BRISTOL NUJ has announced the winners of the 2018 Student Prizes run in conjunction with the journalism department at the University of the West of England.
An impressive standard was observed from al four years of entry but the best piece submitted by any young journalist this year was Matthew Sterling’s ‘Peace in Belfast’.
Matthew himself featured in this filmed piece about the continuing strains which divide Belfast, his home city.
Christina Zaba, Bristol NUJ vice-chair, who organised this year’s judging, said of Matthew’s piece: “An impressive insight into a difficult and timely topic and part of the current national news agenda. We were especially impressed by the ‘then-and-now’ footage and the fact that the film maker appeared in the film himself. Head and shoulders above any other entry across all levels, we thought.”
Matthew won the Level 3 prize and was presented with his award and a £50 prize at Bristol Cathedral on July 19 by Bristol NUJ chair Paul Breeden.
Also presented with her award was Amy Wyllie, winner of the MA level prize. The judges were full of praise for Amy’s contribution, too, an in-depth investigation of prostitution in Bristol.
The judges said: “We thought that this was a mature and insightful treatment of this hidden topic and a detailed investigation, well backed up and excellently researched. It was impressive to include Julie Bindel and her controversial new book.”
