GCU student journalists make a splash at awards
Student journalists at Glasgow Caledonian University scooped four prizes at the Scottish Student Journalism Awards 2018.
Selena Jackson, who studies MA Multimedia Journalism, hit the headlines on the night by winning Student Journalist of the Year and Feature of the Year.
Judges praised her portfolio, which included an in-depth feature article on double transplant patient Russell Macmillan, a radio package and an online piece about how domestic abuse is handled by the courts.
Selena, 22, a law graduate who recently completed work experience placements with Radio Clyde and BBC Scotland, said: “I’m shocked but absolutely delighted.
“It has been an incredible year with GCU and the course has been a fantastic experience.
“I’ve set up summer placements in radio, so we’ll see where that takes me.
“I’m so thankful to the Scottish Student Journalism Awards and everyone else who was nominated, as they’re all so talented. “
Other GCU winners included David Brockett, third-year BA Multimedia Journalism, who picked up the award for Sports Journalism Story and fourth-year Stephen Couse won the new Mobile Journalism category, run in association with BBC Scotland.
GCU students also secured five commendations in an outstanding night, attended by more than 200 students, academics and industry leaders.
Julian Calvert, programme leader of the MA Multimedia Journalism, said: “Selena has shown skill and imagination in her work for radio, TV, online and print since she started our double-accredited MA in September.
“She is a very versatile journalist who demonstrated maturity and professionalism in dealing with challenging new and feature subjects – this award is very well deserved.”
The event, organised by Glasgow Clyde College HND Media students, was hosted by BBC political correspondent Glenn Campbell.
Speakers on the night were STV news anchor John Mackay and music journalist John Dingwall.
Scottish Newspaper Society director John McLellan said: "The Scottish Students Journalism Awards are a brilliant showcase for young journalists, and our congratulations go to all the winners and finalists.”
The full list:
Student Journalist of the Year
Feature of the Year
Winner – Selena Jackson, Glasgow Caledonian University
Scoop of the Year
Commended – Claire Hutchison, Glasgow Caledonian University
Feature of the Year
Commended – Fraser Knight, Glasgow Caledonian University
Mobile Journalism Story of the Year
Winner – Stephen Couse, Glasgow Caledonian University
Commended - Joe Gardner, Glasgow Caledonian University
Arts and Entertainment Story of the Year
Commended – Madeleine Dunne, Glasgow Caledonian University
Sports Story of the Year
Winner – David Brockett, Glasgow Caledonian University
Commended – Callum Clark, Glasgow Caledonian University