On November 15, Staffordshire University’s journalism students organised an informative event tailored exclusively for teachers, providing an insight into the Future Journalist Awards (FJA) 2024.
The launch event was held in the journalism department’s newsroom and was attended by teachers from schools across Staffordshire. Attendees were given a hands-on tour of the broadcast newsroom and fully equipped radio studio, giving them the opportunity to use professional standard equipment.
The Future Journalist Awards, which is organised by third-year Sports Journalism and Journalism and Digital Media students, is open to young people aged seven to 18.
To enter, applicants need to write an article, review, or blog, or can choose to create a short video or audio clip on a smartphone.
Teachers wanting to encourage their students to enter the awards can book a workshop, either at their school or college.
For the first time, there is also an option to book a workshop to be held at Staffordshire University, giving young learners the opportunity to experience the broadcast newsroom and radio studio first-hand.
At the launch, journalism student Louis Eccleston, a member of the FJA events management team, presented an overview of the awards. The presentation included an interview with sports presenter Matt Smith, who shared his journey into journalism.
Smith who studied Modern Languages and Politics, recounted his transformative experiences of living in Italy, which fuelled his passion for media and journalism. An interview that highlighted his insightful story demonstrated the various routes into the industry while inspiring those watching with the wide range of possibilities that a career in journalism presents.
Journalism student Ben Hopley, of the FJA school liaison team, emphasised the value of the awards, before showcasing two videos submitted by previous year’s winners. The first explored current concerns, highlighting the significance of online safety. The second highlighted the diversity that the applicants bring to their work.
Deadline for the competition is March 1 and full details on how to enter can be found on the competition website: www.blogs.staffs.ac.uk/futurejournalist/. For more information, or to book a workshop, email futurejournalist@staffs.ac.uk.
All finalists from each of the five age categories will be invited to a special award ceremony to take place on March 28 at Staffordshire University’s Catalyst Building.
There will be three winners per category: best written content, best video, and best audio. Each will win a £50 Amazon voucher and be invited to attend a Newsday Experience at the University.
