DM-MUN

2024

International Press Corps

(IP)

BACKGROUND GUIDE
 Letter from the Executive Board

Greetings Members of the International Press,

We take it that it is your innate passion for words, that has brought you here, and we warmly
welcome you aboard the world of the International Press. We look forward to facilitating an
intense mind - boggling experience that will always be cherished. The International Press is
the binding force between the people and their rulers. Further, it is also a medium for
unspoken words and unvoiced opinions. As Reporters, you play a vital role in disseminating
information, shaping public opinion, and holding those in power accountable. Your presence
here today represents the voice of the people, as you seek to uncover truth, ask critical
questions, and report on the important discussions and decisions taking place within this
simulated diplomatic setting.

Remember that your role as journalists extends beyond simply reporting events. You have the
power to ask probing questions, seek clarity, and bring attention to important issues that may
be overlooked. By doing so, you contribute to a more informed and engaged global citizenry,
sparking discussions and inspiring action beyond the confines of this committee. As members,
you are required to adhere to the highest standards of diplomacy and transparency.

The journalists have weapons mightier than the sword to carve out perfection through
perception that lingers all over different committees throughout the conference. The
journalists have creative liberty to evaluate a committee proceedings and document it in the
most grasping way possible. Moreover, as a member of the International Press, freedom of
speech and expression must be exercised only as long as it upholds the sanctity and integrity
of the conference as well as the delegates. Always remember that you are a part of a team.
Individual competition aside, our primary goal is to procure resourceful articles for a decent
and informative newsletter.

In the context of reporters, plagiarism can manifest in various forms, including copying and
pasting content from external sources without citation, presenting another delegate's work as
your own, or recycling articles from previous MUN conferences without proper
acknowledgment. Such practices are not only academically dishonest but also unethical, as
they misrepresent the efforts and contributions of others.
We urge you to remember that your reporting should be original, based on your own research,
observations, and interviews. Whenever you draw on external sources, it is essential to give
proper credit through citations and references. Plagiarism undermines the authenticity and
integrity of your work and can result in severe consequences, including disqualification from
the committee and a tarnished reputation.

During the sessions, you will have the opportunity to engage with your fellow delegates,
diplomats representing different agency portfolios. It is through these interactions that you
will deepen your understanding of international relations, negotiate compromises, and strive
for resolutions that reflect the diverse interests and concerns of the international community.
The role of the press corps is crucial in holding this simulated diplomatic process accountable.
Your reporting will shed light on the various positions, debates, and compromises that shape
the outcomes of our discussions. It is your responsibility to approach your reporting with
fairness, accuracy, and integrity, ensuring that the voices of all delegates are heard and
represented accurately.

To sweep all the challenges that this role might bring along we strongly recommend the
members start the basic research well in advance to efficiently, produce unimpeachable pieces
of work. A sense of dedication and responsibility towards the work during the conference is
what we unreservedly expect out of the journalists. At DM MUN’24, we eagerly look
forward to working and interacting with all the members on this forum and we hope that it
comes as an engaging appealing and productive work group in which, alongside all the fun
that we would have and would certainly learn a lot we are sure of our constant availability
and guidance in case of doubts and queries.

Regards,
R K Pooja,Head of Press
Shreya Anand,Executive Head of Press
Amal Haji Amee, Moderator
Devanshi Jain, Secretary
DM-Model UN, Mysuru (IN)
 About International Press

The International Press (IP) is neither a traditional committee of the United Nations nor an
authentic part of any of the other UN committees. Here, the IP refers to the collection of
international press agencies that gather from all the corners of the world to report on the
activities of the proceedings of various United Nations committees. As the
delegates/diplomats, representing countries from all over the world gathered under a roof to
engage in deliberation, the International Press records all the crucial moments in words as
well as photographs. The International Press has always been an indispensable part of any
Model UN and serves the most pertinent function of documentation of the deliberation.

The primary motive of the Press team thereof shall be to provide an unbiased platform for
astute journalists and amateur photographers, to channel their sublime thoughts into concrete
content generation. One of the most important tasks that journalists in the International Press
perform is formal reporting. They are primarily required to cover the event and describe it to
others in the best thought-out and concise way possible, and for this purpose, they are
supposed to take notes and submit articles that contain the major discussions in their
respective councils. A good news article ought to be articulate, brief and be able to convey the
very essence of any discussion.

While at the conference, you are required to keenly observe the goings-on, and take note of
worthy instances, prepare reports, conduct research, formulate opinions, conduct interviews
and polls, and preside a press conference for the Delegates. Our vision is to ensure that this is
a learning experience, and we hope to embark upon this journey creating a magnificent fusion
of words and experiences. There will be obstacles in your path, but to learn, you’ve to be
willing to push yourselves. In the words of William H Gass, ‘The true alchemists do not
change lead into gold; they change the world into words.’

There are three things which come as a part and parcel of any International Press Team at a
Model UN Conference simulation.

