Topic Summary

Max Weber once characterized journalists as a special category of politicians. Newspapers were once more strongly associated with particular political parties, but as the newspaper industry became more commercialized, journalists gained enough independence to define their roles: not politicians, but informants for the general public.

The central definition of journalism is “the activity of gathering and presenting information and commentary about current events for public distribution.” Within this definition, there are a number of different roles that journalism offers. It is an occupation, a social institution, and a cultural platform. As an occupation, journalism is an independent profession that has its own sets of rules and expectations. As a social institution, it opens and enables relations with other institutions, such as governing bodies or the state.As a cultural platform, journalism provides a medium of discourse for people to analyze and discuss the world around them. Delegates are expected to understand these various roles of journalism and apply them to their experience within the Press Corps committee.

Director Letter

Dearest Delegates,

Hi everyone! My name is Sophia Mills and I am so excited to be acting as your director for this crisis committee at HNMUN! I am from Boca Raton, Florida and am completing a joint concentration in Government and Economics (maybe) with a secondary in Romance Languages and Civilizations (eu estou estudando português :))

My journey in Model UN started my freshman year when my roommate took me to an info meeting and I was hooked. The sense of community and topics covered really intrigued me and I decided to give it a try! Now, I compete on the college circuit, which is an amazing experience, and I have met so many amazing people on this new venture.

Beyond Model UN, I am a part of the political review and Caribbean club (big up Trinidad/Dominica). I LOVE to watch tv shows/movies (please give me recs). Anywhere from Marvel to reality tv is right up my alley! You can often find me watching insta reels or listening to show tunes - I am a bit of a theater kid…

As we embark on this committee, I am eager to witness your innovation, collaboration, and passion. As someone who has found a great community within MUN, I will look towards delegates who foster this sense of community through not just their research prowess, but how they embrace the spirit of community by actively engaging with and supporting fellow delegates. This topic is fun so get excited!! 

I can't wait to step into the room with you all this upcoming winter, and if there are any questions or concerns you all have please do not hesitate to contact me!

Don’t forget the recs,

Sophia Mills

Director, Press Corps