S P A S SPA National Conference
2018
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
#SPANC18
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We print some of the UK’s leading student newspapers.
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Welcome to what I am pleased to say is the SPA’s sixth annual National Conference, or as it is more affectionately known: #SPANC18. As Chair of the Student Publication Association it gives me great pleasure to have you in Cardiff for what I am sure will be a fantastic weekend full of interesting talks, panel and roundtable discussions, and workshops. Over the past few months our Executive Committee, Trustees, and our Regional Officers have worked tirelessly with our dedicated host team here at Cardiff University to put on such a big conference. I hope that SPANC will give all of you the opportunity to improve your journalistic ability, network with delegates from other member publications and industry professionals, and, most importantly, have a great deal of fun. As always, SPANC is also home to our annual awards evening on Saturday night. We received more than 1,000 nominations across our 19 categories and from the applications I saw, each was of an incredibly high standard – I do not envy the shortlisters and judges who had to sort each entry. It’s been quite a year at the SPA over the past 12 months. Since our last conference we have held our November season of SPA Regional Conferences (SPARCs), including our first ever regional awards; we’ve secured work experience placements for our members; and completely re-designed our website. I’ve been very proud to be Chair of such a fantastic organisation over the past year and I leave my role with confidence about the future of the media industry. With so many talented individuals working at student publications, I have no doubt in saying some of the most respected journalists of tomorrow are members of the SPA today. I look forward to meeting you all individually over the course of the weekend,
Dan Falvey,
Student Publication Association Chair
About the The Student Publication Association is the largest student media group, representing student publications and journalists across all four nations and the Republic of Ireland. We have more than 120 member publications and over 1,200 individuals in our Facebook group.
SPA Supporting student journalists and publications
Being at SPANC you are clearly aware of our annual national conference. But were you aware of our SPA Regional Conferences (SPARCs) as well? In November last year we held SPARC season where - over several weekends - our dedicated regional officers put on a series of regional conferences to help our members. These were a fantastic opportunity for student publications to get to know each other to discuss future collaborations, problem solve, and marvel at each other’s work. We also offered talks from a number of industry professionals, all of whom provided invaluable insight into the media industry to help improve the journalistic skills of our members. We’re proud to boast a massive online forum where student journalists can ask for help on almost any problem they’ve come across while working at their newspaper or magazine. Be it a simple query on how to approach a subject for a story or a complex problem regarding funding, our online community continues to be there to support each other. We also use our online platform to continually try to help student journalists find the best opportunities available to them. Our national Facebook group is often the first place we will publish information on the latest work experience opportunities or graduate schemes. You can join our group by searching Student Publication Association (SPA).
Promoting student content
We do our very best to give publicity to the hard work of our publications and their writers to give them the recognition they deserve. Every weekend we send out our Splash Sunday round-up, drawing attention to the best stories published over the previous 7 days. Each member of our Executive Committee explain exactly why those articles showcased are our picks of the week. We also regularly share stories written by our members on social media, helping to give them publicity outside of their campus bubble to our thousands of followers.
Appreciating their achievements
We never fail to be impressed by the fantastic stories written by our members and their ability to so cleanly present them in print or online. The number of high quality entries to this year’s national awards is testament to that. This year we introduced our first ever regional awards, giving a chance to recognise the fantastic work put in by those of our members who work tirelessly but do not always get recognition at a national level.
