STUDY

GUIDE
INTERNATIONAL PRESS CORPS

SFIS MODEL UNITED NATIONS I

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What is International Press Corps?

The International Press Corps is a committee where delegates represent news

agencies instead of countries. Instead of giving speeches about their ‘country stances’
on a particular topic, IPC delegates go to other committees and report what the
specific committee is discussing. You will investigate committee debates, conduct
interviews, edit articles, and cover press conferences. In the International Press Corps,
you will learn how to manage time, tackle situations that work against your favour,
and, more importantly, learn how to be true to your news agency and be vigilant.

Whether it is the Russian-Ukrainian Crisis or Israel’s border issues; the Syrian Civil War
or the Rohingya Crisis; the Mexican drug war or the Central African Republic conflict –
the Press has been an integral part of the United Nations in its crisis-solving motives
since its inception.

This is a unit that shall serve as an information bridge between the committees (for
this simulation) involved in debates and discussions. It differs from other organs of the
UN in that the reporters would involve themselves with collecting valuable information
and important milestones in the committee sessions and relaying them to the rest of
the international community.

As a Correspondent of the Press, you will have an all-access and exclusive pass to
interview and interrogate delegates at Press conferences, wiretap national secrets
and expose them, report gross foreign policy violations, and observe un-moderated
caucuses to get an inside scoop of the delegates’ informal debate. If done right, with
great passion and the skill of artful communication, your work has the potential to
change the outcome of debate of any committee.
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What Should a Journalist Do in a MUN?

There are several steps that need to be taken to be an effective MUN journalist.
These steps will be important for journalists to operate effectively on the “field”.
Such steps are:
A journalist must study first before the rest of the delegates. Doing so will
increase your knowledge and will gain you an upper hand whenever you
interview delegates for your publications.

Journalists should also associate themselves with the delegates to gain crucial
information. This information can dissuade the delegates from making key
mistakes (such as deploying an Aircraft Carrier from a nation that apparently
doesn’t have it in real life) or persuade delegates to agree to a certain point. Use
your words wisely to make it appear as if it’s legit news. Remember to study your
publication and make note of their format and wording.

Proper writing is a must to effectively simulate real-life publications. Study a bit

about wording and journalist-esque style and try to maintain them whenever
you write a news article or article about current MUN events.
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Conference Preparation

To truly prepare for this committee, delegates must understand the ins and outs of
their news agency; knowing the writing styles, biases & general knowledge of one’s
news agency will be vital to their success. As such, it is of great importance that
delegates research the press before the conference. Some important features to
follow,

1. Your News Agency

a. General Background info and history of your news agency.
b. Does the agency have a bias? Whether they do/don’t?
c. Motto of the press (if it has one) and its guiding principles.

2. Agency’s Writing Style

a. Check the article title style.
b. Proceedings of the article (some press follows the “introduction-description-
conclusion procedure”)
c. Summary of the article included or not.

3. Remember the audience

Most people reading the articles will be students from different institutes & they
won’t be willing to finish the articles unless you pique their interest a bit of your
personality into what you write to make it more interesting while remaining true
to your news agency! MAKE SURE that the articles aren’t complicated. A concise
article will be more appealing to readers than one that is long and drawn out.

4. Ideas on the Committees & given Agendas

It is necessary to have knowledge about the committees and the agendas from
the first as any press can be allocated to a random committee. To understand
what is going on in that committee, it’s essential to know the ins & outs of the
agenda.
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Theme of IPC at SFISMUN Session I

