A media watchdog formed by the University of Otago has had its first meeting with student magazine Critic at which it discussed an article about sex entitled "F... me baby, I was born this way" from its second issue this year.
The university and the Otago University Students' Association (OUSA) formed the student media advisory board to monitor Critic and Radio One, in light of its new position as de facto publisher by way of a student levy agreement with the OUSA.
Before the board was formed, University of Otago vice-chancellor Prof Harlene Hayne said it was intended to act as a "critical friend" to student media.
Critic editor Joe Stockman said he was happy with how the first meeting with the board went.
"The meeting was very positive, and we discussed some of the issues ... in Critic that may have been more controversial, as well as discussing how complaints made to the university, or to the board directly, can and should be dealt with," Mr Stockman said.
The article, and particularly the use of an image of a woman with her hand down her underwear, was discussed, but the board did not make any "rulings" about the story or the image.
Mr Stockman said the board did not interfere with Critic's independence and he did not believe it would affect its ability to criticise the university.
"I believe that the university's media advisory board has been formed with the intention of helping student media to navigate the pitfalls of producing edgy, possibly controversial, and student relevant media, in part to protect the university due to the new funding arrangement."
The board had made no requests of any kind as to tone or content of the Critic, nor had any member of the university, he said.
"Their goal is not to restrict us, but to help guide us, where they can, to stay within the relevant laws, and expectations of groups such as the New Zealand Press Council that already otherwise govern our content and tone."
