IPC Background Guide
Dear Members,
It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you all to the International
Press Corps of ADMUN 2025.
We are sure that it is in your inherent knowledge, that journalism is
one of the strongest and the most impactful tenets of the
contemporary world. The establishment of public opinion as an
authoritative critique and its aftermath has created a dimension that
has changed the course of history as we know it.
We as a team called THE INTERNATIONAL PRESS must know more,
hear more, see more and say more. We have to broaden our horizons
of creativity and our ability to think which can only be done when each
and every member of the press regardless of being a journalist or a
caricaturist is well-researched and well-aware of the agendas of the
committees.
The vision here is to create a newsletter which echoes the power of the
press. Articles, photographs and caricatures which give the readers
food for thought combined with well-placed satire or humor. An ideal
reporter or an interjector during simulations of international
organisations and think tanks requires more research and presence of
mind than an international delegate. The entire image of a press
delegation without adequate research is flawed. The very basic root of
this draft is based on our research and a
strong value of transforming the role of the press. This approach is
referred to as an idealistic approach to journalism.
This will be an experience that you will cherish, and it shall be etched
in your memory forever. There will be deadlines, work, tempers flared
and a lot of video calls, but there will also be memories you create and
the people you meet, and of course, the knowledge you gain. Just
remember, that it is people who make a team and not a team who
make the people and here we are more than just a group of people
running around with notepads and cameras, we’re inherently the
keepers of memories, the recorders of history, the warriors of reason
and ideas.
May the odds be in your favour!
Regards
Ayyoob Ahamed
INTRODUCTION TO IPC
The International Press Corporation focuses on providing
comprehensive, independent coverage of international events, news
and issues. IPC has a strong reputation for commitment to journalistic
integrity,
accuracy and professionalism as an influential publisher in the media
sector.
The fact that it can collect diverse views from all over the world is one
of IPC's main strengths. The IPC shall endeavor to facilitate
understanding, dialogue and awareness amongst readers through the
support of an integrated and balanced report. Its multilingual
publications and translations make it easier for people
from different linguistic backgrounds to access reliable information,
further reinforcing this commitment to global representation.
In addition to its news coverage, IPC also produces detailed analyses,
features and opinion pieces addressing the complex issues of global
affairs. The IPC aims to contribute to informed debate and dialogue in
the fields of climate change, human rights, economic development or
geopolitical conflicts by offering a more nuanced view on critical
issues.
The International Press Corps is committed at its core to upholding the
principles of ethical journalism and press freedom. The IPC shall play
an important role in shaping a healthy, informed world community
which is capable of participating constructively in national dialogue
and contributing to the development of more equitable and secure
societies by virtue of its commitment to truth, accuracy and objectivity.
JOURNALISM
“Journalism” can be understood as an occupation that is bound
together by a particular ideology spanning different elements of
product, people, practice, and service. For example, in the United
States, this might entail values like seeking to provide a public service
to citizens; striving to be objective, fair, and trustworthy; working
independently of governmental officials; being committed to an
approach that
emphasizes gathering first-hand accounts of events in a timely fashion;
and deferring to a shared, professional sense of ethics. In other
contexts, that ideology might be different. For example, the ideology
may instead seek to promote societal stability by having journalists be
more deferential to government authorities and less critical of the
status quo. Those who act in line with the dominant occupational
values of journalism within a society — whatever that may look like —
may thus be seen as practicing “journalism.”
Human beings play a central role in journalism, and we can refer to the
individuals who help shape the renditions of news we come across (and
the organizations those individuals work for) as social actors within the
space of “journalism.” The most obvious social actor in journalism is
the journalist. But what constitutes a “journalist” is often debated both
within and across societies, and it changes over time. For example, 50
years ago, it may have been enough to say that anyone who was
employed to do editorial work for an organization that primarily
produced news was effectively a “journalist.” However, news
organizations and the journalism ecosystem are simply too complex
today for that to be a good definition.
PARAMETERS TO BE CONSIDERED WHILE
WRITING
While writing as a journalist, there are several parameters that one
should carefully consider to ensure the production of high-quality and
ethical journalism. Here are some key parameters to keep in mind:
● Accuracy and Fact-Checking: Journalists have a responsibility to
report accurate and verified information. Ensure that facts, figures, and
statements are thoroughly fact-checked from reliable sources before
publishing. If errors are made, promptly issue corrections or
retractions.
● Objectivity and Impartiality: Strive to maintain objectivity and
impartiality in reporting. Present different perspectives and viewpoints
on a subject, providing a fair and balanced account of events. Avoid
personal biases and ensure that your reporting remains neutral and
unbiased.
