Student journalism success for Stirling

Stirling students were celebrating after scooping a host of accolades at a national journalism awards ceremony.

Five wins and four runner-up prizes ensured the University had a night to remember at the Scottish Student Journalism Awards.

Professor Adrian Hadland, Head of the Division of Communications, Media and Culture (CMC) – in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities – said: “We are really proud of our students. We had 18 shortlisted this year, which demonstrates the breadth and depth of student journalism at Stirling.

Spotlight

“Five winners and four runners-up is no mean achievement – and for Stirling nominees to pick up the Student of the Year title and the runner-up was the cherry on the cake for us.

“Student of the Year Kaitlin Easton’s work on victim-blaming in sex cases shone the light on a really important part of the justice system.

“Many of our students investigated important social issues, but they also shone the spotlight on some of the unsung heroes who make life worth living.”

Catherine Mitchell, Caroline McCaw, Jack Hand and Campbell Wallace won Best Broadcast, for their film ‘Sisters in Song’. The documentary tells the story of the Joyous Choir, a singing group based in Maryhill, Glasgow, which is open to women from a wide range of background and nationalities.

Campbell said: “It was a pleasure working with the Joyous Choir and getting to know all the women who make it what it is. The choir is an amazing project which brings joy to so many people and working with them was a fantastic opportunity.

Power

“We couldn’t have produced this documentary if it wasn’t for our contributors and the amazing staff at Maryhill integration network. Of course, we always owe a massive thank you to our tutor and the staff at the University for all their help.

“We hope this documentary has helped shed some light on just some of the issues facing refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, and allowed people to see the power of singing and community in action.”

Head of Production in CMC, Dario Sinforiani, said: “I'm delighted for the team of dedicated students who have made a documentary telling an important story of hope and solidarity, which contrasts with so many negative portrayals of immigration and those who seek asylum here.

“The fact that Stirling students have now won this award for six years in a row underlines both the quality of teaching they receive, and the work ethic and talent of the students. We are proud and happy for Stirling students to have won this prestigious award.”

Stirling winners included: Kaitlin Easton, for ‘Student Journalist of the Year’; Nicola Conner, for ‘Sports Story of the Year’; Heather Carrick, for the ‘Calum Macdonald Memorial Award’; Heather Carrick, for ‘Arts and Entertainment Story of the Year’; in addition to the ‘Broadcast Story of the Year’ team of Campbell, Caroline, Catherine and Jack.