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Schedule Saturday
9.00 am
9.30 am
Registration Welcome & Introduction room: 4J
10.00 am Self-Branding for a Career in Journalism Brenda Wong room: 4J
10.45 am Handling Crime Stories and the Police Paul Fisher room: 4J
11.30 am
12.15 am
1.00 pm
2.00 pm
Increasing Writers for your Publication room: 4C/D
Sourcing a Front Page Scoop Geri Scott room: 4J
FOIs Submitting a Foolproof FOI Request Glyn Mottershead room: 4A/B
Working with your Student Union room: 4C/D
Understanding your Student Readership room: 4A/B
Crafting the Perfect News Story Fiona Webster room: 4C/D
Lunch Publication Swapshop
#METOO and the Media Industry Battling 'Churnalism' at a room: 4J Student Publication room: 4A/B
2.45 pm Understanding how Digital Media is Changing Journalism Matt Taylor room: 4J
Building a Stand-out Journalism CV Cision Gorkana room: 4C/D
From Trade Press to National Newspapers Jonn Elledge room: 4A/B
Creating a First Class Digital Media Strategy room: 4C/D
Making Science Accessible for a Wider Readership room: 4A/B
Increasing Writers for your Publication room: 4C/D
3.30 pm AGM
room: 4J
4.15 pm
5.00 pm
How to make it as a Political Hack Ned Simons room: 4J
End of the day
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Schedule Sunday
10.30 am Creating a Design and Brand for your Publication Sarah Wishart room: 4J
12.45 am
1.45 pm
How to Film on your Phone in 45 minutes; Online Video Content for Beginners Jonathan Ferrero room: 4C/D
The Importance of Data Journalism room: 4A/B
How to Film on your Phone in 45 minutes; Online Video Content for Beginners Jonathan Ferrero room: 4C/D
Working for a Specialist Publication room: 4A/B
Working with your Student Union room: 4C/D
Portfolio Careers Jessie Mellor room: 4A/B
Understanding your Student Readership room: 4C/D
Lunch
Writing an Engaging Lifestyle Story Ellen Scott room: 4J
2.30 pm Becoming an Investigative Journalist James Ball room: 4J
Sports Journalism and How to Enter the Field Dafydd Pritchard room: 4A/B
12.00 pm Freelance Journalism while at University room: 4J
Creating a First Class Digital Media Strategy room: 4C/D
11.15 am Establishing yourself as an Entertainment journalist Katie Hind room: 4J
Breaking into the Media Industry after you Graduate room: 4A/B
3.15 pm Building a Good Working-Relationship with PRs Hayley Smith room: 4J
4.00 pm End of the conference
Battling 'Churnalism' at a Student Publication room: 4C/D
Sessions &
Descriptions
Speakers GERI SCOTT
Health Correspondent at the Eastern Daily Press
"SOURCING A FRONT PAGE SCOOP"
Geri Scott is the Health Correspondent for the country’s best-selling regional morning paper, the Eastern Daily Press. From the Prime Minister, Theresa May, and Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, to the Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, Geri has interviewed some of the country's most well known politicians. She is also one of three hosts who provide valuable analysis and original insight on the New European's weekly podcast as she keeps the nation informed on the latest develoments in the Brexit process.
KATIE HIND
Showbiz Editor at the Mail on Sunday
''ESTABLISHING YOURSELF AS AN ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST" From unearthing developments in national favourite TV shows such as Stricty Come Dancing or the X Factor, to revealing the newest Hollywood gossip, Katie Hind has been keeping her readers enthralled with the latest entertainment news for the past 11 years. Currently working as the Showbiz Editor of the Mail on Sunday, Katie was previously the Mirror's LA Editor, working from California. Katie is also a committee member of Women in Journalism, helping to provide women working in the written media with networking, campaigning, training and social opportunities.
JONN ELLEDGE
Editor at the New Statesman's City Metric
''FROM TRADE PRESS TO NATIONAL NEWSPAPERS" Jonn Elledge has over 10 years of experience in journalism and is the current Editor of City Metric, an arm of the New Statesman political magazine that focuses on urbanism and city issues. He also regularly writes for the parent publication. On top of writing, Jonn hosts City Metric's fortnightly 'Skylines' podcast, discussing complicated and technical ideas from the world of city planning, and making them accessible to a mainstream audience.
BRENDA WONG
Freelance content writer and social media strategist
"SELF-BRANDING FOR A CAREER IN JOURNALISM" Brenda is a freelance content and social media strategist. Her expertise is laying the content marketing foundations for start-ups and youth marketing companies. Her work can be seen in Debut, Jobbio, Student Beans, and more. She now spends most of her time as part of the Customer Operations team at challenger bank Monzo. She's also a staunch defender of millennials. In her spare time, she helps student journalists understand how to improve their personal branding and social media presence.
MATT TAYLOR
Digital Development Editor at the Times
''UNDERSTANDING HOW DIGITAL MEDIA IS CHANGING JOURNALISM" Matt is responsible for leading the strategic direction of the Times’ in-house digital development team. In his role he has experience helping produce intensive digital features and content as well as improving the internal software used by journalists working at the publication. Matt also writes a weekly digital digest compiling the most important stories on digital media over the previous week.
