Sky News pays a visit to department

By UK Journalism

Visitors from Sky News have been to the department to look at the calibre of students and tell them all about ëLife at the sharp endí of news.

Simon Cole, Skyís Managing Editor and Deputy Head of News, and Editorial Development Manager Rob Kirk, came to UCLan and met groups of journalism students before giving a presentation on what its like to work at the 24 hour news channel.

After showing the audience hard hitting footage of a reporter in a hostile environment, Rob Kirk asked everyone to think hard as to if they could do the same thing.

ìAsk yourself would you want to be in that position? If itís no then a 24 hour news channel isnít for you.î

Both Rob and Simon advised the students on what itís like to work at Sky News and what kind of person it takes to work there.

Risk takers

Simon said: ìAt Sky we pride ourselves on always being at the front of breaking news. We take risks where other news corporations wont. We want people who will push the boundaries and who are prepared for any situation.î

They also gave valuable information on graduate trainee schemes and work placements available, but warned students of the stiff competition for places.

Rob added: ìThe selection process can be bloody and brutal. We have over 900 applicants for six places so we have to be ruthless.î

After meeting several students Simon and Rob said they were impressed with what they had seen and stressed the importance of bringing in young people into the corporation.

Simon added: ìSky News is constantly re-inventing itself and we like to be at the forefront of innovative ideas. Young people who bring in fresh perspectives are sometimes the ones who come up with the best ideas.î

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