Newspaper Journalism student interviews Jack Straw

By UK Journalism

Postgraduate newspaper journalism student Jan Harwood has notched up another political interview.

Jan quizzed Justice Minister Jack Straw about youth crime and what can be done to help the young.

The exclusive interview for Rochdale Online happened during the Blackburn MP’s visit to a youth inclusion project on the Kirkholt estate in one of the most deprived areas of Greater Manchester.

Highlights of reporting

“Meeting Mr Straw was one of the many highlights of reporting for Rochdale Online,” said Jan who’s also interviewed the former and current leaders of the Lib Dems, Sir Menzies Campbell and Nick Clegg for the website.

The 21-year-old who graduated in history from Leeds University last summer is being sponsored by Rochdale Online and will join the team after finishing his UCLan course. Apart from political reporting Jan covers weekend football which is the Rochdale fan’s idea of heaven.

“Jan is conscientious, hardworking and is very good at interviewing people, whether it’s a child at a carnival, a footballer, or a government minister; he manages to put them all at ease and asks relevant questions,” said Rochdale Online Managing Director Pauline Journeaux.

“There can’t be many reporters of Jan’s age who’ve already done so many high powered interviews. He’s an excellent all-round journalist and it’s great working with him,” said Delwyn Swingewood postgraduate newspaper journalism course leader.

(Photograph courtesy of Rochdale Online.)

More info
Read Jan's interview with Jack Straw at Rochdale Online
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