ELLEN SCOTT
Lifestyle Editor at Metro.co.uk
"WRITING AN ENGAGING LIFESTYLE STORY" Since June last year Ellen Scott has overseen the Lifestyle team for one of the UK’s most loved publications. From informing readers on how to improve their daily routine, to keeping readers in the know on the latest health research, and highlighting pressing social issues, under Ellen’s leadership the Metro’s lifestyle section has become a must read. Ellen also co-hosts the Metro’s ‘Mentally Yours’ mental health podcast.
NED SIMONS
Assistant Political Editor at Huffington Post
"HOW TO MAKE IT AS A POLITICAL HACK" Ned Simons has been assistant political editor at the Huffington Post for the past six years. He has experience interviewing some of the biggest names in Westminster and has a knack for getting the inside scoop on a daily basis. He regularly appears on the BBC’s “The Papers” as a reviewer, discussing the next day’s front pages.
ANDY EXTANCE
Freelance science journalist
"MAKING SCIENCE ACCESSIBLE FOR A WIDER READERSHIP" Andy Extance has been working as a freelance science writer for 15 years, writing on the latest academic research and industry developments for a range of publications. His byline can be found in Chemistry World, Nature, New Scientist, Mosaic, Scientific American, Physics World, and the Guardian website, among others. He sits on the Board of the Association of British Science Writers to improve the standard of science journalism in the UK.
SOUTH WALES POLICE "HANDLING CRIME STORIES AND THE POLICE" Reporting on crime is always difficult. The full details of the story are rarely known when the crime occurs, even by the police. Then there are the details of the story the police are aware of but are unwilling to share with the media due to fears it will hamper their investigation. And then there’s the law. Working with the police when reporting these stories is vital. Here, South Wales Police will talk you through best practice when writing on such important public interest occurrences.
JAMES BALL "BECOMING AN INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST" James Ball is a freelance journalist who has previously worked at the Guardian, Wikileaks, BuzzFeed, The New European and The Washington Post. In 2014 he was part of the team that received the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for reporting on surveillance by the National Security Agency, and “helping through aggressive reporting to spark a debate about the relationship between the government and the public over issues of security and privacy”.
JESSIE MELLOR "PORTFOLIO CAREERS" Jessie Mellor has experience in court reporting, freelancing, entertainment, showbiz, film reviewing, video journalism. She has written for everyone from The People, Empire magazine to the Huffington Post and was the Daily Mirror DVD critic for eleven years. Join her to find out more about the different journalism opportunities available when you graduate.
DAFYDD PRITCHARD "SPORTS JOURNALISM AND HOW TO ENTER THE FIELD" Dafydd Pritchard is a sport journalist for BBC Wales, writing for the BBC Sport website and broadcasting across a range of BBC radio and television stations. He reports on Wales' national football team and club sides Swansea City and Cardiff City, as well as Wales' national rugby union side and its four regional teams. He has also reported on other major sporting events such as the Ashes, the Open and Giro d'Italia.
Publication Swapshop
Our renowned swapshop is returning for SPANC18. This is the opportunity for you to take a look at everyone else’s publications and grab a load to take home with you. Staffing your own stall and networking with others, here is the chance for you to get an insight into the best features of student newspapers and magazines up and down the country. Note: We do ask that all members that produce a physical publication bring multiple copies of several issues with them to swap and share.
Sessions &
Panel discussions
Descriptions
BREAKING INTO THE MEDIA INDUSTRY AFTER YOU GRADUATE Zaki Dogliani, Megan Baynes, Geri Scott, Aubrey Allegretti
Want to continue working in journalism after you finish your degree? Unsure how to break into the industry? Each of our panel took completely different paths after they left university to 'make it' as a reporter. In this discussion each one will compare their experiences and answer questions to help you understand what options are available for you when you finish your course.
FREELANCE JOURNALISM WHILE AT UNIVERSITY Sally Hayden, Linda Lewis
Our experts in freelance journalism are here to take your questions and offer advice on how to earn money freelancing while studying at university or as a career once you graduate. Find out the answer to all those questions you've always been afraid to ask in the past: How do I pitch to an editor? How much should I charge? Can I pitch the same article to multiple places at once? Everyone on our panel has found themselves in the same position as conference delegates in the past and are on hand to share their experiences.
#METOO AND THE MEDIA INDUSTRY
Jem Collins, Jasmine Andersson and Pavan Amara The Second Source was created by a group of women journalists to tackle harassment in the media. It seeks to promote awareness of the problem, inform people of their rights, and create change. Two of the co-founders, Jem and Jasmine, will be joined by Pavan Amara, a former journalist who runs the My Body Back Project, which helps women reclaim their lives after an assault, completes the panel. Join them to discuss constructive solutions.
