The course has been declared one of the best in the UK offering multi-platform journalism according to the Broadcast Journalism Training Council.
The BJTC panel visited us a fortnight ago and were bowled over by the facilities and the work the students were producing on the day.
Year 1 worked alongside Year 3 on a multi-platform news day. There were students producing a radio programme, which went out on livestream (GIFHE Radio). It included bulletins and packages as well as guests dropping by. The TV group were producing 60 second bulletins and then the online group were writing content for the web.
Alongside these were the social media group following each production area and tweeting and podcasting about the news content as well as about the crews.
It was an extremely stressful day. Some students seemed to be like ducks in water and were natural, while others seemed to flounder a bit. The realisation that this is their future career seemed a big factor. Newsrooms work like clockwork when people all pull together and do their bit to contribute. It’s about a work ethic and thinking on your feet. There is no time to sit around in the newsroom watching YouTube or being on Facebook for fun. One cog stopping working has a knock-on effect for the entire team.
It was great to see them work and work hard and let’s hope they go onwards and upwards. The more they practice this, the better they become.
It was a great achievement for all involved!