Nine nominations for Staffordshire students at Midlands Media Awards

Staffordshire University journalism staff, students, and graduates have gained nine nominations in this year’s Midlands Media Awards. This recognition builds on last year’s five nominations.

Four students have been nominated for ‘Student Journalist of the Year’. MA Broadcast student Robert Trigg is nominated alongside last year’s nominees Ben Lowe and Stuart Hodge, as well as undergraduate Journalism student Daniel Milligan.

Ben Lowe is also nominated for ‘Online Journalist of the Year’ for a variety of work including for the Express and Star and StaffsLive, alongside Senior Lecturer in Media and Journalism, Ross Hawkes, who was also nominated last year for his founding work on The Lichfield Blog.

Part-time Lecturer in Photojournalism, Martin Elliott, is nominated for new category ‘The Trevor Roberts Photograph of the Year’ for his work in Staffordshire Life.
Finally, graduates Rachel Butler, who now works for the Derby Telegraph, and James Montgomery, who works for Staffordshire Life, have been nominated for ‘Newcomer of the Year’.
The annual awards recognise the work of journalists across the Midlands in all areas of media, with 20 categories ranging from print to broadcast work, professional columnists to newcomers and students, and features to photographs.

Photo: Staff and students and the Midland Media Awards 2010

This year is the 10th anniversary of the awards, which are organised by the Birmingham Press Club. Winners will be announced at the ceremony and presented with a cash prize and certificate. Staffordshire University lecturers and students are hoping to have their own table at the event.

Double-Nominee Ben Lowe said: "I'm delighted to be nominated again for Student Journalist and it's a very pleasant surprise to be nominated for Online Journalist too. For Staffordshire University to receive so many nominations is wonderful news and testament to how good the journalism courses and lecturers are. Rob and Stuart are friends of mine, so fingers crossed one of us will win the award."

Fellow nominee Robert Trigg said: “I'm proud of all the students for getting nominated this year. Although winning would be a great achievement, I wish Staffordshire University all the best at the awards.”

The awards ceremony will be held on March 10th at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham.