In a MUNSU board meeting on Wednesday, October 7th, members voted to split the proposed media levy increase of $1.49 evenly between The Muse and CHMR-FM. If the referendum passes, both parties will get roughly a $0.75 increase tied to inflation.
The current media levy is already split evenly between the two, however, during September 29th’s meeting many MUNSU members intended to give the full $1.49 increase to The Muse.
When the motion was put forth, Chairperson Mackenzie Broders explained that the motion isn’t necessarily binding, and that it is MUNSU expressing their intent to split the levy at a later time. She added that in order for this to take effect, there would need to be an amendment to the bylaws, and ultimately the Board of Regents have final say in referenda.
Instead, she called it an interim measure so that the board can express its position.
Executive Director of Finances, Nathan Gillingham, mentioned that the station manager of CHMR-FM, Rhea Rollman, expressed concerns and sought clarification on the media levy increase. It was also expressed that it was owed to members to know where their money is going.
Executive Director of External Affairs, Taqi Yeasir, sought to amend the motion so that the entire media levy increase would go to The Muse, arguing that it would be unfair to voters who only want an increase for The Muse. However, there was no seconder and the amendment failed.
Executive Director of Student Life, Blake Colbran, stated that he had been in communications with Editor-in-Chief of The Muse, Kaelem Tingate, who would prefer an even split to “keep the peace,” and that the main factor was the rate tied to inflation.
Gillingham later clarified that there is a public perception of tension between the two after MUNSU voted to cease funding CHMR-FM. He also argued that both student media working towards the referendum would be good for voter turnout.
One board member shared that some students have shown concern about an increase in the media levy at all, to which the board stated that they can express their views by voting in the referendum.
The referendum will be held during the MUNSU by-election, with voting beginning October 21st at 9:00 am until October 22nd at 9:00 pm.