51Âþ»­

By Niamh Spencer, 51Âþ»­ Journalism student

School and college students from across the Midlands got a taste of the thrills and skills of being a journalist when 51Âþ»­ Leicester (51Âþ»­) hosted a BBC Young Reporter Day.

The event was part of the BBC’s effort to get more students interested in developing future careers in the field of journalism.

More than 60 young people spent the day at the 51Âþ»­ campus taking part in workshops taught by 51Âþ»­ and BBC staff learning about different journalistic skills such as how to verify news sources and the different ways to tell a story.

Rob Carter, who works for the BBC Verify team of investigative journalists which double-checks the accuracy of breaking news reports, led a workshop on interviewing skills.

“I've been in the media all my career,” he said, “but this is my first time leading a workshop, and it seemed to go well.

”Understanding how to conduct a great interview is such a vital skill in the industry.”

In his workshop, students tried their hand at using interviewing techniques he had just taught them by using industry equipment such as audio microphones to interview each other.

Ben, a student from Ratcliffe College who took part in the workshop, said: “It’s a really good insight to like what goes on behind as we only see the end part of it so it’s a great experience to take part in.”

Other areas covered in the workshops included the AI blue room, and how to distinguish between real and fake news.

The students also had sessions in 51Âþ»­’s TV and radio studios, plus took part in a Careers Panel led by BBC producer Shirley Benson.

Two former 51Âþ»­ journalism students were among the panel who gave the young people advice on how they can shape their own futures. Alice Gibbs is now a senior internet trends and culture reporter for Newsweek, while Jemimah Herd is now a senior producer with the BBC Verify team.

The pair took part in a question and answer session, alongside the BBC’s Three Counties Radio producer Tara Dolby and digital reporter Jameel Shariff.

Alice said: “Our journalism course sucked you in, 51Âþ»­ is such a great place to be you and teaches you skills that point you in the right direction when you break into the industry.”

On how to get into the world of journalism, she said: “It's all about getting your name out there, so people recognise you and your work.”

One of the memorable moments of the day for the students was at the end when special guest Zack George, from Leicester, who performs as series, turned up to chat to them about his experiences.

“My aim and mission is to inspire the next generation,” he said. “Being here makes you see all the hard work was worthwhile.”