BUDDING journalists were given some top tips by one of the country’s best known news readers as he visited the University of Worcester to open its brand new broadcasting suite.
BBC Midlands Today presenter, Nick Owen, cut the ribbon at the £70,000 development which consists of two mirror image radio studios which allow journalism students to experience a real life broadcasting environment.
Built to current industry specifications, using the latest digital broadcast technology, the studios are linked to a computer bay with editing facilities.
Mr Owen, who began his career on regional newspapers and became famous co-presenting a BBC One breakfast show with Anne Diamond, unveiled a plaque outside the studios.
He said: “I am absolutely overwhelmed by these phenomenal facilities. I wish there was something like this around when I started.
“They are very impressive and are bound to attract students to this university who are keen on media.
“The technical side of journalism is massive now. In my day, it was about having a notebook and a biro. Now days, there is such an enormous emphasis on the broadcasting and technical side of it.”
The broadcasting suite is in the newly refurbished Peirson Study and Guidance Centre, which was opened by the HRH The Duke of Gloucester earlier this year.
Professor David Green, the University of Worcester’s vice chancellor, said: “We were delighted to welcome Nick Owen to open this wonderful new facility.
“This is an excellent addition to the University’s leading edge teaching spaces. It opens up important professional opportunities for our students, including the experience of operating in a pressurised newsroom.
“We have invested in our broadcast studios and computer laboratories to reflect the demands of communicating in the digital age.
It is important that the next generation of journalists are creators and innovators, who are able to work across a range of media platforms.”
Guests at the event included key representatives from industry, including editors from print and broadcasting.
The course, which is currently in the process of achieving Broadcast Journalism Training Council accreditation, has strong links with the BBC through its Media Diversity Partnership, which involves placement opportunities, visits and guest lectures.
Nikki Thompson, a second year Single Honours Journalism student, said: “The studios are a great resource for us. They give us the chance to produce our own material in professional facilities.”
