Vanessa Lam
25 October 2016: Budding journalists from the University of Canberra were given a taste of life on air during a recent trip to Melbourne.
A group of 11 journalism students put their skills into practice during the University of Canberra Press Club’s annual industry trip earlier this semester.
Visits to Channel Nine News, Private Media, Crikey and Channel 10’s The Project gave the aspiring newsreaders a chance to test out their skills in real-life studios. The group also attended the Melbourne Writers Festival.
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UC Press Club students with Peter Hitchener at Channel 9. Photo supplied.
Press Club president Naomi Avery said the industry trips were a great way for students to gain real-world experience and make the most of their university experience.
“Our industry trips provide rare opportunities for journalism students to make new contacts and see how major national news outlets operate first hand,” Ms Avery said.
“Not only is it good for students professionally but also personally for students to meet like-minded people, get to know classmates, and explore new places all for a reasonably cheap price.”
During the visit to the Nine News studios, students were mentored by chief news anchor Peter Hitchener. The veteran journalist gave the group a tour of the newsroom and critiqued their presenting skills in the studio.
“I have very fond memories of the time we spent at Channel 9,” Ms Avery said.
“Peter Hitchener gave us some important advice as budding journalists and even shouted us all lunch afterwards. He's an absolute legend in Australian television and a genuinely kind man, so we’re very lucky to have met him.”
Ms Avery encouraged students, especially those in their first year or those who are yet to join a club or society, to participate in future trips.
“It’s a great way for journalism students from a range of year levels to get to know each other and gain hands on experience of the journalism and media industry,” she said.
The trip was partly funded by the Faculty of Arts and Design.
Watch the students’ reporting skills in action in the video below:
