Double success for graduates at national student journalism awards
Students from the University of Leeds’ School of Media and Communication are celebrating after winning two prizes at the BJTC Student Journalism awards.
It was a double celebration for students from the University of Leeds’ School of Media and Communication after they won two awards at a prestigious student journalism awards ceremony.
A cohort of media and communications graduates attended the BJTC (Broadcast Journalism Training Council) Student Journalism awards on 12 December at Sky headquarters in London.
The students won in both categories they were nominated for, making it a night to remember.
A newsday by third years in 2023/24 took top honours in the ‘Best TV Newsday’ category while Christian Morante took home the prize for ‘Best TV Sports Journalism’ for his timely piece about grassroots rugby in Wales.
Produced by a team of 13 TV producers and reporters, the newsday featured stories from across West Yorkshire, including coverage of Wakefield’s famous rhubarb festival.
News reporter Olivia Powell, who attended the awards ceremony, said: "To take home the award for best TV newsday alongside some special people was definitely an unforgettable experience. Our team worked tirelessly to put this broadcast together."
Presenter and reporter Hedi Tam added: "Thanks to everyone at the School of Media for their amazing support from day one."
The BJTC awards recognise excellence in broadcast journalism training across the UK.
Christian Morante, currently a Channel 4 Production Trainee at True North Productions in Leeds, said winning his award was ‘a testament to my incredible three years at the University of Leeds’.
He added: “From day one the University equipped me with the skills to create a documentary worthy of this recognition."
Christian Morante with his award
Associate Professor Kate Watkins, Undergraduate Tutor and Academic Personal Tutor Lead at the School of Media and Communication, said: “Our School's Journalism team are so incredibly proud that our students won both the award categories that we were nominated for.
“The judges commended the TV newsday for a “polished and well produced programme” and Christian Morante's report on Welsh rugby was a very deserving win in the TV sports report category.
“It was wonderful to watch the next generation of media talent take to the stage to receive their awards.”
