Kingston University’s student newspaper The River was named publication of the year at last night’s Guardian Student Media Awards.
Oxford University student Camilla Turner was named reporter of the year for work on the university newspaper Cherwell, while James Harker collected the writer of the year prize for work on Manchester Metropolitan University’s Pulp magazine.
Harker was praised by the judges for his writing which reminded them of American Journalism.
“It was character-led and full of memorable images, told with confidence,” judges said.
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Turner was the unanimous verdict for reporter of the year, judges said, as she was “far and away the best entrant”.
“Three excellent stories that were well written and easy to understand,” judges added.
“The pieces showed great detail and all sources were well researched. Camilla writes in measured yet authoritative tone. We have no doubt we’ll see her byline again.”
Judges praised The River as a “great tabloid with a punchy mix of features, comment pieces and has a good student angle on the news.”
The three other awards went to students from Newcastle College, Kings College London and the University of Sheffield’s Forge Radio.
The Student Media Awards, which have been supported by the Guardian for more than 30 years, were presented at a ceremony last night in London.
Alan Rusbridger, editor-in-chief Guardian News & Media, said: “The students entering this year’s Guardian Student Media awards produced work of a high quality in one of the most challenging journalistic environments.
‘This year’s winners have all shown that they understand the value of journalism and have produced work that shows the best of journalistic qualities – passion, knowing how to achieve impact, being well researched, having the right amount of humour and a connection with their communities.”
The winners were selected by a panel including Alan Rusbridger; Jon Snow, Channel 4 News presenter; Panorama journalist Paul Kenyon and NME editor Krissi Murison.
List of winners:
Publication of the year
- The River – Kingston University
Reporter of the year
- Camilla Turner, Cherwell, Oxford University
Writer of the year
- James Harker, Pulp, Manchester Metropolitan University
Photographer of the year
- Susan Swindells, Newcastle College
Digital journalist of the year
- Wil Benton, Kings College London
Broadcast journalist of the year
- Rob Setchell, Forge Radio, University of Sheffield
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