Student journalists have been told of the urgent challenge they face in their careers to call power to account and have been advised how becoming part of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) can help them to stay strong.
NUJ SWE branch was the main sponsor of the Student Publication Association’s South West regional conference held at the University of Bristol in February attended by 30 students representing leading student publications.
- In a powerful keynote speech journalist and broadcaster James Garrett referred to the continued urgency for journalists to “call power to account”. (see Tenacity is crucial –keynote address) WRITE UP FOUND HERE.
- Christina Zaba, who writes, teaches and practices journalism and public relations, spoke of the pressure felt by female journalists in challenging a misogynist culture in some news rooms.
- Photojournalist and SWE branch secretary, Simon Chapman, spoke about the rising abuse of journalists and how this can be addressed through initiatives such as the UK National Committee for the Safety of Journalists and the NUJ’s Journalist Safety Tracker.
NUJ SWE branch chair Ray Tostevin presented Best Journalist Award to James Lewis, co-editor of Epigram, Bristol University’s independently produced student newspaper. Epigram won the title of UK’s best regional student publication for 2026. The following month Epigram was also awarded best newspaper design at the national SPA awards in Norwich and was highly commended in the best publication category.
In Bristol, Ray was to be able to meet journalists from across the region, including those from That’s What She Said (Bristol University), Exposé (Exeter University) and Bath Time (Bath University). He said: “We met some very talented individuals, who are already breaking major stories, of social, cultural and political importance.”
He told the students: “The NUJ provides vital workplace support and help for its members. Being part of a trade union can also be a fantastic way to meet others starting their career in journalism.”
He pointed out that student journalists and those embarking on their careers are offered discounted rates to become NUJ members.
NUJ South West England branch looks forward to continuing to support the Student Publication Association at future events. The list of winners and highly commended publications can be found on Linkedin HERE