Flashback, DCU's new student publication, won the `Best Magazine or Society Award' at the Bank of Ireland National Student Media Awards ceremony, organised by the website `oxygen.ie'. According to Ken Griffin, Flashback's former editor and designer, "Although DCU has monopolised the Best National Journalist Award in the contest for years, we have never won one of the two best publications awards before. But a best publication award involves teamwork and a strong effort from everyone and it involves a group of talented individuals working together to produce the best possible magazine. The award is so valuable as it is the only nationally recognised student media awards and the prize means that Flashback and the University Observer in UCD are the two best student publications in the country".
Flashback was launched in April 2003 as an independent semesterly review magazine for students at DCU. Although it was originally set up to be a current affairs magazine, it developed into a publication that would showcase the work of feature writers and would highlight the events, activities and achievements of the Clubs and Societies. The two existing publications, College View and Campus, have a different focus. The aim was also to create a magazine that would be popular among students . The magazine is still going strong under the leadership of Kate O'Toole, who became the Editor in 2008. Flashback has undergone slight changes throughout the year, and those who have followed its progress will notice that a slightly altered layout is in place this year.
'Flashback' strives to deliver strong content on all areas of the arts, from music to film to photography, and highlights some of the best established as well as up and coming events and pieces across DCU and Dublin. Flashback, therefore is a magazine made by students for students. Flashback ethos is based on good design and quality content, a combination which has makes Flashback one of the most eagerly anticipated publications on campus.