Journalism students from the University of Northampton (UON) have gained first-hand experience of working at a major international sporting event after taking on media and broadcast roles at the European Athletics Championships.
Seven students studying Multimedia Journalism and Multimedia Sports Journalism volunteered at the seven-day championships, held at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium from 10 to 16 August.
The students took on a range of roles across the event, from reporting and interviewing athletes for the official championships news team to supporting media operations and the smooth running of the broadcast and media centre.
Some students worked as part of the flash quotes team, interviewing athletes as they left the track and providing comments and reaction for professional media to use in online and newspaper coverage around the world.
Among them was Multimedia Sports Journalism student Tilly Edwards, who is about to begin her third year at UON.
“Having the opportunity to help out in the flash quotes team at such a high-profile event has really allowed me to get hands-on experience with interviewing some of Europe’s top athletes,” she said.
“Initially I was quite nervous going into the event, but across the week I felt more and more confident in terms of being able to apply the skills I’ve developed at university.”
For fellow student Emily Robinson, the championships provided another opportunity to put her journalism and event-management skills into practice, having previously volunteered at last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Emily worked in Media Operations as a help desk team member and on the media tribune, before taking on the additional responsibility of team leader.
“On the helpdesk, I was a very important part of ensuring that the media and broadcasters had all the information that they needed in the form of start lists. I was there to answer questions and support where I could,” she said.
“At the tribune, I was amongst journalists reporting at the event live, with commentators to my left and the BBC broadcasting studio to my right. I had the best view in the house from where I was standing.”
Taking on the role of team leader also gave Emily an opportunity to develop her confidence and leadership skills, as she was responsible for supporting other volunteers working alongside her.
“The responsibility of being made a team leader was amazing. It was my job to ensure that everything was going well for the other volunteers who were on shift with me, and I was their first ‘port of call’ should they need any support or have any issues.”
Away from the professional experience, being so close to some of the biggest names in athletics made the event particularly memorable.
“Highlights for me were definitely getting to experience all of GB relays. The silence in the arena that fell before the start gun gave me goosebumps. They walked right past me in the Mixed Zone when I was Team Leader. It was very cool to be so close to the athletes.”
Emily also met athletics legends Greg Rutherford and Paula Radcliffe, as well as broadcaster Gabby Logan, and said the opportunity to speak to them about their careers had made the experience even more special.
“Getting to chat to them about their journey and for them all to show a genuine interest in my own journalism trajectory was so special. I’m still buzzing having finished the championships. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had.”
The opportunity was developed following discussions between UON’s Sports Journalism course leader Adrian Warner and Policy and Public Affairs Officer Nick Allen about how students could gain experience at major international sporting events.
“Last year Adrian Warner and I met to discuss how we could support journalism students to participate in international sporting events and put together a list of forthcoming events, which included the European Athletics Championships being held in Birmingham.”
Nick was also among the volunteers working behind the scenes at the championships, as part of the driving and transport team.
“At the stadium I was responsible for meeting and greeting those arriving on the coaches from the various accommodation locations across the city. These coaches included VVIPs including former Olympians including Colin Jackson, Greg Rutherford, Jessica Ennis Hill and Paula Radcliffe. I also met with Lord Coe, the President of World Athletics who had his own driver and car!”
The opportunity reflects UON’s approach to giving journalism students the chance to gain practical experience alongside their academic studies, with similar opportunities organised around major sporting events.
Last year, students were involved with the Women’s Rugby World Cup matches in Northampton and London, while a further programme is planned around next year’s Invictus Games, which will also be staged in Birmingham.
Sports Journalism course leader Adrian Warner, who has covered 14 Olympic Games for Reuters and the BBC, said experiencing major sporting events can be invaluable for students beginning their careers.
“It can be quite daunting when you go to a major championships for the first time. Everything seems so big and fast-paced for the reporters,” he said.
“Having worked with and alongside professional journalists in Birmingham, these students will be able to take on their next major event in their professional careers with confidence, composure and enthusiasm.”