A Staffordshire University graduate is celebrating his new role as the first Facebook funded Community Reporter in the UK.
Steven Collins (right) congratulated on his new role by Newsquest editor Michael Purton
I feel the facilities, tutors and support I was given by Staffs was second to none.The course gave me the skills, contacts and knowledge to do my job.
Steven Collins, who graduated with an MA in Broadcast Journalism last summer, has started work at Newsquest’s Worcester office and will focus on covering news from the rural communities of Worcestershire.
“I feel the facilities, tutors and support I was given by Staffs was second to none.” said Steven, 39, He added: “The course gave me the skills, contacts and knowledge to do my job. I didn’t realise I was the first [Facebook funded Community Reporter] but it’s fitting as I like to get outside of my comfort zone and challenge myself."
Facebook is funding around 80 Community Reporters in the UK through a £4.5m charitable donation to the NCTJ to support a two year Community News project with regional publishers which also aims to bring more diversity into newsrooms.
Steven, who has Asperger syndrome, previously worked in the care industry supporting people with mental and physical disabilities. He said: “I cried when I was offered the job because it was my life’s ambition to become a journalist and I never thought it would happen. It was a very emotional moment for me.
“I’m really looking forward to giving a voice to people in rural communities who perhaps feel their views and issues aren’t always heard.”
Newsquest Worcester’s editor, Michael Purton, said: “During the recruitment process, I was blown away by Steven’s passion for local journalism and his determination to become a reporter. He’s going to be a huge asset to our newsroom. We all know how important Facebook is for helping local newspapers connect with their community, so for Facebook to fund these roles is fantastic for our industry.”