Media students praised for top quality submissions
Lincoln and Worcester universities were the big winners of the student categories at the revived Midlands Media Awards, while Birmingham City, De Montfort, Nottingham, Nottingham Trent and Warwick universities were also recognised for their student’s achievements.
Lincoln’s Iona Goodall was named Student Digital Journalist of the Year, with colleagues Jamie Johnson (Sports Journalist of the Year, Print). Kara Joubert (Student Radio Journalist of the Year) and Noah Cole (joint-winner of Magazine of the Year) also receiving trophies.
The judges said Jamie’s accomplished sportswriting had deservedly found its way already to national newspaper audiences, while they praised Iona for research abilities, and her use of data and infographics in getting to grips with a wide range of topics. Kara’s “top quality audio” entry was applauded for an excellent scrip and good use of music – good enough for Radio 4 if given a minor tweak, said the judges.
Worcester’s Aiden Holland won Student Television Journalist of the Year for a fascinating documentary on the alarming closure of grassroots music venues, tackled in great depth with a significant cross-section of views and use of statistics as he explores what can be done to reverse the shut-downs. The entry also won him The President’s Student Award.
Fellow-student Matthew Tennant received the Student Sports Journalist of the Year award for an excellently-researched documentary which delved beyond the internal politics and financial exploits surrounding the collapse of Worcester Warriors to explore the impact that the loss of the club had on the local community. “Highly engaging – even to non-rugby fans,” said the judges.
The Awards, held for the first time since the outbreak of Covid, were supported by Birmingham Airport, Birmingham Chinatown Business Association, HSBC UK, NUJ Birmingham & Coventry Branch and the University of Worcester. Held at the Burlington Macdonald Hotel, Birmingham, and attended by more than 220 guests, the Awards attracted almost 250 entries and this year included categories aimed specifically at media students.
Former ITV News Central presenters Bob Warman and Llewela Bailey co-hosted the event, which was organised by Birmingham Press Club. Llewela, who is Press Club chairman, said: “Student entries were all of such a high standard that the judges had to deliberate long and hard in making their decisions. Everyone of those nominated has every reason to be proud of their submissions.”
Other winners were Story of the Year: Anna Bickerton, University of Warwick, for her revealing item on the introduction of Hurling to the West Bank of Palestine – a story that captures the reader from the start.
Student Business Journalist of the Year: Anna Boyne, University of Nottingham, for demonstrating an engaging way to discuss key issues affecting the student audience
Student Feature Writer of the Year: Joint winners – Amina Ali, De Montfort University for a portfolio on three vastly different people trying to make the world a better place and Tegan Maass, Nottingham Trent University on her fight to save a library – good local journalism about an issue vital to a local community
Student Magazine of the Year: Joint winners – The Ring Revival (Noah Cole, University of Lincoln), which the judges described as packed full of well laid-out pages, insightful content and a great use of pictures; Perspectives (William Raven, University of Warwick), which provided no-holds-barred content and Lingo (Emma Burnett & Team, University of Nottingham) – loved for its design work and well-written copy
Student Photographer of the Year: Rachel Pui, Birmingham City University, who submitted a set of still images described by the judges as both dramatic and thought-provoking.
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Photo: Worcester winners – Matthew Tennant and Aiden Holland