1. Research: Comprehensive research forms the basic framework of the art of reporting. A
journalist in a committee needs to be well informed, rather better equipped with their research
since it is not going to be country specific. Half-baked knowledge on the agendas reflects
factual inconsistency in the articles. Kindly go through the background guides of your
respective committees to have a better understanding of the agenda. Knowledge of current
debates pertaining to the agenda is also encouraged.

2. Unity: The International Press team will consist of a number of reporters, who need to be
working in synchronization with each other. The spirit of competitiveness should never come
in the way of teamwork, and all the efforts should be to publish a prosperous newsletter.

3. Code of Conduct: Reporters are expected to maintain diplomatic courtesy at all times
towards fellow members of the team, delegates, executive board and the Secretariat. Even
while critically looking at council proceedings; it is imperative that respect be extended to the
delegates. Frivolous reporting, like reporting on a delegate’s attire or manner of speaking, is
highly discouraged.

Types of Submissions

Opinionated Editorial

An Opinionated Editorial (Op-Ed) is an article that appears outside the editorial page of
practically all newspapers. This is a place where the writer gets an opportunity to pen down
his/her perspective on the agenda. Research is of utmost importance and opinions must be
backed by relevant facts. These are one of the most impactful articles and creativity here is
boundless. The Reporters can use op-eds to present arguments, propose solutions, or critique
policies. These opinion pieces allow the reporters to showcase their analytical thinking,
persuasive writing skills, and ability to present a coherent argument. Despite seeming rigid
and structured, an Op-Ed offers a lot of room for creativity to flourish via drawing parallels,
anecdotes, and unpopular opinions.

When the reporters are representing any news agency, then the Op-Ed shall follow the
political biases of the respective agency. You must also include a picture/cartoon/caricature
that relates with your theme.
Format:
- Word Limit: 600 to 800 words
- Paragraphs: Minimum of 3 clear paragraphs

Beat-Based Article

A Beat-Based Article is a specialised article where the Reporter presents an in-depth coverage
of a particular issue, situation, institution, or likewise. It involves amassment of more
knowledge than a traditional news report. The beat is a central idea around which the contents
of the article revolve. It is a trail of debate during the discussion inside the councils. These
articles aim to provide readers with comprehensive knowledge and insights into specific areas,
allowing journalists to become subject-matter experts and provide informed and engaging
content to their audience. Ideally, it is the core concern or subject and should pertain to every
single line used in the forming of the article. Requiring clear observations and grasping power,
beats should be devoid of the reporter’s opinion.

You could even make an article based on what a single delegate said in his/her speech. You
must include a picture that reflects the tone/intent/theme/emotion of the committee, from
yourrespective councils.

Format:
- Word Limit: 300 to 400 words
- Paragraphs: Minimum of 2 clear paragraphs

Opinion Poll

The Opinion Poll is a piece that is critically important in analysing the direction and
inclination of the committee pertaining to a certain issue or topic. The reporter is required to
float a question that can yield polarized answers and seek the opinions of the diplomats on the
same.The outcomes of the poll can be statistically graphed and used to draw inferences post
thescrutiny of the same.

This particular type of article allows you to express your opinion in any manner you want.
Again, the content needs to be restricted to the agenda. The use of graphs, pie-charts or any
other statistical analysis is highly encouraged.

Format:
- Word Limit: 250 to 350 words
- Analysis with pictorial representation such as graphs/pie-charts

Interview

Interview reports are summaries or transcripts of conversations between a Reporter and any
Delegate/Bloc of Delegates/Executive Board Member. They capture the perspectives, insights,
and opinions shared during the interview, providing valuable firsthand information for
analysis, storytelling, or decision-making. It should be utilized to bring out those aspects
which might not otherwise be highlighted in the course of the conference. The questions must
be precise and must be verified by the Executive Board of the International Press. Reporters
are to ensure that the essence of the views put forth remain intact.

We would like to emphasize the importance of recording interviews, ensuring relevance to

the agenda or current news-worthy issues. Seek consent before recording and utilize this
material in your reports and press conferences. Adhere to ethical practices and respect the
privacy of interviewees. Please prepare a set of pertinent questions for insightful responses.
Upholding integrity and accuracy in your reporting is of utmost importance.

Format:
- Word Limit: 400 to 600 words
- Question and followed by an answer to the question given by the delegate.

Creative Piece / Feature

‘But out of limitations, comes creativity.’ This is the only submission where the reporters are
allowed to explore any format of their own. It just has to adhere to the agenda of the
respective committee. A major contributor to your freestyle working autonomy, will be the
submission of a creative piece, which can be a poem, or a dairy entry, or an open letter, or a
set of haikus, or a short story, as long as content is original and absolutely your own
individual brainchild. This gives you the poetic ability to play with words and ideas, albeit in
keeping with the agenda, as your piece should revolve around a central theme that is drawn
off the agenda, in whole or part.

