Tuesday 28 April 2009
Sir Michael Parkinson launches UK's largest student newsroom
Sir Michael Parkinson has launched the UK’s largest student dedicated newsroom at Nottingham Trent University.
The new fully digital Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism is set to lead the way in teaching journalism with 85 work stations, three radio studios, two voice-over booths, a six camera TV studio and high speed laser newspaper printing. These facilities will ensure that students will further develop the skills needed for digital convergence in the industry.
Robin Staniforth, director of the Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism, said: "The latest Journalism Skills Survey highlighted concerns that graduates going into the industry are not able to work across a number of different platforms. The facilities available at the Centre, combined with the courses we offer, will mean that our students will graduate with the whole skill set. For example a print journalism graduate will be able to video edit and a broadcast graduate layout a web page."
After opening the Centre, Sir Michael Parkinson, the University’s recently appointed Chancellor, was interviewed chat show style in the ‘Sir Michael Parkinson Studio’ by some of the students, before moving on for a tour of the facility.
Sir Michael Parkinson said: “Media graduates are now facing a rapidly changing and increasingly competitive industry. We should be worried about a state of affairs where local papers in particular are under threat and are closing. Local papers are a vital part of a community, most importantly as a means of ensuring local authorities serve the public in a right and proper manner as well as being a sounding board for opinion, and a guide to what’s going on.
"Although the industry is tough at the moment, journalism is still a very popular career and course uptake is high. Therefore it is important that those who are choosing to go into the industry are as well prepared and highly skilled as they can be, not only to compete for jobs but also to ensure that the media grows and remains fresh with new ideas brought in by graduates.
"This new Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism at Nottingham Trent University is focused on giving students the best possible start by ensuring that our graduates have all the skills necessary to be at the forefront when it comes to employability."
Guests at the event also included alumni and representatives from across the media, including Professor Roger Cook and Mariella Frostrup who both hold honorary degrees from the University.
Notes to editors:
Press enquiries please contact: Helen Fitzpatrick, Press Officer, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8751, or via email: helen.fitzpatrick@ntu.ac.uk or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8774, or via email: therese.easom@ntu.ac.uk.
