From the 1996 report of the UCC Ad Hoc Working Group on News Management ...
Based on our study of the various possibilities and the approaches we considered, we recommend that the University cease importation of any newsgroup hierarchy whose volume constitutes a significant portion of the total and whose primary function appears to be the dissemination of non-text content (such as picture files, executable software, or sound files) [...]
The use of newsgroups to disseminate such objects is not a worthwhile use of the resources that are being consumed. The recommended approach is easy to administer and does not materially hamper the value of "news" for the free availability and exchange of ideas. Reputable repositories exist, both on campus and externally, for access to software that has been contributed to the public by its developers.
Appeals to continue importing a specific newsgroup that is deemed essential for research, teaching and administration or to enrich the general intellectual life of the University will be received by the Associate Provost, Information Systems and Technology, and referred to an appeals committee. Requests for the continued importing of a newsgroup will be evaluated based upon the stated need and the resource usage implications. The decision of the committee is subject to review based upon changing needs and resources.