Two School of Journalism graduates are named in the NCTJ Awards for Excellence 2023 shortlist.
Oliver Murphy graduated from our NCTJ-accredited Multimedia Journalism degree in 2023 and is nominated in the student top scoop category, sponsored by Sky News.
Ben Parsons graduated in 2022 and is shortlisted for trainee sports journalism, sponsored by Sky Sports News.
There was a record 699 entries across 17 categories for the annual awards, which highlight the achievements of individuals with promising journalism careers ahead of them and those doing outstanding work in the media and training sector.
Oliver, who now works as a freelance journalist, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted in the student top scoop category. Uncovering injustice while championing the voices of communities is an essential part of our role as journalists, so to be nominated this early on in my career is incredibly validating.
“Having my work recognised by the NCTJ is a huge confidence boost and a testament to the wonderful team at News Associates and The School of Journalism, whose overwhelming guidance and support has opened the doors to so many exciting opportunities within a highly competitive industry.”
Previously, Oliver was nominated for podcast of the year at the NCTJ Awards for Excellence 2022.
Ben Parsons, a golf writer at bunkered, said: “I’m delighted to have been shortlisted in the sports journalism category in the NCTJ Awards for Excellence.
“It’s an honour to have had my work recognised by the NCTJ and I’m so grateful to everyone at News Associates and The School of Journalism – not only putting me on the right track with my degree, but also for giving such great support after my studies.”
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In total, 13 News Associates graduates feature in the shortlist across 11 categories – with two appearing twice!
Max Kendix (The Times) is nominated for student news journalism and student data journalism, while Jack Fifield (The Oldham Times) is up for trainee data journalism and the community news project award.
News Associates post-graduate course alumni Max said: “I am delighted to be shortlisted for these awards. A big thank you to my editors for supporting me, and to News Associates for the invaluable training over the last year.”
News Associates post-graduate course alumni Jack said: “I’m super happy to have been shortlisted in the data and community news categories at the NCTJ Awards for Excellence.
“I’d like to thank my parents for helping me to attend News Associates in Manchester, which kick-started my career!”
Honoured to have been shortlisted in the Sports Journalism category for the @NCTJ_News awards. https://t.co/KoHv2HLiS1
— Ben Parsons (@_benparsons) December 14, 2023
News Associates graduates are nominated across news journalism, sports journalism, top scoop, features, podcast, data journalism, student project of the year and the community news project category.
News Associates and The School of Journalism editorial development director Lucy Dyer said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to see so many of graduates shortlisted across such a wide breadth of categories in the NCTJ Awards for Excellence.
“It’s testament to their incredibly hard work while studying for the really tough NCTJ Diploma in Journalism and our amazing journalism training teams in London and Manchester for constantly updating and innovating our courses so our graduates are prepared for the ever-evolving multimedia journalism landscape.”
Absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for top scoop of the year in the @NCTJ_news Awards for Excellence for my @MetroUK investigation into police perpetrated domestic abuse. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/qWoVB5fpLV
— Oliver Murphy (@theolivermurphy) December 14, 2023
NCTJ chief executive Joanne Forbes said: “Once again our judges were impressed by the high standard of work submitted, which showcases the dedication and hard work of our students and alumni and the wide variety of quality journalism they have produced.
“We were also bowled over by the sheer number who put themselves and others forward to win an NCTJ award for their examples of outstanding journalism.”
Everyone on the shortlist will be invited to a ceremony in 2024, the details of which will be released in the new year.