a town with all the characteristics of a city. All of this is bordered by sublime vistas of hills and views of the sea. Aberystwyth’s influence throughout Wales is quiet but certain. One would not expect such a town to be a cultural and intellectual hub—even with the university topping Penglais Hill and the gargantuan National Library of Wales just beyond campus.
But there is so much happening here! That’s why it is such a pleasure to edit the university’s student newspaper. The Mouth of the Ystwyth (MOTY) was only founded two years ago but has steadily grown into a prominent publication. Seeing the paper develop has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of studying here. Playing a role in said development has been my pleasure.
Connections between student media groups and student publications within Wales aren’t often highlighted or even considered. But we do not exist in a vacuum. Last academic year, MOTY decided to reach out to Gair Rhydd, and we first visited Cardiff in February, 2023. (You can read about our trip in Gair Rhydd Issue 1196). This visit was a whirlwind. After touring the BBC Cymru building in Cardiff Central, MOTY’s former president and Gair Rhydd’s former editor-in-chief hosted workshops in the university’s Student Media offices. Both newspapers then went on a great night out—the hangovers were worth it.
Mouth of the Ystwyth are planning another visit to Gair Rhydd. It will take place around the same time as last year, in late January / early February. It will follow the same pattern of a trip to the BBC studios, journalistic workshops, and some light(ish) drinking. We’re really looking forward to it! We hope it will help extend our already productive, mutually beneficial relationship. We will see you in a few months. Running a student newspaper has shown me how many unique, important stories and perspectives there are within a university. MOTY and Gair Rhydd illustrate this point perfectly. What is journalism about if not connection?