● Integrity and Ethical Standards: Uphold high ethical standards in
journalism. Be transparent about sources, conflicts of interest, and any
potential biases that may influence your reporting. Respect privacy
and confidentiality when required and obtain informed consent when
interviewing or publishing personal information.
● Accountability and Responsible Reporting: Take responsibility for the
accuracy and
consequences of your reporting. Report on matters of public interest
and hold individuals, institutions, and governments accountable for
their actions. Avoid sensationalism, speculation, and unsubstantiated
claims.
● Independence and Freedom of the Press: Safeguard the
independence of journalism from undue influence, political pressure, or
commercial interests. Maintain editorial independence and avoid
conflicts of interest that may compromise the integrity of your
reporting.
● Sensitivity and Respect: Exercise sensitivity and respect when
covering sensitive subjects or reporting on individuals or communities.
Avoid stereotypes, discrimination, and any form of sensationalism that
may harm or misrepresent individuals or groups.
● Thorough Research and Context: Conduct thorough research to
understand the background and context of a story. Provide relevant
context, historical background, and necessary explanations to ensure
readers can fully comprehend the subject matter.
● Attribution and Source Credibility: Clearly attribute information,
quotes, and data to their original sources. Verify the credibility of your
sources and ensure they have the necessary expertise or authority on
the subject matter.
● Engage in Responsible Use of Social Media: When using social media
as a journalistic tool, adhere to the same principles of accuracy,
objectivity, and integrity. Verify information before sharing it, be
mindful of potential biases, and avoid spreading misinformation.
● Respect for Legal and Ethical Boundaries: Familiarize yourself with
local laws and regulations concerning freedom of the press,
defamation, copyright, and privacy. Adhere to these laws while
exercising your journalistic duties.
By adhering to these parameters, journalists can uphold the principles
of responsible and ethical journalism, providing the public with
accurate, fair, and reliable information.
WHAT TO RECORD AND WHAT NOT TO
The role of a journalist is to record what all is necessary. There are
various instances in a committee, where reporting is either not
required or not allowed.
In any UN committee, there are two types of debate, i.e. formal and
informal. The formal debate comprises the GSL (General Speakers'
List). You are allowed to record and mention it in your articles.
The informal debate comprises the Moderated Caucus and
Unmoderated Caucus. You are allowed to record the Moderated Caucus
only. Anything related to Unmoderated Caucus must not be present in
any of the articles. For better understanding of these terms, the
definitions have been provided below.
GSL-This is the basic formal debate, in which the delegates are
required to give their speeches upon their country’s stance on the
agenda and can also include the anything which is directly/indirectly
related to the
agenda. You are allowed to record this.
MODERATED CAUCUS-This is the informal debate, in which delegates
speak upon the sub-topics of the main agenda. You are allowed to
record this.
UNMODERATED CAUCUS-These are also part of informal debate, in
these delegates can discuss anything informally, or may gossip. You
are strictly NOT allowed to record anything which happens during
unmod.
If there are any crisis in the committee, you are allowed to record that.
What are crisis? They are basically imaginary situations, for example
a country bombing another country. The delegates are supposed to
deliver their speeches keeping in mind the crisis.
There is one thing, known as PSL (Provisional Speakers' List). You
are allowed to record that also.
TYPES OF ARTICLES
1. Main ARTICLE
A Main article is a type of article that revolves around a subject in the
agency’s view, known as the beat. It is a specialized piece which
requires in-depth research and offers more knowledge to the reader.
The beat is to be taken from the proceedings and happenings of the
committee and must be a topic important enough to attract readership
and must be related to what the reporter’s agency usually covers. It
will take the mantle as the core concern of the article, and the content
should obsequiously conform to the central idea. To capture the beat,
ensure that you’re actively present in the committee to be able to
identify the form and shape of the
discussion. You can use the first half of the day to collect data and
select the core idea of your article and utilize the remaining time to
give a factual backing to the same.
● A beat-based article is a specialized, factual article, and can include
direct quotes from delegates, and/or statistical data.
● It has no requirement of a personal opinion and is only restricted to
the happenings in the committee around the beat, and the facts
attached to same.
● The data used in a beat-based article should use the correct data,
including the names of delegates and the facts stated.
● The inclusion of factual details and direct quotes of the delegates
enhances the credibility of the article.
● Once the beat is identified in the committee, the reporter also has
the liberty to shed light on a segment of the topic based on his/her
research.
2. OPINIONATED EDITORIAL
An opinionated editorial is an article that presents the writer's opinion
on an issue. It reflects the personal opinion of the writer on the
agenda. It is usually unsigned. Much in the same manner as a lawyer,
editorial writers build on an argument and try to persuade readers to
think the same way they do. Editorials are meant to influence public
opinion, promote critical thinking, and sometimes cause people to take
action on an issue. In essence, an editorial is an opinionated news
story.
