NWRC journalism student Callum McGuigan has been nominated as Student Journalist of the Year in the prestigious CIPR Media Awards.
Callum, from Omagh, is currently studying for the L5 NCTJ Diploma in Journalism two days a week while also working for the Ulster Herald.
He previously completed a HND in Journalism at NWRC which was when he started working for the Ulster Herald group in Omagh.
In addition to court coverage and news journalism, Callum also writes an extremely popular historical feature every week.
He said: “Before I put my application in me, and my editor went through my range of stuff I had done in the paper. So, the main thing was the hidden review feature on historical buildings because since we launched it, it was the most read and interacted feature we had put in our print and online editions. So that was already a strong start.”
But Callum always wanted a career in journalism and NWRC was his chosen pathway.
“Ever since I was 16 I knew I wanted to be a photojournalist just like the greats of last century like Phillip Jones Griffiths, Don McCullin and even locally Jackie Sloan. I chose journalism because of my love for writing and storytelling through visual mediums, but even more so I felt the vocation to give voice to the voiceless and to inform the public of issues that affect them.
“After studying media, I started my foundation degree at NWRC which gave me all the necessary education and skills I needed to further my dream. The lecturers at NWRC pushed me to my full potential and gave me guidance and ideas to enable me to produce the best work I could. During my HND, I took on work placement in the Ulster Herald and through editorial guidance from the editor and lecturers I proved my ability as a journalist and ended up with employment following the course.
“I enjoyed getting involved in local democracy reporting through last year’s election and Magistrate’s Court training by the senior journalist. What I enjoy the most though is having my own photojournalism feature on historical buildings in the Tyrone area, where I research, document and produce captivating photos for two-page spreads; pursuing my dream of being a photojournalist.
“Ultimately though, the best aspect of the industry is that every day is different; one day you’re covering crime and council meetings, the next you’re covering kids making arts and crafts for mothers day. It is an intense job, spontaneous and unpredictable, but in return it is vastly rewarding.”
“Today I am still studying with NWRC, continuing my professional career by undertaking the NCTJ course alongside my work in newspapers. As I climb the ladder of experience so does the professional guidance given to me by my lecturers as they aid me in my blooming career.”
“Being shortlisted for Student Journalist of the Year at the Northern Ireland Media Awards represents not just me and my journalistic career, but it represents the willingness and selflessness of the journalism team at NWRC to produce high-quality, inspired and ambitious young reporters to endear a challenging industry in a changing landscape.”
Joining Callum at the awards will be two alumni of NWRC. Aodhan Roberts, who completed L3 Creative Media Production, has been nominated as Photographer or Videographer of the Year for his work with the Belfast Telegraph. And Clare Weir, Antrim Guardian, who graduated from NVQ L4 Journalism, has been nominated for Journalist of the Year (Regional).
The awards will be held this Friday, March 15 in The Mac Belfast. The head judge is Michael Crick, founder of Channel 4 News and was a reporter on Panorama and Newsnight.