Format:
- Word Limit - 150 to 800 words

Character Sketch

For this piece, reporters must pick a character (person/idea/entity) related to the agenda and
paint a picture of the character traits of the entity and its pertinence to the agenda with respect
to a delegate from the reporting committee. The connecting link is a factor of everything that
is required here. The character could be a real or fictional person upon which the trail could
be linked with.

Format:
- Word Limit: 350-500 words

Committee Report (Generic Committee Report)

A Generic Committee Report should be focused on reporting the committee's events and
occurrences as they occur. It should primarily highlight the background and direction of the
discussions, including statements from delegates/representatives, key information, and so on.
It should be brief, thorough, and, most importantly, correct. The importance of the
committee's talks should be highlighted. Ideally to be written in paragraphs, this piece
provides the reader with an overview regarding the happenings of the committee during the
duration of the conference. Sensationalized works, on the other hand, are not advised,
especially since the major goal here is to be objective, accurate, and to the point. Being
unbiased is key in these reports!

Format:
- Word Limit: 400-600 words
 - Paragraphs: Minimum of 2 clear paragraphs

Press Conference

The Press Conference is the only provision where the reporters take limelight in their
respective committees and brandish the power to question delegates on their speeches,
straighten crooked stances, and engage with the representatives. Therefore, it is another
opportunity for the reporters to ask the representatives about any of their statements or
policies in the committee.

The questions for the press conference can be either research based, or based on what
delegates say in committee, or an amalgamation of both. Reporters must approach formally
with the representatives and are required to adhere to diplomatic courtesy. Decorum and
composure regardless of the situation must be maintained. Moreover, facts must be derived
from credible sources; if challenged, the burden of proof rests on the reporter.

Note: The Press Conference will be conducted during any one of the days during the
conference and it might vary from each committee. Hence, we request the reporters to keep
their questions ready from Day One onwards.

Submission Deadlines

All reporters are expected to strictly adhere to the deadlines allotted to them. The deadlines
for each day will be notified at the beginning of the first session for the day.

Rules and Regulations

 Kindly bring your own laptop/other device to type your articles.

 All the reports and articles MUST be submitted in word document.
 Formatting Guidelines:

 Font - Times New Roman

 Size:
o Title - 14 points, Bold
o By-line - 13 points, Italics
o Body - 12 points, Normal

 Alignment:
o Title – Centered
o Rest – Justified

 By - lines are mandatory for all types of submissions.

 Reporters are required to adhere to British English. Ensure you change the settings in
your word document before you start writing.
 The submission files should be in the format:
Agency Name_Type of Submission_Committee_Day
For example: Reuters_OpEd_UNSC_Day1
 Abbreviations are to be used only once they have been introduced.
For example: A Life sentence in the United Kingdom (UK) does not necessarily
mean a prisoner will spend the rest of their days in prison.
 Numbers less than ten must be spelled out and those greater than ten must be
represented in numerical. Multiples of ten till ninety must also be spelled out.
For example: I have four hours left to finish packing 77 bundles of letters.
 Avoid using contractions in sentences.
For example: Use ‘do not’ instead of ‘don’t’, ‘cannot’ instead of ‘can’t’.
 Refrain from referring to a delegate by his/her/their name. Address them by the
Portfolio/country they are representing.
For example: The Delegate of Republic of India highlighted the mass influx of
refugees into the country post the Rohingya Crises.
 While referring to the same Delegate in the next sentence or in a later part of the
paragraph, capitalize the word “Delegate” or “Representative.
 Sentences must be well punctuated with the inclusion of semi colons, full stops,
apostrophes, and hyphens/dashes wherever necessary. Punctuate like your life
depends on it. Even a miniscule error in the same- can either, completely change the
meaning of the sentence, or nullify the intended message?
(See what we mean?) You can use this source to comprehensively understand the
proper usage of punctuations: http://www.thepunctuationguide.com/
 Plagiarism will be dealt with strictly. Cite you sources and references without fail.
 Deadlines are of prime importance. In the words of William Shakespeare, ‘Better
three hours too soon than a minute too late.’
 Stick to the timeline of your committee. If your committee is based on an event in
history, adhere to the time period of that event.
 Relevant pictures must be attached to each of the assigned articles. The source/credit
for the picture must be given to the appropriate source/photojournalist using the
textbox feature in word.
 Diplomatic courtesy must be maintained while reporting. Ensure that negative
language used by any representative is expressed very subtly without offending
anybody.
 In your articles, refrain from mentioning things like, ‘The Board entertained a motion
to break for lunch.’
 Refrain using terms such as ‘moderated caucus’, ‘unmoderated caucus’, etcetera.
Instead use words such as ‘formal debate’, ‘informal debate’.
 Ensure your grammar is top notch. Proof-read and fact-check your articles before
submitting them.
 Proof-read and fact-check your articles before submitting them.

‘Journalism can never be silent: that is its greatest virtue and its

greatest fault. It must speak, and speak immediately, while the echoes
of wonder, the claims of triumph and the signs of horror are still in
the air.’ - Henry Anatole Grunwald

ALL THE BEST!