Energy Matters
ISSN 0260-809X | |
Energy Matters was the title of a magazine published by students at the University of Cambridge between November 1980 and June 1984. Its objective, outlined in the editorial to the first edition,[1] was to provide facts, details and opinions relating to energy, in a way accessible to interested students.
"Energy Matters" was notable in a number ways. Its dispassionate and technical approach to this controversial topic was possibly unprecedented at a British University, at a time when many student publications were highly partisan on the issue. It was an independent undergraduate student magazine wholly funded (initially) by a University department, an unusual and possibly unique arrangement in the UK.[1] It received endorsement from the British Royal Family, a significant and unusual gesture at the time for a magazine dealing with political matters. It was where a number of subsequently famous journalists and academics showed their first public work.
The magazine was founded at a time of high public interest in
In this context, the magazine was founded by two undergraduates at the
The magazine was well received and a team of volunteer student journalists created the second edition, published in April 1981, catalogued as
As a result, commercial sponsorship was sought and successfully raised from the energy industry. Funding came from the oil industry, the electricity and nuclear sectors and several University departments,[5] and the magazine was commercially printed. Under new editors Helen Field and Anne Pudsey-Dawson, the third edition appeared in November 1981.[5]
Although interest in the magazine amongst students beyond the science and engineering faculties was limited, it attracted considerable attention in Whitehall and within the industry. Dozens of copies were requested by these institutions. As a result, the magazine's editors were able to secure interviews with cabinet ministers[6][7] and heads of the nationalised energy industries and trades unions.[8][9] As a spin-off, a number of branded seminars were organised at the University, featuring leaders of the energy industry.[10]
The magazine's editorial line was rigorously neutral, and substantial space was given to the thoughts of leading anti-nuclear campaigners, proponents of conservation and evangelists of
By 1984, the magazine's editor Roger Tredre merged it with the activities of the Cambridge student magazine
Amongst those who worked on the magazine a number subsequently became influential in the fields of journalism or energy policy. The 1983 edition was edited by Vanessa Houlder (currently a leading business journalist on the Financial Times of London), and included contributions from Mike Grubb (now a senior academic working for the Carbon Trust).[12]
References
- ^ a b c d "Matters that Matter", Energy Matters Issue no.1, Michaelmas 1980, p.3, Cambridge University Library
- ^ Stop Press with Varsity, 7 November 1980, Cambridge University Library
- ^ a b Energy Matters Issue no.2, Lent/Easter 1981, Cambridge University Library
- ^ "The Cinderella Syndrome", Energy Matters Issue no.2 Lent/Easter 1981 p.4, Cambridge University Library
- ^ a b "Acknowledgements", Energy Matters Issue no.3 Michaelmas 1981 p.2, Cambridge University Library
- ^ "On the Energy Tightrope: an interview with Secretary of State David Howell" Energy Matters Issue no.2 Lent/Easter 1981 p.56, Cambridge University Library
- ^ "Merlyn Rees on Energy" Energy Matters Issue no.4 Easter 1982 p.31, Cambridge University Library
- ^ "King Arthur : an interview with Arthur Scargill" Energy Matters Issue no.4 Easter 1982 p.5, Cambridge University Library
- ^ "Decisions, Decisions: An interview with Glyn England, Chairman of the CEGB" Energy Matters Issue no.6 Easter 1983 p.41, Cambridge University Library
- ^ "Can Big be Beautiful: a report on an Energy Matters Seminar" Energy Matters Issue no.4 Easter 1982 p.19, Cambridge University Library
- ^ a b Cantab references to Energy Matters
- ^ "Contents" Energy Matters Issue no.6 Easter 1983 p.1, Cambridge University Library
External links
- Catalogue entry at the British Library