Students from a secondary school in Harlesden interested in becoming budding journalists got the chance to see how it was done at a special event.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Tristram Hunt MP giving a talk (Pic credit: Lee Thompson)Tristram Hunt MP giving a talk (Pic credit: Lee Thompson) (Image: LEE THOMPSON)

Pupils from Newman Catholic College, in Harlesden Road, were among 250 young people aged between 16 and 18 to take part in a News Academy conference in London Bridge.

Tristam Hunt MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Minister and a former journalist, introduced the day which was attended by 15 schools.

He said: “There’s nothing more exciting than the dynamism of making the news. Journalism is enormously important and enriching. We have seen great changes in the media landscape, but there’s been a remarkable resurgence in many forms.

“It’s a really exciting industry to go into. Journalism is a very, very important part of our democracy. It’s a great opportunity.”

The conference began with a debate on citizen journalism with speakers from The Sun, The Times and The Sunday Times represented on the panel.

Students got an insight into the working lives of the journalists, how they got started and were given the opportunity to ask questions.

After splitting up into groups, they held a mock press conference where they were able to practice their newly acquired journalistic skills.

Milan Tanasi, 17, a year 12 pupil at Newman Catholic College, said: “I’m not really interested in becoming a journlist but I went there to learn how to write a press release. What I did learn is the skills aquired to becoming a journalist can be tranferred into so many areas of life.”

The News Academy, part of News UK was lauched in January last year and has a commitment to invest in and inspire the next generation of aspiring young journalists.

Duncan White, Director of News Academy, said: “The programme is an ideal opportunity for budding young journalists to get the help and advice needed to start a successful career in journalism.”