Multimedia Journalism students gain insight into newsroom production during visit to News UK

The visit, held on 9 February, was run as part of the course’s Digital Journalism Production module. The day began with an introduction from freelance broadcaster Phil Dave, who spoke about his journey into the media industry and shared advice on building experience and finding opportunities. Students also heard from other members of the team, including a Vision Mixer, Content Editor and Video Content Producer, who talked through their roles, career paths and a day in their lives at News UK.  

After the talks, students were given a tour around the TV studios, sound studios and newsrooms to observe how content is produced in a professional, fast-paced news environment.

The trip was organised by Jim Grice, Course Leader for the Multimedia Journalism MA course, and Steve Hill, Senior Lecturer in Journalism.

About the trip, Jim Grice said: “We really appreciate the time and access Talk/Times Radio gave us. Getting the chance to see how news companies actually operate and picking the brains of top professionals is really valuable. These visits help make sure our course reflects the latest industry trends and gives our students valuable insights into how modern journalism works.  

“Building these kinds of relationships between our Multimedia Journalism MA course and industry is a key aim going forward. We already have alumni working at Talk and Talk Sport. Hopefully, this is something we can build on and help get more of our students their first roles in journalism.”

Steve Hill added: “At Westminster, we pride ourselves on bridging the gap between the classroom and the newsroom. Bringing our Multimedia Journalism MA students to the home of The Times, Talk Radio and Virgin Radio allows them to see exactly how the theories of multi-platform storytelling are applied in a professional environment. It’s about ensuring the next generation of journalists are not just ready for the industry, but ready to lead it.

“There is a specific energy in a live newsroom that you simply cannot replicate in a seminar room. This visit to the News UK has given our students a front-row seat to the craft of professional journalism.”

Eliska Janska, a student on the Broadcast pathway, said: “It was so inspiring to hear different voices from people working there. It opened my eyes that there are so many roles even within one radio station. And obviously, at News UK, there is so much going on, from multiple radio stations to camera studios. It encouraged me to return to my broadcast initiatives again and try to do as much work experience as possible. I am so grateful for this experience, especially since I have now secured a placement with them, and I am very excited about all the opportunities ahead.”

Rebecca Phillips, a student on the Print and Online pathway, added: “The experience of spending a day at Talk Radio was so amazing and incredibly helpful! The tour by a high-up member of the organisation was so personalised to us and every member of the team we met was lovely, welcoming and, most importantly, encouraging of our future careers. It was an opportunity to see the reality of what a full-time journalist job would look like as well as an amazing opportunity to network. As a Print and Online student, I felt it was especially helpful in the sense that although Talk Radio is mainly tailored for Broadcast students, there were still plenty of opportunities for us Print lot, especially considering that they shared their building with organisations such as The Sun and Wall Street Journal.”

This trip directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education and 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.

Learn more about Media and Communication courses at the University of Westminster.