3. SIDE ARTICLE:
CRISIS TIME! This usually has one typical structure unlike a main article
and is a basic overview of the crisis of a committee. A crisis puts
delegates at the edge of their seats and demands quick thinking and
decisive action. It’s a break from the calm methodical setting of a
committee session, which requires extreme cooperation from
delegates and representatives and can liven up the mood with a
simple yet effective news flash. It can range from silly scenarios like
Elon Musk invading the moon to groundbreaking news like Pakistan
launching nuclear warheads toward India.
Breaking News Brief: These short, brisk articles serve as breaking news
updates, including basic coverage of the crisis, vital actions taken by
delegates or blocs, and any significant developments. They mimic the
sense of urgency similar to real-life journalism which is often fast-
paced and affected by real-life international crises. It can include
interviews or even op-eds on the crisis as a whole yet and can be more
informal as compared to a main article, therefore it should be
engaging! A note to add the side article must be 2 paragraphs and
delegates can choose any committee to write upon it is to show a
testament to how delegates can link general committee sessions to the
crisis at hand. We recommend basing the argument through crisis
situations and adding fillers by linking to general committee motions.
We also recommend using committees outside the ones allocated for
the main article as it will be unique to your own content. This side of
IPC is more creative informal and open
4. INTERVIEW REPORT(Optional)
An interview report is a written record of a professional, guided
conversation. These reports may be intended for the public as
published articles interviewing an important or public figure. An
interview report, or summary, is a document that comprises all the
information you receive from an interviewee throughout an interview.
This document's purpose is to summarize information from the
meeting for others. A report can include excerpts from the
conversation between the interviewee and the interviewer. The
interviewer develops the report from the recordings of the interview,
so they can add accurate information about what the interviewee said
and comments and descriptions regarding them. Typically, the
interviewer only adds the main ideas from the interview, instead of a
literal transcription of everything the interviewee noted during the
conversation. A journalist may interview a delegate, an Executive
Board member, or a Secretariat member, depending on the portfolio
assigned to them. A journalist may interview during unmoderated
caucus, lunch, or when the concerned person feel may be.
5. Humour column
Humour columns are filled with humour, comical, informal and satirical
in nature and are also generally shorter. It could be related to the
agenda, committee proceedings or MUN in general.
PRESS CONFERENCE
A press conference is when a reporter or a member of the International
Press comes to the committee and asks questions to delegates
present. The main purpose of a press conference is to check whether
the delegates have a keen and in-depth knowledge of the agenda. For
reporters however, it also means a session where they can target and
ask any delegate if a question they feel like. It can vary from really
controversial things that will roast them and will give them a hard time
answering, to basic ones such as a
clear stance on the agenda.
Types of questions (suggested but not limited to):
● Related to a controversial or contradicting statement made by the
delegate while in the committee session.
● Country’s facts related (preferably based on current affairs)
● Country’s stance: The questions can be
To a delegate
To a region or specific portfolios
To a political party
To the whole committee
Prioritize quality over quantity. Keep your questions substantive and
well researched. Quoting incorrect statistics or quotes/statements will
affect your press conference marks
Things to keep in mind before the press conference:
1. Facts should be accurate: Being a member of the International
Press, we should be presenting actual
and true facts, we are the most trustworthy resource, and we should
not cite facts that may be untrue
2. Don’t be biased: We are in a press conference. It doesn’t matter if
you like a country or your friend is representing a country, that you will
not ask any question. If you feel like your question is important and
may help with the agenda, ask away.
3. Be diplomatically sarcastic: Yes, you read that right. One may treat a
press conference as a simple question and answer session, but where’s
the fun without a little spice in the dish, right? You may ask your
question but also speak a subtle sarcastic remark. For example:
“Delegate of the USA, in your speech you mentioned that Iran has
breached the Iran nuclear treaty, but the IAEAs report mentions after
the allegations framed by the President of your country that the
allegations were in fact false. Does the US and its president think so
highly of themselves that they can just go around and put allegations
on any country based on false and inaccurate accusations?”
4. Be punctual: Always be on time and submit your questions before
the conference to the IP Head and Editor-in-Chief.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. You need to have a good source of internet connection (ADMUN will
provide complimentary WiFi), be it Wi-Fi, broadband, or mobile data,
and a backup internet source in case there seems to be an issue with
the network connection.
2. You must always have a gadget available to attend committee
meetings and type down your reports and mail them in the form of a
Microsoft Word document.
