BA (Hons) Journalism Showcase
Case Studies
LSJ student wins BBC Award
A student from the University of Lincoln has won the BBC Partnership Award for Journalism. Dane Vincent was presented with the BBC Journalism Award for his film All Bonged Up at the Connect & Create Conference yesterday by TV funny men Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer.
Judges said Dane’s entry was “a great, original story with a brave agenda.”
First Year Student Makes Headline News
A first-year student from the University of Lincoln’s School of Journalism has hit the headlines after having an article published in a national newspaper.
Nineteen-year-old David Lee from Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire has written an article about being a computer salesman which appeared in the Technology section of the Guardian newspaper.
David says he wrote the article in response to a piece published in the paper in which the journalist describes computer sales staff as roving imbeciles.
“I work part-time as a computer salesman to fund my studies and know how hard working in retail can be,” says David. “After reading the article criticising computer store staff I thought I’d write a riposte. I emailed the editor and pitched my idea to him.
“I’d always presumed getting your work published in a national newspaper would be really hard as they must receive hundreds of emails from budding journos everyday. My experience has been completely different from what I expected. I’m even being paid for it!”
Journalism lecturer Richard Orange says he is delighted but not surprised by David’s achievement. “It goes to show, sometimes using your initiative and cold calling can pay off".
“I’m delighted but not surprised by David’s success he’s a very enthusiastic and motivated student. It shows we’re teaching our students ‘real’ journalism skills. They’re not just sat in a lecture theatre; they’re actually out there doing the job.”
Phil's Career is in Top Gear
Magazine journalist Phil Turner is celebrating scooping his first editor’s post just two and a half years after graduating from the University of Lincoln.
Phil has been made editor of Motorcycle Sport and Leisure, one of Britain’s longest running motorcycle publications.
While studying at university he gained some experience at Mortons Media Group Ltd in Horncastle and got a job as editorial assistant at the firm after graduating with a degree in Journalism.
Since then it has taken him just two years to progress to the role of editor of one of the company’s nine internationally recognised motorcycle magazines and guides.
“Under Phil’s remit, Motorcycle Sport & Leisure will still keep to its motto ‘Real world rides for real world riders’ and aim to be the quality monthly for motorcyclists,” said a spokesman.
The focus of the magazine will continue to be long-distance riding – both touring and adventure – and Phil plans to develop these features even more.
“I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to work on such a well established and respected title as Motorcycle Sport and Leisure,” said Phil, who originally comes from Workington in Cumbria.
“I look forward to the challenge of developing and improving the already strong content and will continue to build on our excellent relationships with advertisers, manufacturers and contributors. I hope to live up to the high expectations of our dedicated readership.”
Have I Got News For You
Whilst studying at the Brayford Pool campus, Edward excelled in radio news production and gained valuable experience by working at the BBC in Lincolnshire and Jersey.
In his final year Edward was invited to apply for a broadcast journalist position at BBC Radio Jersey.
“I didn’t tell anyone I was going for an interview in case I didn’t do very well and to be honest the whole process was a nightmare from start to finish,” he said. “Firstly due to problems printing out my dissertation, I was late getting to the airport and missed my flight! The airline booked me onto another flight the next day and luckily I made it on time.”
Debbie Wilson, undergraduate programme leader at the Lincoln School of Journalism, said: "Eddie never relaxed his efforts to be the best he could be -he studied hard, took part in the university radio station, kept up his work experience and made lots of good contacts.
“He has talent, commitment and is prepared to work very, very hard. He's a popular student and an excellent ambassador for the Lincoln School of Journalism. We are very pleased for him and look forward to seeing him graduate next week."
Edward said: “I’d recommend the University of Lincoln to anyone wanting to study journalism as I don’t think I’d have been given the same opportunities anywhere else. Going through Clearing was a very anxious time but on reflection I think it was the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
Journalism Graduate Lands Plum PR Job
Journalism graduate Laura Preece feels at home in her first job – she went straight from her degree course at the University of Lincoln to a job as a university press officer in London.
Laura (21) gained some valuable work experience in the University of Lincoln’s press office while studying for her degree in Journalism and Media Communications.
Then, just weeks after completing her course, she landed a plum job as a press and PR assistant at Goldsmiths College, University of London.
“I really enjoyed my time at Lincoln - the city is beautiful and the university is so friendly and welcoming,” said Laura.
“I would recommend my course to anyone. The practical opportunities are amazing while the theory aspect is extremely rewarding and interesting.
Rabinder's Seeing Stars at the BBC
Three weeks after landing a job at the BBC Rabinder Bhachu has already met Greg Dyke and spotted Blur and Atomic Kitten rehearsing for ‘Top of the Pops’!
Rabinder (21), who lives in Leeds, fought off competition from 90 other applicants to secure a placement with BBC Online in Bradford.
He’s working in a brand new studio at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in the city generating content for the BBC Bradford website.
His position is being funded by the European Social Fund and PATH, an organisation based in Leeds which promotes positive action, training and opportunities for black and Asian groups.
“The idea is to hopefully get a permanent position within a year,” said Rabinder, who graduated this summer with a degree in Journalism from the University of Lincoln.
“On my first day I had a story posted on the web site and on the home page. In my second week I met the Director-General, Greg Dyke, and spoke to him for about 20 minutes along with the other trainees.
“I was also sent on a course in London where we got to see how things work behind the scenes,” he added. “It also included a tour of Television Centre where I saw the likes of Blur and Atomic Kitten rehearsing for ‘Top of the Pops’.
“The work is really enjoyable and I am enjoying learning as much as I can.”
Rabinder says the skills he learned on his Journalism course have stood him in good stead for his future career.
“The university helped me because the course teaches a broad range of skills,” he said. “The course put a lot of emphasis on teamwork which is always good because unless you go freelance you are always likely to be working with other people.”
Visiting Lecturers - BA(Hons) Journalism
BA (Hons) Journalism has numerous high profile visiting lecturers. Speakers in the series this semester include:
- Dominic Ponsford, editor of Press Gazette, on: "What's the future for magazines?"
- Adrian Monck, blogger, former Sky producer and director of the Journalism School, City University
- Yasmin Alibhai-Brown, Independent columnist, broadcaster and Visiting Professor at Lincoln University
- Milan Rai: joint editor of Peace News, author and political activist
- Peter Wilby, former editor of New Statesman, currently media commentator on the Guardian
- Michael Ford, reporter/presenter for BBC Religion and Ethics and BBC World Service on "The ethics of broadcast journalism"
For more information, please contact Professor Richard Keeble rkeeble@lincoln.ac.uk
Past Speakers have included:
Captured journalist to speak out on Iraq war - Yvonne Ridley
BBC sports presenter - John Inverdale
BBC Broadcaster to speak out in journalism series - Libby Purves
Focus on Fleet Street photography - Mike Maloney
Top Sunday Times investigative reporter to launch talks series - Phillip Knightley
Head of Channel 4 News - assesses the state of British journalism - Dorothy Byrne
Journalists to speak out on duties and dilemmas
Founder of The Big Issue - Journalistic Integrity - John Bird
