Although I’ve been getting my work published for 8 years now (since the age of around 18) , I always embrace the learning experience and welcome opportunities to grow journalistically.
Some of you may know that I’ve been studying towards an NCTJ diploma in Multimedia Journalism at News Associates – the UK’s best NCTJ school.
This year, I was delighted to have been one of five national shortlisted candidates for the prestigious Hugh Cudlipp Student Journalism Prize sponsored by The Mirror.
This is in recognition of my community-led reporting via an exclusive interview with Ms Jones, mother of Terrell Jones-Burton – the 15 year-old schoolboy who sustained serious injuries last November, while being detained by the police.
The annual Cudlipp lecture/ceremony took place at The British Library last night (21 March) and was hosted by the London Press Club. Former BBC Director and The Times editor James Harding delivered an insightful lecture.
I’d like to extend warm congratulations to my esteemed, fellow shortlister Mattha Busby, who claimed the overall prize for a piece on gambling in The Guardian.
I received special commendation for my work and was given a certificate by Mirror Editor-in-Chief Lloyd Embley. It is an honour to recognised in this way, so early in my journalistic career. And it is a privilege to help amplify perspectives through my work.
The Mirror has since published a length report on last night’s proceedings including a full-length video and some professional photos. Click here!
The Cudlipp Prize “honours young journalists who have made an outstanding contribution to journalism for an article or series of articles or video, which explores areas of public interest or concern which, in the Cudlipp tradition, exemplified lucid and graphic communication through the medium of popular journalism.”
This year, the Prize received the highest volume of applicants in its history. So, to be shortlisted in this particular year is an extraordinary feat.
Many thanks to The Voice, News Associates, The NCTJ and the JDF for being so, very cool and extremely nurturing, over the years!
What do you think?