3. Always note down certain pointers crucial for your write-up to have
crucial content for the committee-based tasks.
4. Be sure to have done some basic research on all the committees
prior to the MUN to have the necessary information when performing
non-committee-based tasks. Your research would prove to be handy at
all times.
5. Attend the committee proceedings and listen to the debates
carefully, remember to use data that is of relevance to your article.
Don’t concentrate on the quantity of your article, rather keep in mind
the quality.
6. Be original and use your creativity to polish your write-ups.
Plagiarism would not be appreciated, and you will lose marks upon
identification. You may take references for statistics and facts. The
source of reference must be cited.
7. Please use appropriate abbreviations. Before using an acronym,
first, the full form should be mentioned once within brackets, for
example, United Nations (UN). No periods should be used to separate
letters of an abbreviated organization or agency, for example, U.N. is
not acceptable.
8. Don’t miss out on the titles. Upon mentioning a specific person,
whether s/he is a delegate or an Executive Board member, please use
titles. For example- Secretary-General, Chairman-Name-
CommitteeName.
9. Do not exceed the word limit. Please note that your heading and by-
line won’t come under the word limit.
10. Deadlines should be adhered to strictly. Missing out on any
deadline will lead to a deduction in marks.
11. Present the debates, opinions, and statements in a neutralized
manner. Prevent personal bias in your write-up and write fairly. Any
personal bias observed in the write-up would cause an immediate
deduction in the marks.
12. Your articles are to be named in the following manner. Your name,
then committee followed by the type of article (Op-Ed/Report/Beat-
Based/Feature) all separated by an underscore. Example-Suppose your
article is a committee report featuring WHO proceedings, then it shall
be named
"YourName_WHO_CommitteeReport_Day1/2"
13. There should be a fixed font for your work. Your font size will be 18
(Bold and Center) for heading,
16 (Italics and Center) for by-line, and 14 (left alignment) for the body.
Font style should be TIMES NEW ROMAN only, so make sure you write
accordingly.
15. No report/cartoon strip/memes should be shared with any other
member of the conference, except the Executive Board of International
Press.
16. Last but not least, PLEASE take care of grammatical errors and
proper formation of sentences as they ruin the presentation of the
article and moreover lead to deduction of marks.
TIPS
● Abbreviations: No periods should be used separating letters of an
abbreviated organization or agency. Only standard acronyms and
approved abbreviations should be used. If questions arise, feel free to
ask any of the editors. Before using an acronym, first the full form
should be mentioned once within brackets. Example: United Nations
(UN).
● Apostrophes: This punctuation mark will only be used to indicate
possessive nouns or secondary quotations. Apostrophes are never
used to indicate plurals. Currency: Dollar values are displayed with the
appropriate currency symbol. Values on orders at or greater than one
million are summarized, for example $54,000, $135,000 or $214
million. UAE dirhams shall be written as AED and not Dhs.
● Capitalization: Nowhere shall anything but abbreviations be
capitalized. Example: United Nations (UN).
● Boldface text: There is no situation in which boldface should be used
in an article. Headlines and article titles may be put in bold by the
editor, if required. If you must, however, show the emphasis in the
article, please use Italics.
● Developing nations: Within the international community, the use of
the term “third world” is actively discouraged. No nation will be
referred to as “Third World.”
● Diplomatic courtesy: While reporters are encouraged to faithfully
report on the statements of the representatives within the MUN
simulation, no quotation should violate the dictates of diplomatic
courtesy. All articles, editorials, letters, press releases and personals to
be included in the newsletter will be carefully edited to ensure that all
content remains courteous to each participant at the MUN. If a reporter
feels that a quotation by a representative is discourteous, the
representative should be encouraged to rephrase the statement in a
more courteous fashion or risk having it omitted from the reporter’s
article.
● Spacing: One space is used to separate words, as well as following
commas, semicolons, colons and periods. Do not put a space before
punctuation marks.
● Spelling: Reporters should be sure to spell check all articles before
the editorial deadline. This will greatly assist the editor.
● Titles: The categories of title to be used include:
Standard professional titles:
o Periods will be used on abbreviated titles, such as Mr., Ms.,
and Dr., Pres.
o ● UN titles: These titles will not be abbreviated. UN and
MUN official titles include Secretary General, Under-
Secretary-General, Director-General, Assistant Secretary
General, and Deputy
Secretary-General. Secretary-General shall never be abbreviated as
Sec Gen.
● Tenses: Stick to one tense throughout your article and ideally, your
article should be in the past tense.
● Self plagiarism: Would not be tolerated. Write ups that have been
submitted and published in previous conferences are not to be
submitted again. The press member shall be negatively marked if the
same happens.