One of the Guardian journalists who worked on the Edward Snowden files, James Ball, has received an award from his former journalism school, City University in London.
Ball, who completed a masters in magazine journalism with investigative modules in 2008, receives this year's XCity alumni award in recognition of his achievements in the field of data journalism.
He is currently the Guardian's special projects editor in New York and worked on the Snowden files with Julian Borger, Nick Davies, Nick Hopkins, Paul Johnson, Ewen MacAskill and Alan Rusbridger.
The judging panel said Ball's investigative work for The Guardian showed "how important it is to combine technological ability with old school journalistic nous".
City University head of journalism George Brock said: "James is a worthy winner of this year's XCity Award. There could hardly be a more significant story to show how we prepare City students for the world of journalism."
Ball said: "Receiving this award is incredibly gratifying and I am extremely grateful to City, both for the award and for the skills I learnt as a student."
The XCity Award was established in 2011 and carries a £500 prize. It is awarded to a graduate of City University London, who in the past year has made an outstanding contribution to journalism.
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