THE IMPORTANCE OF DATA JOURNALISM Peter Yeung, Cale Tilford, and Sophie Warnes
There is a range of digital information available to reporters, from statistics freely provided by organisations such as the Office of National Statistics, to information gathered through Freedom of Information requests, and even data from search engine trends. Hear from the experts as they discuss how data can be used to write compelling news stories.
WORKING FOR A SPECIALIST PUBLICATION Sally Hayden, Linda Lewis
The number of smaller, more specialised publications both online and in print is growing. It provides journalists with a fantastic opportunity to write on subjects that matter to them. This panel discussion is made up of industry professionals reporting on specialist issues and are here to give you an insight into their day-to-day.
Workshops
BUILDING A STAND-OUT JOURNALISM CV Cision Gorkana
Cision Gorkana are the UK’s leading media intelligence company. Every day they help thousands of journalists and PR companies. They send out job alerts, updates about the latest career moves in the industry and ensure reporters receive press releases most relevant to them. This workshop is a chance to learn from the experts exactly what makes a good job application, as well as getting some personal feedback on your CV.
SUBMITTING A FOOL-PROOF FOI REQUEST Glyn Mottershead
A former newspaper reporter, feature writer, subeditor and production journalist, Glyn has worked across a range of news beats including crime, health and local government. Glyn is a co-author of The 21st Century Journalism Handbook and specialises in Digital Journalism and Data Journalism. He is a member of Investigative Reporters and Editors, and the Online News Association.
HOW TO FILM ON YOUR PHONE IN 45 MINUTES: ONLINE VIDEO CONTENT FOR BEGINNERS Jonathan Ferrero
Jonathan Ferrero is a freelance journalist, university lecturer in Journalism and NCTJ trainer specialising in online video content provision. He has over 30 years experience as a journalist and has worked on regional and national newspapers, and for regional and national TV news providers. He has worked on the launch and development of online news services for print and TV companies and helped develop training for journalists wanting to become multi-skilled. In his spare time he spends far too long watching Master Chef, Homes under the Hammer and Flog It!
CRAFTING THE PERFECT NEWS STORY
Fiona Webster, Tutor at Press Association Training Want to make sure your story has impact? Eager to learn how to write a hard hitting first line? And keen to improve your general writing style? In this workshop you’ll learn exactly how to craft the perfect news story. You’ll be learning from Fiona Webster, who has experience with The Times, Sun, Sunday Mirror and Mail on Sunday, covering stories ranging from terrorist bombings, to murder investigations, to celebrity interviews. She has also worked as a Producer/Director for ITV Granada.
CREATING A DESIGN AND BRAND FOR YOUR PUBLICATION Sarah Wishart, Creative Director at RightsInfo
Here is an opportunity to get ‘hands on’ advice on the basics of design and branding for your newspaper or magazine, making them stand out and become the go-to source for all news on campus. Sarah Wishart has 16 years of experience in marketing, communications, and design and is award winning for her ability to overhaul and rebrand websites.
BUILDING A GOOD WORKING-RELATIONSHIP WITH PRS Hayley Smith
It is almost impossible to work as a journalist without communicating with press offices. However, journalists and press officers can have rather difficult relationships. Here, Hayley Smith explains exactly how the two sides of the fence of journalism can work together, even when they may have separate opinions on the media coverage of an issue.
Roundtable discussions INCREASING WRITERS FOR YOUR PUBLICATION
At some point or another almost every student publication has struggled to find enough contributors to write for them. It may be a particular section of your newspaper or magazine that has a shallow pool of journalists, it may be a season issue, or it could be a problem for all of your publication on an almost permanent basis. Here is the opportunity for members to get together and share their tricks for overcoming writer drought.
WORKING WITH YOUR STUDENT UNION
Many student publications are affiliated with a Student Union. They can recieve funding, resources, and working space from their association to help keep the publication running. However, all too often problems regarding editorial independence emerge when trying to report on decisions made by the SU and their internal politics. This confidential roundtable discussion offers the chance for journalists to share horror stories, express their frustration at decisions made by their union and explain how they've come to reasonable compromises with their association.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR STUDENT READERSHIP
Finding the right balance of stories is difficult for all publications, including best-selling national newspapers. Where in your publication should you put your most important news story compared to where you should place the story you know will most interest readers? Here is the opportunity for you to discuss with other reporters from across the country how they've managed to find the right story balance and presentation of their publication to make themselves an essential part of campus life.
