University of Winchester in line for top journalism awards (From Basingstoke Gazette)

University of Winchester in line for top journalism awards

3:00pm Monday 8th October 2012 in Winchester By Wesley Rock

THE UNIVERSITY of Winchester has been shortlisted for a host of prestigious journalism training awards.

Shortlisted in five of seven categories by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC), Winchester will either win, or be runner-up, in more categories than any other university in the country.

The national BJTC Awards will be presented by ITN's Alastair Stewart, himself the recipient of an honorary doctorate from the university and who lives in Bramdean, near Alresford.

Chris Horrie, the university's journalism programme leader, said: “This really is an immense achievement for journalism at Winchester.

“These awards confirm that Winchester is rapidly emerging as one of the leading universities in the country for education and training in journalism.”

The news comes in the wake of last year's success, when Shira Pinczuk, an MA journalism graduate from Winchester, was awarded the title of Student Journalist of the Year. The BJTC directly represents the training arms of the BBC, ITN, Sky, Associated Press TV and the independent local radio sector.

The students covered topics in their broadcasts ranging from key issues facing students today, to the theft of lead from church roofs and Winchester Fashion Week.

Finalists are Andrew Giddings (TV News Report); Colin Boag (Radio News Report); Gareth Messenger (TV Feature); Domonique Jenkins (TV Newsday - Producer); and Cara Laithwaite (TV Newsday - Presenter). The ceremony is to be held at the University of Winchester on Tuesday, October 9.