Journalism student wins national Student Publication Award for her work with Platform Magazine

Eve Smallman, BA (Hons) Journalism student, is the Editor-in-chief of NTSU’s Platform Magazine and was instrumental in bringing the publication back into print.

BA (Hons) Journalism student Eve Smallman has received an award for Outstanding Commitment at the Student Publication Awards 2018 in Cardiff. Eve took over Nottingham Trent Student Union’s magazine Platform, which has been out of print for several years, after feeling as if the opportunity for a thriving student publication was being missed. The magazine now has over 80 members and has published four print editions, with the society still growing thanks to Eve’s hard work and commitment.

Jack Austin, Head of Marketing for Platform, nominated Eve for the award after recognising the efforts made to re-build the publication. Everything was overhauled in order to put Platform back on the map, including enlisting new members, creating a new website and updating the editorial process. Eve told us: “It has been a gradual process, but now everything has clicked into place and we are all working really hard to ensure Platform has a great year of running before we leave. It's definitely been the best thing I've done at university”.

The Student Publication Association is the largest student media association and represents publications and student journalists across the UK. They host an awards ceremony annually, which was this year judged by industry partners such as BuzzFeed News, The Times and Sunday Times and Press Association. Eve was also shortlisted for Best News Story at the awards.

Speaking about how it felt to win the award, Eve commented: “The win was such an amazing feeling – I was happy crying all the way up to the stage! Work experience employers do always pick up on it, as it shows that I’m hard-working and driven.”

Eve has just started her final year of study here at Nottingham Trent University and feels that the combination of her industry focused course and practical experience with the Students Union will enable her to impress employers. She explained: “The course itself gives you all the tools you need to become a successful journalist in the real world. Practical elements like news days, and even non-practical ones like media law, all contribute to that. The university and the SU provide loads of opportunities that help enrich your university experience. Being the Editor-in-Chief of Platform has added to my experience massively.”

Eve plans to continue to improve Platform this year while exploring future career options. “Right now, I’m going to focus on making Platform have its best year yet. I always say the only way is up!”