BATTLING ‘CHURNALISM’ AT A STUDENT PUBLICATION
One of the difficulties of working in student journalism is finding time to report original stories while studying for a degree. It can be very easy to fall-back on ripping stories reported in regional and national publications. However, there are plenty of opportunities at universities to produce exciting content such as gripping human-interest stories and front-page splashes holding your institution or its student union to account. This discussion will give members the opportunity to share how they managed to find some of their best work and learn from others new ways to find stories.
CREATING A FIRST CLASS DIGITAL MEDIA STRATEGY
Plenty of publications are desperate to improve their publication’s social media presence. It’s a great way to inform readers about breaking news and to promote stories to your campus readers. A large amount of your readership is also likely to engage with your stories on your website. However, working out a strategy to increase your following can be tricky and finding a website that has the impact you desire is difficult. Here is your opportunity to share insight and learn how to improve your website and your social media strategy.
Academic excellence for business and the professions
City’s Department of Journalism is regarded as a leader in its field, with an unrivalled record of graduates getting into the best jobs in journalism. More than 5,000 alumni boosted their careers by taking our journalism courses. These include leaders in their fields such as James Harding, Caroline Wyatt, Sophie Raworth, Gary Younge, Ben Preston and Simon Rogers. Every year our alumni go on to work in leading journalism organisations such as: Bloomberg, The Sun, The Guardian, BBC, ITN, The Radio Times, Sky, Harper’s Bazaar, Grazia, Buzzfeed, Financial Times and Vogue.
“
The course was instrumental in leading me to my current career path. It provided me with a thorough understanding of the top issues in the world, as well as practical training that I could leverage in the highly competitive job market to land my dream job. Manisha (Financial Journalism alumna) Bloomberg News
”
Find out more, visit www.city.ac.uk/journalism
Email enquiries Journalism@city.ac.uk
Follow us on @cityjournalism
Follow us on @cityjournalism
AGM and Elections Every year members elect five Executive Officers to run the Student Publication Association at our Annual General Meeting. They’re responsible for growing and developing the association and are the team that keep the SPA running. You don’t have to have been involved in the SPA in any way prior to running, you just need to be passionate about helping student journalists. If this sounds like you, put your name forward and help build the next generation of journalists in the UK and Republic of Ireland. There’s a short handover period to provide you with full training and support, and our current Officers and Trustees are more than happy to give advice.
CHAIR The Chair is the figurehead of the SPA, looking after its reputation and the main contact for external organisations. It is the most time-consuming and responsible role and requires dedication, passion for student media, and a determination to see all student publications succeed. The Chair is responsible for: • Being the public face and spokesperson for the SPA. • Overseeing and supporting the other Executive Officers. • Organising and chairing General Meetings and Executive Committee Meetings. • Overseeing any SPA campaigns or lobbying. • Managing the SPA’s financial affairs.
Development Officer The Development Officer looks after the future of our members. Always innovating, they help to keep members trained and up-todate with relevant laws and industry standards, as well as the SPA’s objectives. The role works closely with the Chair. The Development Officer is responsible for: • Developing the SPA so that it better meets its aims as set out in Section 1. • Supporting, advising and training Member Publications. • Working with the Membership and Communications Officer to recruit new Member Publications. • Recruiting, training and overseeing the Regional Officers. • Overseeing the governance of the SPA.
Marketing and Events Officer The Marketing and Events Officer is the reason you are here. Across any campaigns and media coverage, they are also the lead officer for producing our national conference. The Marketing and Events Officer is responsible for: • Organising and overseeing all SPA events, including venue booking, speakers and workshops, attendee registration, and ticket sales. • Organising and overseeing the annual SPA National Conference, including submissions, judging and prizes for the Awards Ceremony. • Managing event sponsorship and budgets in conjunction with the Chair. • Supporting SPA members in matters of sponsorship, advertising and marketing. • Securing advertising, sponsorship and donations for the SPA. • Raising and promoting the profile of the SPA through press and public relations activities.
