Thomas Bristow: From student journalist to Editor-in-Chief of Oxford University’s Cherwell
By Dan Bavister
In the depths of a hectic St John’s Freshers’ prep week, between hanging bunting and welcoming early arrivals to their rooms, I managed to steal an hour from my frepping duties to talk with Thomas Bristow. We connected over Zoom, his face lighting up the screen as he adjusted his glasses and leaned forward with enthusiasm. Having recently wrapped up his term as Editor-in-Chief of Cherwell, Oxford’s influential student newspaper, Mr Bristow was both candid and reflective as we delved into the highs and lows of his time at the helm of one of the UK’s oldest student publications.
As someone who spends my own days juggling Palatinate—Durham’s student newspaper—and the daily hustle of university life, I was curious to hear how Mr Bristow navigated similar challenges in a different setting.
Our conversation began with a look back at how he found his way into student journalism. “I’ve always been fascinated by reading,” Mr Bristow began, “and when I arrived at Oxford, Cherwell was a paper that felt approachable for me.” His first experience with the paper, however, wasn’t the easiest. He tells me, with a smile, how his initial attempt to join Cherwell ended in failure. “In my first year, I applied to be the books editor, and I had gone out the night before and got far too drunk,” he admits with a laugh. “Unsurprisingly, I didn’t get the role.”
Rather than being deterred, Mr Bristow’s interest in Cherwell only grew stronger. “I stuck at it,” he says. After being rejected as books editor, he applied for the film editor position. Success followed. “I really enjoyed it,” Tom recalls. “It was the challenge of taking it on, working with people who had a higher level of responsibility. It was such an interesting process, and it made me want to keep pushing myself.”
Over time, Mr Bristow’s role within Cherwell expanded. He moved on to become music editor, and eventually, overall culture editor, overseeing everything from music and film to theatre. “It was fascinating to work with so many different people on a wide range of content,” he says. “It felt like every section had its own identity, but together they formed something really special.”
We had to find ways to keep it financially viable while maintaining its integrity
By the time Mr Bristow and his co-editor-in-chief Suzanne Antelme took over, Cherwell was at a critical juncture. “We were really excited to take it on,” Mr Bristow says, “but there was a lot of hard work ahead.” He points to the collaborative effort between him and Suzanne as key to the paper’s success. “Suzanne was brilliant,” he says. “We worked together really well, made a lot of changes, and put in a lot of hard work. We both had clear ideas about where we wanted to take the paper.”
One of the key challenges Cherwell faced during Mr Bristow’s tenure was financial. The paper, entirely independent and unfunded by the university or students’ union, had to generate revenue through advertisements and sponsorships. “Finances were always a challenge,” he admits, “but we didn’t want to just load the paper up with ads. We had to find ways to keep it financially viable while maintaining its integrity.”
Running Cherwell, much like our own experiences with Palatinate here in Durham, isn’t just about keeping the publication alive—it’s about preserving the integrity of what you produce. Mr Bristow touches on this, noting the delicate balance between maintaining editorial independence and securing enough financial support to ensure longevity. “It’s part of the job to make sure the paper exists for the next term,” he says. “You have to keep the business side in mind. You’re running a newspaper, but you also have to think about how to keep it going without losing sight of what makes it great.”
He acknowledges that while it’s tempting to chase advertisers for quick income, that’s not always the best strategy. “You don’t want to sell out,” he says. “But at the same time, you can’t ignore the financial realities. It’s a tough balance.” He is proud that during his editorship, they introduced more creative forms of sponsorship. “We experimented with ways to make sponsored content relevant and interesting for our readers without compromising the paper’s integrity.” Clearly, it’s not just about chasing quick sponsorships; it’s about ensuring that our readers—our community—always get content they trust. Thomas’ approach to sponsorships, such as experimenting with creative content that remains relevant to readers, has been something I’ve found inspiring as Palatinate look for new ways to fundraise without compromising our editorial integrity.
For Mr Bristow, running Cherwell also meant navigating the challenges of leadership. “You’re constantly thinking about the future of the paper, its direction, and how to make it better. You’re dealing with a lot of people and a lot of ideas, which can be a real challenge,” he says. Despite these challenges, Mr Bristow notes that his leadership was defined by a sense of community. “You have to listen to your team,” he stresses. “Everyone has their own strengths, and it’s about making sure all voices are heard, even if you’re the one making the final decision.”
You’re constantly thinking about the future of the paper, its direction
When I ask Mr Bristow about his personal future in journalism, his answer is both thoughtful and optimistic. “I’m really proud of my time at Cherwell, but I’m excited for what’s next,” he says. “I’ve always loved writing and being involved in journalism. It’s a way to engage with people, and I think I’ll always want to be part of it in some way. But I also want to explore other avenues, see where I can have the most impact.”
Our conversation eventually turns to the broader landscape of student media. In Oxford, where Cherwell sits alongside its rival The Oxford Student, the competition is fierce but mutually respectful. Mr Bristow acknowledges how the rivalry is definitely there, but how it’s also important to remember both papers are part of the same community—just different perspectives on it. The Oxford Student is its own entity, being a “very good newspaper in their own right.” The rivalry between Cherwell and The Oxford Student may be fierce, but at its heart, it’s a force for good. In Durham, Palatinate and The Tab also play out this melee, constantly pushing each other to be better and innovate. Competition brings out the best in us, and while we may have different editorial perspectives, at the end of the day, we’re all working toward the same goal: serving the student body with truth, relevance, and rigour.
The Oxford Union also plays a significant role in Mr Bristow’s memories. “We at Cherwell were fortunate to work with the Union, and we set up an arrangement to interview their speakers, which was great for our profile section. We got some really interesting people who spoke there that we featured in the paper as well,” he recalls. However, Mr Bristow also highlights how some of Cherwell’s coverage of the Oxford Union wasn’t always glowing. “There were times when we had to report on Union electoral malpractice and bullying allegations involving leading members of the Union—not just during my time as editor, but throughout my university years. It was a hotbed for such issues. I mean, it’s the Oxford Union,” Thomas adds, with a wry smile.
Cherwell‘s coverage of the Oxford Union wasn’t always glowing
As we wrap up, Mr Bristow reflects on the significance of being involved in the university’s wider community. Mr Bristow notes that Oxford University is a place of great history, and the student unions are part of that legacy. However, Mr Bristow has always believed that the best kind of journalism engages with its audience, not just as observers but as active participants. The students’ union, in many ways, can be both a platform and a challenge for us as student journalists. In Oxford, just as in Durham, student media’s relationship with the students’ union can be a fraught one.
Our conversation ends on a hopeful note, with Mr Bristow offering some advice for future editors. “Always be willing to innovate,” he says. “Push the boundaries and try new things, but never forget the importance of your team and the community you’re serving. You can’t do it alone.”
As we say our goodbyes, I’m struck by how Bristow’s time at Cherwell has shaped not just the paper, but his own approach to leadership and journalism. His ability to lead with empathy, while navigating the complexities of student media with integrity, serves as a reminder of the challenges student editors face—and the opportunities we have to make a lasting impact.
Image credit: Thomas Bristow
