Students at the University of West of England have expressed delight at winning awards for excellence in journalism and the impact this could have on their careers.  This year’s awards to students on undergraduate and graduate journalism courses, sponsored by the NUJ South West England branch, both illustrated the power of audio documentary.

Katie Chandler Clarke scooped this year’s NUJ SWE Student Award in MA Journalism for her audio production Sylvia Pankhurst: The Honorary Ethiopian. The podcast-style documentary explored the life of the social justice and women’s rights campaigner and Pankhurst’s later friendship with Haile Selassie, exiled emperor of Ethiopia. The NUJ judging panel described this as an elegantly constructed documentary with a confident and professional delivery, commenting that “carefully chosen actuality and Foley sound FX added to an immersive listening experience.”

Speaking at the presentation at Bristol Beacon on July 29, Katie Chandler Clarke said the award came at a time when she pitching for a new job position with a national audio production company. She was later promoted to podcast producer.

Aidan Finnigan received the BA Media Production prize of £75 and winner’s certificate, for Football’s Silent Epidemic, a  radio documentary on the dangers of heading a football, illustrated with moving examples of people who have been affected. The judges described it a riveting listen that pulled no punches and commented: “You wonder why children aren’t all practising with lighter balls or sponge balls, as suggested, and why FIFA allows players to risk these life-changing and life-ending injuries.”

Aidan Finnigan, who is now looking for openings in newspaper or radio journalism said: “It’s fantastic to win this award. It means a lot to me, knowing my work has been recognised by NUJ SWE.”

NUJ South West England branch and our predecessor Bristol branch have for many years sponsored annual student journalism awards through the University of West of England, which offers journalism courses in print, audio and visual production. 

NUJ SWE branch chair Ray Tostevin commented: “It’s been a delight to have this latest opportunity to see such excellent and professional examples of journalism in action, from UWE students. We look forward to continuing to sponsor an annual competition, celebrating the best student journalism across our region.”