Membership and Communications Officer Our members are our most important asset, and it’s the Membership and Communications Officer’s job to make sure we’re serving them. The Membership and Communications Officer is responsible for: • Developing and maintaining two-way communications with SPA members. • Organising and releasing a regular newsletter to SPA members and Trustees on behalf of the Executive Committee, detailing the activities of the SPA’s members and Officers. • Recruiting new members to the SPA. • Processing membership applications. • Maintaining the public list of Member Publications. • Maintaining the internal list of Individual Members.
Digital Media Officer Almost everything we do takes place online as our members are so spread-out! It’s the Digital Media Officer’s job to make sure we’re doing the best job we can to be accessible, help and generally digitally savvy. The Digital Media Officer is responsible for: • Managing the SPA’s online and social media presence. • Ensuring the SPA’s website is kept up to date. • Providing technical support for Member Publications.
Best Interview Alice Alice Hearing Hearing -- Wessex Scene Scene Amy Amy Wei Wei -- Mancunion Mancunion Cecily Cecily Grace Grace Morgan Morgan - The Boar Ed Ed Butterfield Butterfield -- The Boar Georgina Georgina Hayes Hayes -- The Glasgow Guardian James James Angove Angove -- Exeposé Exepose Louie Louie Chandler Chandler - The River Oliver Oliver Cohen Cohen -- Epigram Epigram Renuka Renuka Odedra Odedra - The Demon Kate Kate Romain Romain -- Concrete Concrete
Best Lifestyle Story
Best Newcomer
Best Overall Digital Media
Connor Higgs - Impact Edward Villars - The Boar Harriet Willis - Palatinate Irina Anghel - Roar News Rosie Hilton - The Student Shingi Mararike - The Boar Susie Butler - The Glasgow Guardian Lucy Stubbings - The Boar Zoe Boothby - Palatinate
LawSpring The Falmouth Anchor The Jaded Project The Plague Unified WoW Magazine
Concrete Epigram Exeposé Exepose Orbital The Boar TheGIST
Best Specialist Publication
Best Sports Coverage
Best Website
Blurred Lines Magazine BUMF I, Science LawSpring Mode Sports Gazette The Edge The Lemon Press The Plague theGIST
Brig Brig Exeposé Exepose Sport Sport Gair Gair Rhydd Rhydd Linc Linc Sport Sport Nouse Nouse Palatinate Palatinate The The Boar Boar The The Saint Saint Unified Unified WoW WoW
Concrete Epigram Glasgow University Magazine Impact London Student Orbital The Badger The Boar theGIST University Observer
Outstanding Commitment
Best Reporter
Best Student Photographer
Abbie Cheeseman - Orbital Alice Roberts - The Plague Andrew McCluskey Glasgow Guardian Charlie Lawrence-Jones London Student Connor Creaghan - The Linc Eve Smallman - Platform Fred Fyles - Felix Cameron Broome - Mancunion
Aoife Hardesty University Observer Ben can der Merwe London Student Claisse Opulencia - Unified Elena Cherubini - The River Emer Scully - The Spark Emily Hawkins - Concrete Eugene Smith - Palatinate Oscar Bentley - Nouse Tania Chakraborti - Palatinate Tom Williams - The Saint
Aike Jansen - qmunicate Emma Halahan - Orbital Ewa Ferdynus - BUMF Hannah Brierley - Mancunion Jared Phanco - Roar News Kirsty Blackwell - The Demon Matthew Nixon - Concrete Max Connelly - The Boar Meg Firth - The Gryphon Sara Konradi - The Student
Shortlists Best Science and Technology Story
Best Feature
Best Entertainment Story
Amber Spence - The Boar Aoife Hardesty University Observer Britanny Harrison - The Boar Emilia Rose - Redbrick Joseph McGrory - Redbrick Katrina Wesencraft - theGIST Marianna Marcelline The Glasgow Guardian Nick Vail - The Boar Richard Murchie - theGIST Richard Sherry - The Boar
Becky Scarrott - Persist Caitlin Allard - Palatinate Elena Cherubini - The River Emma Yeomans - London Student Fred Fyles - Felix Isabelle Atkins - The Boar Linnea Lagerstedt - Wessex Scene Shannon Gray - Orbital Shannon Scovel - Brig Sophie Bunce - Concrete
Bethany Davison - The Student Carl Altaner - Falmouth Anchor Carly-May Kavanagh - The Edge Gregory Milik - The Boar Katherine Sorab - The Boar Lilia Pavin-Franks - The Boar Molly McCracken - The Student Tom Green - The Northern Quota Yaiza Canopoli - Concrete Zoe Boothby - Palatinate
Best Multimedia Journalism Story
Best News Story
