Students inspired by broadcaster and journalist Charlie Webster at 2019 Student Council
Broadcaster and journalist Charlie Webster inspired student journalists to find their passion and purpose at the annual Student Council meeting, held today at the BBC in MediaCity.
Broadcaster and journalist Charlie Webster inspired student journalists to find their passion and purpose at the annual Student Council meeting, held today at the BBC in MediaCity.
Charlie gave an inspiring address, before presenting the Diploma in Journalism awards to the top performing students in the 2017-18 diploma exams.
She told students why she became a journalist: “You can change people’s perceptions and behaviours, for me that was the most important thing.
“For me, journalism is about affecting people’s lives. That’s exactly what I want to do. It’s about that passion and purpose, find out what you are passionate about and keep your individualism.”
Charlie, who is originally from Sheffield, has worked globally for major TV networks such as Sky, ESPN and BBC.
She said: “I’m from a working class background, which means I can go and speak to people, with empathy. I used to think it was a negative, but actually I can connect with people and people will connect with me.
“Your future will be about people and relationships and the fundamentals of that is empathy.”
Addressing the Diploma in Journalism award winners, Charlie said: “Passing the diploma exams is a great achievement, but to get the highest marks in the UK is exceptional.”
Each winner receives a certificate and a cheque for £250 from the sponsor.
The full list of winners is as follows:
The ITV News broadcast journalism award
Ed Torrance, University of Sussex
The Facebook production journalism award
Emily Coady-Stemp, News Associates London
The Mark Allen Group business of magazines award
Hannah McLaren, Glasgow Clyde College
The Society of Editors shorthand award (100 wpm)
Ynez Wahab, University of Sheffield
The Sky Sports News shorthand award (110 wpm)
Dora Allday, News Associates London
The Archant award for essential journalism
Gemma Joyce, Brighton Journalist Works
The Archant award for videojournalism
Yusaf Akbar, City of Wolverhampton College
The Oxford University Press media law and regulation award
Charlie Moloney, Press Association Training
The Oxford University Press public affairs award
Joshua Jones, News Associates London
The JPIMedia media law: court reporting award
Sophie Louise Gillott, University of Sheffield
The Premier League sports journalism award
Peter Rutzler, News Associates London
