Broadcast clean sweep at BJTC awards

At the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC) Awards in November 2022, MA Broadcast and Television Journalism students were nominated in six categories and won in each one.

Of the 14 listed categories, there were: Best TV News Report, Best TV Documentary, Best Social Short Video, Best Podcast, Best Radio Newsday, and the Derek Dowsett Award.

The latter, one of the highest honours of the night, recognises stories focusing on social inclusion within television journalism. It was won by students Olivia Andrews and Hanna Schnitzer for their report “Rotherhithe residents march to save ‘local hero’ from deportation”. This came with a £1000 prize and a week of work experience with ITV News. The other projects nominated for this award were also created by City students.

“I was so incredibly proud of the students, and it was so lovely for so many of them to get the recognition that the work they’re producing is of such a high standard,” said Sally Webb, head of the MA Broadcast and Television courses. “I always tell the students that were shortlisted but didn’t win: ‘You’re all winners because even to get short-listed is such a prestigious honour.’ For those who do win, it’s just the icing on the cake.”

The BJTC Awards showcases works produced by graduates from distinguished journalism courses around the UK. These works are in TV, radio, digital, podcast, and social media content.

“I always get tearful with pride because I am so passionate about my students,” Professor Webb added. “I couldn’t be more proud of what they go on to achieve, not only on the course and the work that they produce, but also when they go into the industry.”

The BJTC is a stepping stone for winners, displaying their work to leading media companies across the UK and the world for potential job opportunities in the industry.

Caroline Tonks