Best Comment or Opinion Annie Peppiatt - Impact Barnaby Merrill - The Boar Edward Bains - The Badger Georgina Hayes The Glasgow Guardian Jack Ashton - Concrete Jack Taylor - Impact Laurie Clark The Glasgow Guardian Raghand Al-Lawati - The Student Rebecca Zack The Glasgow Guardian Zak Barlow - Redbrick
Claisse Opulencia - Unified Leia Reid - SR News Murray Glen and David White - Magdalen Magazine Matt Horsman - Sports Gazette The Courier Siri Hedreen - Roar News Tom Monks - Impact Kate Hutchison - Epigram Tom Mitchell, Clara Gaspar and Maddie Flisher Palatinate
Cecily Morgan and Ayaz Ali The Boar Daniel Katz - The Gryphon Eve Smallman - Platform Grace Duncan, Phoebe Radford, Ben Johns, William Baxter Redbrick Naomi Taylor - The River Richard Joseph - The Saint Sophie Gregory - Palatinate James Hind - Unified Will Charley - Epigram William Nestor-Sherman, Rebekah Evans, and Irina Anghel Roar News
Best Design Magazine
Best Design Newspaper
Best Publication
Glasgow University Magazine Magdalen Magazine Pesist Quench Sanctuary Magazine Smoke Magazine The Edge The Gaudie The Plague The Stag
Concrete Epigram Gair Rhydd Nouse Palatinate Roar News The Badger The Courier The Linc The QH
Concrete Epigram ExeposĂŠ Exepose Felix London Student Magdalen Magazine Orbital Palatinate The Student University Observer
17 Week NCTJ News Reporting 17 Week NCTJ Sports Reporting 38 Week Part-Time NCTJ News Reporting 38 Week Part-Time NCTJ Sports Reporting
PA TRAINING
@PA_Training 0207 963 7920 www.becomeajournalist.co.uk training@pressassociation.com
Meet the SPA Exec Chair - Dan Falvey Dan is the Overnight Editor for Express.co.uk. Before joining the national publication, he worked as a current affairs correspondent for the UK’s largest local TV network. Dan has experience in video, print and online journalism and has interviewed some of Britain’s most well-known politicians, including Ken Livingstone, Douglas Carswell, Natalie Bennett and Clive Lewis. He was the Editor-in-Chief of Concrete (2015-16), the University of East Anglia’s student newspaper, before he graduated in 2016.
Membership and Communications Jessica Frank-Keyes Jess is a trainee reporter at Archant in Norwich, where she writes for the Eastern Daily Press, Norwich Evening News, and Dereham & Fakenham Times. Jess is currently studying for her NCTJ Diploma in Journalism with the Press Association. She is a graduate from the University of East Anglia and a former news and deputy editor of Concrete, UEA's student newspaper, (highly commended for Best Publication at #SPANC17).
Digital Media - James Chesson James is an English Literature with Creative Writing graduate and a former Online Editor of the University of East Anglia’s student newspaper, Concrete. Prior to running and redesigning the Concrete website and helping it to achieve a Highly Commended award at #SPANC17, he was the paper’s Sport Editor. He has also written for The Independent and the Eastern Daily Press.
Development - Conor Matchett Conor is a Junior Reporter at the Eastern Daily Press, based in the Lowestoft office working on both the Lowestoft Journal and the Beccles and Bungay Journal, and is living proof you can get a job in a place you visit for the first time for an interview. Before securing his first job in journalism this year, he trained at PA Training in London for six months following his graduation from Edinburgh University in June 2017. While in Edinburgh Conor was Sport Editor of The Student and Head of Sport at FreshAir.org.uk, Edinburgh's student newspaper and radio station respectively. He has also written for the BBC, The Guardian, The Scotsman and the Edinburgh Evening News. For advice on how to avoid academic work for four years and then somehow still get a job after spending 20 hours a week talking and writing about sport, he's your man.
Marketing & Events - Megan Baynes Megan is a BBC Local Government Reporter for the Isle of Wight County Press. She graduated from the University of East Anglia with a degree in American Literature with Creative Writing last July. During her time at UEA she was Editor-in-Chief of Concrete, highlights of which included appearing on BBC’s world service to talk about Antony Gormley’s statues and spending a night following around UEA security which won her and the Deputy Editor an SPA award. She has interviewed a variety of politicians and celebrities, including Judi Dench, Eddie Izzard, Stephen Fry and Clive Lewis.
