No more than a week ago, four student media outlets learned that much of their fifth-floor space in the Benson University Center would be turned into administrative offices. Wake Radio was informed by Student Life that two-thirds of their operating space was being claimed, while 3 to 4 Ounces, The Howler and The Student were told their current spaces were being combined into one office to make room for a growing university staff.

Wake Media Board, a seven-membered confederation of on-campus media organizations, was shocked, and so were the organizations.

Other than operating in close vicinity, media organizations have had little cohesion prior to this week. They respected each other’s space and dedication, but rarely extended any interest into one another’s affairs.

In one week, everything has changed. The Media Board recognized that losing space for some organizations would mean the end of their existences. The threat of saying goodbye to these student organizations has drawn all university media outlets together.

More than ever, we are united by our purposes: to disseminate information of on-campus events, encourage creativity and individuality, cultivate student thought and properly display the arts.

After rallying together, student representatives from these media organizations spent the last week meeting with administrators. Among them, Anna Stokes, Tyler Kelner and Nathan Bedsole have been unbelievably dedicated to Wake Media and have sacrificed much time and sleep to ensure the future success of all media outlets.

While remaining professional, administrators and organization members have reached a compromise after heavily considering all options and their ramifications. By combining  3 to 4  Ounces, The Student and The Howler into one office on the fifth floor, all groups will share a space larger than each group’s previous holding. The future space will have a creative lab for groups to layout pages, have meetings and conduct other common-use tasks. Private executive offices for each organization are also present in this restructuring. On the other side of the atrium, Wake Radio will keep their sound room, common room and begin sharing an executive office with the Old Gold & Black business office.

Opened spaces will be filled by the Volunteer Services Corps, Campus Kitchen and Residence Student Association.

Despite high stress levels, the Media Board has grown from this experience. The cohesion created by this week has already had positive, physical results: organizations are sharing their ideas, future goals and food/drink.

With new rooms and new friendships, Wake Media looks forward to next semester with optimism.