The theme of IPC at SFISMUN Session I is, “Freedom of press following the increasing
threats to global harmony".
Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of democratic societies, serving as a
cornerstone of open discourse, accountability, and transparency. It refers to the
unrestricted ability of journalists and media outlets to gather, report, and
disseminate information without censorship or interference from governments or
other entities. This crucial right has a profound impact on global harmony, fostering
an environment of understanding, cooperation, and progress.
At its core, freedom of the press empowers journalists to investigate and share
stories that might otherwise remain hidden or suppressed. By shedding light on
corruption, human rights abuses, and social injustices, a free press acts as a
watchdog, holding governments and powerful entities accountable for their actions.
This accountability contributes to the overall stability of nations and the
international community, discouraging unchecked power and promoting ethical
governance.
In the context of global harmony, freedom of the press plays a pivotal role in
facilitating cross-cultural understanding. By providing diverse perspectives and
enabling open discussions, media outlets can bridge gaps in understanding
between different nations, cultures, and societies. This exchange of information
promotes empathy and tolerance, reducing the potential for conflicts rooted in
misunderstandings or misperceptions.

Furthermore, a free press has the power to shape public opinion on a global scale.
Informed citizens are more likely to engage in constructive dialogues and make
well-rounded decisions. When citizens are exposed to a wide range of viewpoints,
they are better equipped to recognize the common ground that unites humanity.
This shared awareness can foster a sense of global community and solidarity,
contributing to the overall harmony among nations.
However, while freedom of the press is a powerful force for good, it is not without
challenges. The rise of disinformation and fake news presents a complex dilemma.
Misleading information can sow discord, reinforce biases, and create divisions both
within societies and between nations. Therefore, promoting media literacy and
responsible journalism is essential in maintaining the positive impact of a free press
on global harmony.
Moreover, in some regions, governments or powerful entities attempt to suppress
the press to maintain control or manipulate public perception. This suppression
stifles the flow of information and undermines the potential for harmonious
international relations. International organisations and diplomatic efforts often play
a crucial role in advocating for press freedom and pressuring governments to
respect this right.
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In an increasingly interconnected world, the consequences of media restrictions or

the absence of press freedom can reverberate far beyond national borders.
Violations of press freedom in one country can inspire similar actions in others,
leading to a global pattern of censorship and control. Conversely, when press
freedom is protected and promoted, it sets a positive example that encourages
other nations to follow suit.
In conclusion, freedom of the press is a cornerstone of democracy and a catalyst for
positive global interactions. Its effect on global harmony is multifaceted,
encompassing accountability, cross-cultural understanding, informed public
discourse, and the promotion of shared values. While challenges such as
disinformation and censorship persist, the potential for a free press to contribute to
a more harmonious world remains undeniable. The International Press Corps of
SFISMUN wants citizens, governments, and international bodies to work together to
uphold this fundamental right; they contribute to a future where open
communication and mutual respect are paramount.

Types of Submissions
The following are the types of write-ups the journalists are expected to submit by
the end of each day. The only exception would be day three, during which you would
need to submit the submissions by noon.

You will need to submit:

1. One News Article (250 words max); Committee Observation
2. One General Article (Topic will be announced later)
3. Multiple breaking news and news updates throughout the sessions. (Individual)

Submit to this email address: ipc.sfismun1@gmail.com

News Articles: An article should contain information about what happened during
the session. It's like an overview. The correspondent should always be written in the
format followed by your news agency. But for getting a clear conception of how an
article should be written. You can follow the AP style guide.
*Link*: AP Style Guide

Opinion Editorials: The first step to writing any opinion editorial is research.
Research does not just include finding or verifying facts but also examining different
perspectives on an issue. Op-ed reflects an individual’s views. It is supposed to be a
presentation of views, yet abstinence from being subjective. We expect everyone to
substantiate their opinion with educated research.

Beat-Based Article: A beat-based article is a factual article detailing an argument

