A former Journalism student from the University of Lincoln has scooped a top accolade at the 2016 Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC) Student Journalism Awards.
Will Longman (21), who graduated from Lincoln’s BA (Hons) Journalism degree this September, won the Best TV News Item award for his piece on the use of drones.
He was closely followed by friend and fellow former student, Angeline McCall, who was named runner-up in the same category for her news item, ‘Taser’.
Both items featured on LSJ News’ Daily Bulletin, an online TV programme created by Journalism students at the University, while the pair were studying at Lincoln.
The awards, which celebrate excellence in the training of future journalists, were announced at a ceremony hosted at ITV London Southbank last month where nominees were joined by industry leaders from Sky News, ITN, ITV and the BBC.
This year’s judges were faced with a difficult task, whittling down a record number of entries, all submitted by students studying on BJTC accredited industry-backed courses in the UK, to just nine winners.
Since graduating, Will has secured a role as Editorial Assistant at the theatre website ‘WhatsOnStage.’
He said: “It was such a surprise to win the award and an honour to be recognised by an organisation that really knows what it’s talking about and represents the best of the broadcast industry.
“My time at the University of Lincoln really prepared me for life as a journalist. While the academic side helped me understand the industry, it was the practical elements of the course where I really learnt my trade and volunteering for LSJ TV was great hands-on experience.
“I met some great contacts at the BJTC awards and I’ve already been invited to ITV’s studio to see how it produces its evening news programme. I’d love to work in television in the future and this award has given me that extra push to make it happen.”
Will’s news item, ‘Drones’, and the full list of winners and runners-up can be found on the BJTC’s website at http://www.bjtc.org.uk/bjtc-awards-2016.