Broadcast Journalism graduates pick up EDF Energy South West Media Awards
Two Falmouth Broadcast Journalism graduates have won top prizes in the South West Media Awards sponsored by EDF Energy.
Jonathan Gibson (1996-97) , a leading news and consumer affairs reporter for ITV Westcountry in Plymouth, was named Television Journalist of the Year.
The judges had this to say: "The winner was described by the judges as packing a punch with his style of reporting and has no qualms about exposing wrongdoing. His stories have led to organisations changing their procedures as a result of his findings and where he led, other broadcasters and national newspapers followed suit."
“The training I did at Falmouth was a massive help in getting my first job in broadcasting," says Jonathan. "I’ve worked in regional and national television ever since. The postgraduate course in Broadcast Journalism taught me that good journalists don’t just report the news, they come up with exclusive agenda setting stories which make a real difference. I’m honoured that this award has recognised me for doing just that”.
Another Falmouth graduate, Duncan Sleightholme (1998-99), who also reports for ITV Westcountry, was runner-up in the same category.
Kirsty Hemming (2004-05) , who works for ITV West in Bristol, was named Newcomer of the Year.
When speaking about Kirsty's career to-date, the judges said: "Kirsty Hemming joined ITV West in June 2005 after completing an MA in broadcast journalism at Falmouth. After working as a researcher on West Eye View, and then assistant producer on The West This Week, she moved into the newsroom at the end of last year. The judges found her work to be slick and sophisticated, including going undercover - if you were a baddie you wouldn't want Kirsty Hemming investigating you."
Joint course leader Guy Pannell commented "It's great to see former students forging a name for themselves. They clearly have great careers ahead of them, and we are delighted that they have been able to put the practical skills we taught them to such good effect."
University College Falmouth is a founding partner in the Combined Universities in Cornwall, a unique initiative to promote regional economic regeneration through higher education. The CUC is funded mainly by the European Union (Objective One), the South West Regional Development Agency, and the Higher Education Funding Council for England, with support from Cornwall County Council.
For further information about MA Investigative Journalism at University College Falmouth, please visit www.falmouth.ac.uk/broadcastjournalism , email admissions@falmouth.ac.uk or contact Admissions on 01326 214386.
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For further information about this press release, please contact Jilly Easterby, Head of Public Affairs, University College Falmouth, Woodlane, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 4RH, Telephone: 01326 213792 or email: jilly.easterby@falmouth.ac.uk
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