of a particular aspect of the agenda. The reporter’s focus should not be on putting
in as much information as possible, but to put in only the relevant information.
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Feature Articles: Apart from the basic beat-based reporting and op-eds, reporters
are also free to experiment with different genres of writing in a feature. Out-of-the-
box ideas are welcome, and reporters are encouraged to let their creativity run wild.
This section can include photo stories or even fictional writing and poems relevant
to the respective agendas!
Interview: Reporters are expected to interview a delegate and ask questions that
might even leave them questioning themselves. Each Journalist can submit tow
interviews at a time (max).
Breaking News:
As soon as the session starts, you need to send updates from the committee.
The method of sending the breaking news will be mentioned later.
Press Briefing (Forced Speakers List): The Press brief is where Reporters will have to
summarise the general happenings in their respective committees (Basically an
FSL). During a press brief, other agencies are also given the floor to ask questions to
the other reporters, and they get the chance to know about whatever has been
going on in different committees.
Press Conference: A press conference occurred when a committee had its directives
passed or its draft resolution passed. In the press conference, Press delegates are
required to go to the committee’s committee room whose press conference will take
place. There Press delegates are given the floor to ask questions related to the
directive and draft resolution. ‘usually' in press conferences, Journalists get to act
like actual journalists and swarm the delegate with phones and flashes. It is one of
the best parts of being in the press.
Press Release: They are usually given by either the delegates or the Dias members,
or as a joint press release, to the correspondent in question. The correspondent in
question is obliged to send it in for publication the moment it is received by the
correspondent.

WRITING STYLE AND GRAMMAR

FONT & SIZE: The reporters are advised to maintain font Times New Roman and size
12 for all kinds of submissions. The title of any submission can be different, but all
other content must be of the specified size and font type.

FORMAT FOR SAVING FILE: Agency Name_Day ( )_Type of Submission with Serial
(Mandatory/ Bonus) Example: Reuters_Day 1_ Beat Based Article (Mandatory 1)

EMOTIONS: Delegates do not feel. We do not know what they are feeling. Hence,
refrain from using the word feel in context to a delegate’s emotion.

TENSE: Always use the past tense.

RESEARCH: Make sure that your articles are always backed by research. Anything
you choose. to report or write must have credibility, which can only be provided by
research.
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COUNTRIES: Use the proper name for all countries on the first reference and
abbreviations on the second reference. For example, the Republic of Korea and
Korea.

DELEGATES: Never refer to delegates by their name. Use instead, for example,
Delegate of India on the first reference and India on the second reference.

PUNCTUATIONS: Your articles should be properly punctuated.

To understand advanced punctuation, please refer to:
http://anthroniche.com/media/pdfs/advanced_punctuation.pdf.
Your performance will inherently be marked down if your submissions are not
written properly, which is inclusive of your punctuation.

DO NOT USE CONTRACTIONS: Do not use can’t, don’t, etc. Expand them, it helps to
increase your word count and appears more formal.

CAPITALISE RIGHT: Proper capitalization should be used. Nowhere shall any other
text but commonly accepted abbreviations are capitalised.

ACRONYMS: For the use of abbreviations in your articles, remember to expand the
first time and use the abbreviations, thereafter.

TITULAR EXPANSION: The titles mentioned in your text should not be abbreviated.
For example, Chairperson should not become Chair and Secretary-General should
not become Sec Gen.

ETHICS AND ETIQUETTE

▪ Reporters should try to write their articles on their designated committee.
▪ All articles should aim to be within 150-200 words.
▪ All articles must be submitted ON TIME in the email account to be edited.
Adhering to the submission time frame and there is no chance to miss the deadline.

▪ You may interview delegates during un-moderated caucuses if you would like to
know more details about what is being discussed.

▪ Avoid using “I” in any of your writing. Instead, use “The Correspondent”.
▪ Refer to delegates by the country or representative party they are representing
i.e., Delegate from Guatemala.
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▪ Correspondents will be STRONGLY encouraged to submit articles in English.

▪ Correspondents are expected to remain PROFESSIONAL and RESPECTFUL during
the conference and remain on TASK.

▪ Correspondents are expected to maintain decorum when committee sessions are

going on i.e., avoid using social media or making unnecessary noise during GSL and
Mod sessions.

▪ Correspondents are thoroughly advised against plagiarising. Anyone caught

doing so will automatically be disqualified and disregarded for awards.

▪ Reporters are encouraged to speak with Representatives or Secretariat as

needed to produce them.

