Students form Journalism Society

By Lucy Beaumont

Students from the department have created the universityís first ever Journalism Society in a hope to increase student participation in the subject.

First and second year students decided to start the Society to give students an extra-curricular dimension to their studies.

The Society aims to get students more involved with the university newspaper, Pluto, and the radio station, Frequency 1350AM, and plans to have guest speakers and visits to regional media industries.

Positive reaction

Initial reaction has been positive in the department - the Society already has 33 members, with more signing up every week.

First year journalism student Domenico Sanna is vice-chair of the Society. He said: "I am really impressed with the department and staff, but felt there was little output from the students.

"I felt something had to be done and sought out starting the Journalism Society.

Getting involved

"I hope with the combined efforts of some dedicated and enthusiastic students we can enhance the journalistic reputation here at Preston. Itís all about getting involved," he added.

Members of staff in the department are encouraging the society. Mike Ward, head of the Department of Journalism said: "I think the Journalism Society is an excellent initiative.

"It is very much in tune with my own thinking on the need to immerse students in study and practice outside the classroom."

Pledging support

He believes that the proposal is much more effective coming from students rather than staff, and pledged that the Society and its members have the support of the department behind them.

"I wish the Society every success and Iím sure it will go from strength to strength in the future," he added.

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Extra and related information

Our print and broadcast courses are accredited by the The Broadcast Journalism Training Council and the National Council for the Training of Journalists. Our MA Magazine Journalism is accredited by the Periodicals Training Council.