September 30, 2024

Aspiring journalists gain hands-on experience at school holiday workshops

High school students will learn to pitch, script and produce radio and tv news stories in UOW's state-of-the-art studios

High school students curious about a career in the media will gain hands-on journalism experience at two school holiday workshops hosted by the University of Wollongong’s School of the Arts, English and Media on Tuesday October 1 and Wednesday October 2.

As part of the workshops, students will prepare and conduct media interviews with Wollongong Lord Mayor Councillor Tania Brown on Tuesday and with Australian Paralympics star Telaya Blacksmith on Wednesday.

The workshops will be led by UOW Journalism and Media Production Lecturer Dr Benjamin Ball and Journalism and Visual Communication Design Discipline Leader Dr Shawn Burns, and held in UOW’s state-of-the-art radio and television studios.

Dr Ball said year 9 and 10 students from across the Illawarra and Sydney had responded very positively to the opportunity with both workshops fully subscribed.

“These workshops are an incredible opportunity for students to dive into the world of journalism and media production. They will not only learn essential skills but also gain confidence in telling stories that matter.

“UOW has some of the best facilities of any communications and media course in Australia. Hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art studios will equip students with practical skills and creative insights.

“Engaging with community leaders like Councillor Tania Brown and Paralympics star Telaya Blacksmith allows students to see the real-world impact of journalism. It's a chance for them to connect with inspiring figures and understand the role of media in our society,” Dr Ball said.

At Tuesday’s Audio Journalism workshop students will learn to identify, pitch, script and produce radio news stories, and will create a live news bulletin in the radio studio.

At Wednesday’s Video Journalism workshop students will collaborate in a television studio to produce news stories for a live-streamed television segment.

EVENT DETAILS

What: UOW Journalism Workshops

When: 9:00am-3:30pm, Tuesday 1 October and Wednesday 2 October

Where: Building 29, UOW Wollongong Campus