University celebrates student journalism success

University of Stirling students are celebrating after landing eight accolades at a national journalism awards ceremony.

The medal haul at the Scottish Student Journalism Awards (SSJAs) included four wins and four commendations.

Dr Adrian Hadland, Head of Communications, Media and Culture, in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, said: “We are really proud of our students and what they have achieved. There is no bigger challenge than being judged against your peers. 

“Winning four of the 13 categories, with a further four commendations, at the Scottish Student Journalism Awards is an indication of the breadth and depth of the talent here.

“Journalism is a craft, and students get the opportunity to learn from professional journalists who understand the media industry and the standards it expects of graduates.

“Through their academic work, they critically examine the big issues affecting the media today – the impact of big data, fake news, the ethical challenges, and the role of journalists in an increasingly complex world. 

“Moving to No.4 in the UK, and No.1 in Scotland, in this week’s Guardian subject league tables, is an independent endorsement of the quality of learning and teaching at Stirling – and is particularly gratifying as we launch our new MSc in International Journalism.”

Stirling’s Rozlyn Little won both Scoop of the Year and News Story of the Year, while Douglas Matheson won Broadcast Journalist of the Year and Ryan Peteranna won Column of the Year. Meanwhile, there were commendations for Ryan Carroll in The Calum Macdonald Memorial Award, Sirri Rimppi for Feature of the Year, Katie William for Broadcast Story of the Year and Kieran Daly for Podcast of the Year. 

Stirling Honorary Professor John McLellan, and Scottish Newspaper Society director, John McLellan said: "The SSJAs are a brilliant showcase for young journalists, and our congratulations go to all the winners and finalists.

"But it's also a demonstration of the belief in the importance of journalism that so many talented young people want to be involved.

"Glasgow Clyde College did a fantastic job in pulling the whole award scheme together and we look forward to being involved in an even bigger and better event next year."

To further enhance the Faculty of Arts and Humanities’ media opportunities for students, new Masters courses in: International Journalism; Television Content Development and Production; and Digital Media and Society will be launched in the autumn.

BBC Scotland’s Deputy Head of News, Peter MacRae said: “We are very pleased to have been formally associated with this year’s SSJAs for the first time. 

“We were delighted to introduce two new award categories; Mobile journalism and Podcasting; as well as judging the traditional Broadcast Journalism award.

“These new categories are designed to give student journalists the opportunity to demonstrate their readiness to join the news media industry in Scotland. The winners, runners-up, indeed all the shortlisted candidates displayed great story-telling potential. We are confident that the future of Scotland’s journalism is in good hands.”

The SSJAs were sponsored by the Scottish Newspaper Society, the Scottish Sun, SQA, the Daily Record, Glasgow Live, DC Thomson Media, Glasgow Clyde College, the National Union of Journalists and Glasgow Clyde College Student Association.

Meanwhile, University students have also secured a nomination in the ‘Undergraduate Factual’ category of the Royal Television Society’s Student Television Awards, to be announced on 22 June.