Rebecca
Slade

Why NTU…

What inspired your to study your subject?

Since I was young I was always extremely inquisitive, nosy and was told by my doctor once “she should be a journalist, she asks so many questions!”

Growing up, I watched Good Morning Britain every morning and listened to the local Heart Radio station on the way to school. I remember watching Susanna Reid and hearing George Painter read the news and knew I wanted to do that - I wanted to voice the underdog and make change in the world.

I was a very shy child and empathetic, I could always feel when someone felt low or could spot the one who feels left out, so I wanted to be a voice people could confide in, open up to and through journalism you can do just that - voice the underdog and make change. This is still my drive everyday.

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

I visited lots and lots of universities, I took it very seriously and had my notepad and pen in hand writing notes after notes analysing each university and what each journalism course offered! As soon as I arrived in Nottingham and stood amongst the city campus, I felt at home! It felt right.

The facilities the course had blew my mind, the studio, gallery and radio booths excited me to the core - I felt warm and tingly inside - I knew this was my home. The CBJ technical staff were also outstanding, showing me how the autocue works, letting me sit in the presenter seat and trying to read the weather- it was so exciting and I knew this was the place for me.

The alumni too was evidence that I could leave this course and really be in the industry, from Jack Saunders at Radio 1 to Katie Fenton at ITV Wales - the list goes on.

NTU of course has fabulous societies, radio station FlyLive was a huge part of my NTU journey - I still mourn these days!

What do you enjoy most about your course at NTU?

The staff are incredible, in each year I felt so supported, heard and valued. The course itself really does gear you up for the world of news and journalism, the newsdays are really such a true reflection of life in a newsroom - something so valuable. I also really enjoyed the vast variety of modules, PR and podcasting have really advanced my skillset.

Were you involved in any projects, extracurricular activities or working experience that have supplemented your studies run through NTU?

I was Deputy Station Manager and Head of Programming for student station FlyLive whilst at university. I also had a drive-time show which I ADORED doing, it was so much fun and I really got so many opportunities, radio contacts, connections and work experience from doing this. It 100% helped with the course and confidence in general.

What did you think about the course staff – include lecturers, tutors, administrators and technical staff within this. How did they support your learning and University experience?

INCREDIBLE. So supportive, empowering and really made me a better journalist. Their warm nature meant they were always approachable and they really want to see you succeed - I owe them everything.

The technical staff are also so patient - I was new to the world of cameras, tripods and software and they were always so patient and always there to help in those stressful moments! They are the calm amongst the storm.

What did you think about the facilities available to you?

Facilities were brilliant - radio booths, a tv studio, gallery, endless equipment! Really brilliant, couldn’t ask for more!

Why would you recommend your course / NTU to someone looking to study in that area?

The alumni is evidence of how brilliant this course is, there are so so many of us in industry or in similar areas of work all because of the skills this course provides. ALL the staff really equip you with the skills and confidence to succeed in this realm - the lecturers have such a wealth of knowledge, skills and contacts to help you get your foot in the door!

Life after NTU…

How has your career or life developed since graduating from NTU?

I was incredibly fortunate to receive two job offers before graduating. Bauer offered me a role as a Radio Journalist, and after applying for the ITV News Traineeship, I was thrilled to be offered a full Production Journalist position rather than the trainee role I’d applied for! Following, I chose to take the Production Journalist role based in Jersey in the Channel Islands.

Two years on, I’m still living in Jersey and working for ITV News, putting the skills I learned at NTU into practice every single day!

What have been the highlights and biggest challenges of your career so far?

The highlights of my career so far have centred around producing original journalism that has made a real impact - voicing those who feel unheard. One standout moment was my investigation into Topical Steroid Withdrawal. After months of building trust with a contributor going through the condition, the piece was re-shared by ITV National and still sits on the ITV homepage. Another highlight was my story on unprotected tenants and housing deposits in Jersey, which prompted direct action. The Housing Minister credited my work with a surge in landlord registrations - a moment that really affirmed the power of local journalism.

I’ve also loved developing my digital and social storytelling skills. Creating short-form video for Instagram, Facebook and TikTok-style formats has been a highlight in itself - particularly seeing recent pieces perform strongly across ITV News Channel platforms. Scripting concise, accurate bulletins for Good Morning Britain has also strengthened my writing skills.

The biggest challenges have been the same things that have pushed me to grow the most. Investigative pieces demand sensitivity, patience and resilience - especially when working with vulnerable contributors or spending months nurturing case studies, as I did with my alopecia multi-platform story.

It has also been a challenge adapting to life in the Channel Islands, I had to quickly get to grips with its own Government and politicians alongside its laws which widely differ from the UK.

How did NTU help you to achieve your career goals?

NTU filled me with happiness and confidence to make me feel like I COULD reach my goals.

I was truly the happiest I had ever felt at NTU which I think fuelled me with determination and the drive to strive for success.  I will always sing and shout about NTU - it really was the best three years of life - I still get emotional looking back at pictures or discussing memories of those three years now. I would go back in a heartbeat. The best and happiest three years I have lived so far.

Support...

What did you think of the support available from tutors and staff at NTU?

The staff and tutors were wonderful! So inspiring and so approachable, I always felt I could talk to them if I was struggling in a certain area or needed more support. I learnt so much on the course and the teachers really do empower you and help with any areas I was weaker in. I couldn’t have asked for more!!

Advice... 

What top tips would you give anyone thinking about studying your course at NTU?

When alumni come in and do talks, don’t just attend the talks and take notes - stay behind and talk to them! The contacts Gail brings in could also be a contact for YOU. Talk to them, ask them for advice and KEEP IN TOUCH. Stand out from your course mates and stay behind to cha t- the industry will remember you.

Take those newsdays seriously, it means you can build a portfolio so when you leave you have something ready to show interviewers.