Scotland's most talented young writers were celebrated in Glasgow tonight as the Herald, in association with sponsors Weber Shandwick, hosted the 2024 Scottish Student Press Awards.
The event, which took place within the Herald's Bath Street offices, welcomed some of the brightest prospects from media and journalism courses in Scotland and recognised the exceptional work taking place within Scottish universities and colleges.
Winners were announced across nine categories, with the expert judging panels including Herald writer at large Kevin McKenna, Herald engagement editor Derek McArthur, Newsquest group editor West Scotland, Gillian Murphy, and production editor Mike McKenzie.
The categories showcased the best in writing, production and design with the finalists welcomed to a drinks reception and from Herald editor, Catherine Salmond, and editor-in-chief of Newsquest Scotland, Callum Baird.
“This is one small way The Herald can acknowledge aspiring journalist's efforts and achievements, share the joys of our fantastic industry, and encourage young people that if they want to take their talents further in this trade, they absolutely can - and should”, said Catherine Salmond.
“This job allows people to drive meaningful, important change, hold power to account and give a voice to those who may not otherwise have one.
“The judging panel was impressed by both quality in all submissions. Choosing the winners was a difficult task and the standard of work shows that there is an abundance of talent among the next generation of young Scottish journalists."
The first winners of the night were Jamie Smith and Stuart Moyes for the best use of Multi-Media, followed by Kirstie Clark of Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University who won Design of the Year for a Newspaper or Magazine.
Jess Urquhart of The University of Stirling’s Brig Newspaper won Columnist of the Year, and Niamh Flanagan from The University of Glasgow took home Features Writer of the Year for a piece in the Glasgow Guardian, which also won Student News Brand of the Year.
Ciaran Foreman from Edinburgh Napier University was the winner for Sports Writer of the Year category.
It was a big night for The University of Aberdeen’s young journalist Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco who was announced as the Herald’s Student Journalist of the Year after winning Best News Writer and Scoop of the Year for his investigative piece which uncovered texts and emails from the University’s Senior Management Team revealing attitudes toward industrial action.
The sponsors for the Herald Student Press Awards, Weber Shandwick, one of the world's leading marketing and communications agencies, congratulated all finalists
Weber Shandwick's managing director, Natalie Buxton said: “It has been an absolute honour to sponsor The Herald Student Press Awards. We were blown away by the high quality of entries and impressed by the talented student journalists we met throughout the awards process.
"Our team works with the media every day and is keenly aware of how complex and ever-changing, both locally and globally, the media landscape is.
“So, to see such a sharp, motivated, and diverse range of students bring curiosity and a discovery mindset to these awards makes me excited about the possibilities for our industry. We look forward to partnering with the great talent recognised today in the coming years.”
Winner Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco will now be offered the unique opportunity to join The Herald editorial team for a four-week paid internship during the summer of 2024.
Winners of the Features Writer of the Year, Sports Writer of the Year, and Columnist of the Year categories will also each receive a week’s work experience with The Herald editorial team in Glasgow.
Head of Newsquest Events Nina Holmes said: “Congratulations to all the winners of this year's awards. Your exceptional work highlights the vibrant talent and dedication within the student journalism community.
“Recognising and celebrating student journalists is crucial, as it not only acknowledges their hard work and creativity but also encourages the next generation of media professionals.
“By fostering a culture of excellence and innovation, these awards play a pivotal role in ensuring the future of high-quality journalism.
“We are proud to produce an event that honours the efforts of these aspiring journalists who are committed to truth, integrity, and storytelling. Your contributions are essential to the fabric of our society, and we look forward to seeing your continued impact in the world of journalism.”
The full list of finalists and winners in the Scottish Student Press Awards:
Best use of Multi-Media
Chloe Liddell, BrigCast, Brig Newspaper, The University of Stirling
Bethany Lee, Anna Flynn, Veronica Buccino & Lauren Cameron, Head First Podcast (ENRG Podcasts).
Jamie Smith & Stuart Moyes, Globe Unpacked (Radio ENRG Podcasts) – Winner
Design of the Year (Newspaper or Magazine)
Freya Deyell, Brig Newspaper, The University of Stirling
Kirstie Clark, Sober, Robert Gordon University – Winner
Columnist of the Year
Bohdan Tymoshchuk, Edinburgh Napier University
Callum Devereux, The Student, The University of Edinburgh
Jess Urquhart, Brig Newspaper, The University of Stirling - Winner
Katie McKay, Glasgow Guardian, The University of Glasgow
Features Writer of the Year
Fiona Brown, Glasgow Standard, Glasgow Caledonian University
Jamie Smith, Surge & ENRG Culture, Edinburgh Napier University
Kirstie Clark, Sober, Robert Gordon University
Niamh Flanagan, The Glasgow Guardian, The University of Glasgow - Winner
Omar Malik, Blether Magazine, University of Strathclyde
Rhiannon McGovern, The Strathclyde Telegraph, University of Strathclyde
News Writer of the Year
- Athina Bohner, The Glasgow Guardian, The University of Glasgow
- Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, The Gaudie, The University of Aberdeen - Winner
- Nicholas Malizia, The Student, The University of Edinburgh
Sports Writer of the Year
- Ciaran Foreman, Scot Shot, Edinburgh Napier University - Winner
- Nathan Hassett, Brig Newspaper, The University of Stirling
- Oliver Kennedy, The Gaudie, The University of Aberdeen
Student News Brand of the Year
- Brig Newspaper, The University of Stirling
- The Gaudie, The University of Aberdeen
- The Glasgow Guardian, The University of Glasgow – Winner
Student Journalist of the Year
- Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco, The University of Aberdeen
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