▪ When interviewing, reporters must be certain to get the interviewee’s full name
and country representation or Secretariat title. Before taping or shooting the
interview, PERMISSION MUST BE TAKEN.

▪ While taking an interview video shoot, the placards of both the delegate and the
correspondent must be visible to the camera.

THINGS CORRESPONDENTS SHOULD

CARRY
▪ Laptop
▪ Notepad
▪ Necessary stationery
▪ Audio recording device
▪ Mobile phone with mobile data
▪ Pen drive
If you wish to take photographs or record videos to support your written work, you
must bring your own equipment to do so.
Please take care of your electronic devices and other valuables, the secretariat
team will not be held liable in the event of damage, loss, or theft.
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HOW TO RESEARCH

Research is very imperative when it comes to journalism. It is necessary to back up

your write-ups. and newsletters with facts to relate to the content of your writing.
You must be adequate.
prepared to understand the debate.
▪ Go through the agendas of the committees and have a clear idea about the
agenda and the stances, foreign policy, and perspectives of the important nations
associated with the agenda.
▪ Go through the backgrounds for a basic understanding of the agenda and then
the documents and links it mentions. The study guide can be provided if requested.
▪ Understanding the legal, social, cultural, and economic implications of the
debate.

References for the news Articles:

1) Similar news has been presented in different formats by different news agencies.
Look here for a better overview:
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria/assad-defies-united-
states-presses-assault-in-southwest-syria-idUSKBN1JI13X
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-06/23/c_137274443.htm
https://sputniknews.com/business/201806231065691604-us-japan-iran-oil-
output/
https://www.apnews.com/de536f528be44c74a237fdb359a00233/Explosion-as-
Ethiopia's-new,-reformist-prime-minister-speaks
2)For learning how to write better articles:
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-News-Article
http://schools.peelschools.org/sec/lornepark/SiteCollectionDocuments/EQAO/O
SSLT%20StED-Writing%20A%20News%20Report.pdf
3) For being a better correspondent follow these:
https://goinswriter.com/how-to-write-like-a-pro/
https://smartblogger.com/writing-tricks/
https://www.freelancewriting.com/journalism/how-to-write-like-a-journalist/
4) If you are into being a Correspondent of your press agency, then go through these
and know more about journalism:
http://www.virtual-institute.us/pr/Crash%20Course%20Chpt%201.pdf
https://www.prdaily.com/Main/Articles/15_writing_tips_from_a_journalist_turned_PR
_pro_15422.aspx
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Message from the Executive Board Members

DDistinguished Press Members,

We, the Executive Board Members, are eagerly waiting to meet you all in the SFIS
Model United Nations Session I. We hope that all of you are getting yourselves
acquainted with the motive of Journalism to prepare for the conference. We hope
that all of you will be able to showcase your analysing skills blended with
diplomatic knowledge. We expect you to study and go through the agendas of the
other committees of SFIS Model United Nations Session I to prepare yourself for the
conference.

Now that you've made the decision to join the press, we'd want to split ways with
you thinking about this message and this strategy. We'll be working hard to
replicate the greatest journalism throughout the conference. While we study, work,
and have fun, let's make sure we can strive to maintain the fundamentals of
international policy and journalistic integrity. We like working with everyone and
doing all we can to assist you at the conference. I hope everyone is as enthusiastic
as we are.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any queries or are
confused; we are always here to help. Correspondents, if you follow our guidelines
and the R.O.P. in this MUN, you are free to attempt anything new. Use this as a
chance to become a true correspondent in the future.

We wish you the best of luck. We will always be available for assistance. For any
query, you can email us!

Regards,

Head of IP
Name: SK Amlan Ahmed Prachurjjo
Contact: 01743725525
Mail: prachurjjodesign99@gmail.com

Editor
Name: Mohammed Farhan Arbab Khan
Contact: 01743506791
Mail: f.arbab585@gmail.com

Editor
Name: Sumaiya Sultana
Contact: 01737282021
Mail: sumaiyasultana711@gmail.com