Meet the hosts Croeso i Gymru! That’s right: for the first time ever, SPANC is heading to Wales – so time to dust off the daffodil hats and binge-watch that Gavin and Stacey box set (not that we’re reinforcing stereotypes or anything) as the SPA prepares to hit up Cardiff. With the city centre on its doorstep and many of the University’s schools just across the road, Cardiff Student’s Union is the hub for those needing a space to work, read, eat, drink and chill. It’s also home to the Union’s Sabbatical team, a range of shops and outlets, esteemed watering-hole The Taf – and, of course, . Under the CSM umbrella you’ll find our two fabulous host publications: Gair Rhydd and Quench.
Gair Rhydd is Cardiff ’s official weekly student newspaper. It launched under its current name in 1972 and last year celebrated its 45th anniversary with a souvenir issue plus a digital upload of the very first (and very retro) edition. Both are on Issuu, and we highly recommend checking them out for a slice of student media history. The name is Welsh for “free word,” and over the years Gair Rhydd has given Cardiff students a voice on everything from campus smoking bans to national political issues. Under this year’s team, led by students Liam Ketcher (editor) and George Cook (deputy editor), they’ve investigated SU club night drama, dangerous student housing and accusations that a student was refused entry into local club Revolution for being transgender. Meirion Jones (former BBC journalist and now at the Bureau of Investigative Journalism) was Gair Rhydd’s first ever editor – and famously lost his lifelong SU membership after breaking into the principal’s office to copy and upload files about an Iraqi henchman.
Meanwhile, monthly lifestyle magazine Quench covers everything from local gig and theatre reviews to hard-hitting issues surrounding student life. Quench launched in 2003, and the team came home with Student Magazine of the Year at the 2005, 2006 and 2008 Guardian Student Media awards. This year’s editions have been brought together by editor Rachel Jefferies and deputy editor Molly Wyatt and have tackled issues from university drinking culture and domestic violence to mental illness. Quench has also pulled off some impressive interviews, including Wolf Alice, Lower Than Atlantis and Blondie drummer Clem Burke. Xpress Radio and Cardiff Union TV complete the Cardiff Student Media circle – but now it’s time for student journos from across the UK to descend on the ‘Diff as we celebrate another year’s worth of cracking content, experiences and achievements. Diolch, Wales – and lechyd da!* (*That’s ‘thank you’ and ‘cheers,’ for all you uncultured lot)
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Social at Welcome to #SPANC18! While we know the biggest (and best) student journalism conference in the UK and Ireland is all about the awards, workshops and speakers, #SPANC18 also goes far beyond Cardiff University campus. Here are all the ways you can get in touch with us throughout the weekend, and beyond. We’d love to hear from you.
@spajournalism We’ll be tweeting and retweeting throughout the conference from our account @spajournalism. Give us a cheeky follow and share what you’re up to throughout the weekend. From the award winners and speakers, to your travel times and hotel breakfasts - no topic is too big or too small. Make sure to use the #SPANC18 hashtag in your tweets - we’re on a mission to get you all trending...
@spajournalism Share your successes at the #SPANC18 awards with all your friends and humblebrag about your trophies with our fancy snapchat filter. We’ll be sharing the best moments throughout the weekend on our story, so make sure to add us. You can also find us on Instagram - and don’t forget that hashtag… #SPANC18
Student Publication Association (public page) SPA - http://bit.ly/SPAmain (Facebook group) Our Facebook group is one of the main ways we communicate with our members, and our members communicate with each other. We post job adverts, talks, work experience opportunities, competitions and much, much more. Our members also use it as a forum to share tips and advice on every student-media related subject under the sun. If you haven’t joined already, we highly recommend it. We also have Facebook pages and groups for each of our regions, where you can find specifically relevant help, advice and information for your area. Just check the description of the main group for all the details.
@spajournalism.com And if you have any problems over the weekend, you can get in touch with any of the committee on their SPA emails or DM us on Twitter Dan: chair@spajournalism.com | @Falvey_Dan Megan: marketing@spajournalism.com | @megbaynes Conor: development@spajournalism.com | @conor_matchett Jess: communications@spajournalism.com | @JessicaFKeyes James: digitial@spajournalism.com | @james_chesson
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