A University of Chester Media student has earned the chance to follow in the footsteps of TV stars like Kate Sanderson, Julie Etchingham and John Craven.
They’ve all previously presented the BBC’s famous Newsround programme.
Broadcast Production and Presenting student Lauren Duffy triumphed over hundreds of applicants to win a prized work placement at Newsround.
Lauren, 21, of Rainhill, is starting the third year of her degree and has already gained presenting experience at both Made in Liverpool TV and at STV, the Scottish ITV network, in both Glasgow and Aberdeen.
For the aspiring television presenter and reporter the Newsround placement is perhaps her most exciting opportunity yet.
Lauren said: “I’m over the moon! I’m very pleased that all my hard work is paying off at last!
“For the career I want to have as a presenter and reporter you have to be multi-skilled and learn everything.”
Lauren believes her BPP studies at the University of Chester’s Warrington have given her a wide-ranging knowledge of broadcasting which has proved invaluable.
She is grateful to have developed her skills at the North West Media Centre’s professional-quality TV studio and award-winning Cat Radio station.
She said: “The course provides amazing teaching and facilities. It’s given me the skills you need not only to work in front of the camera but also behind the scenes.
“University is all about what you put into it. You learn from day one that if you want to be the best, you’ve got to try your best.
“You learn how much research and production work is needed to produce just a few minutes of great TV.”
Lauren impressed the Newsround producers with her cv and showreel of presenting work before being invited to an interview at Salford’s Media City.
She said: “You need to show them all your skills and how passionate you are about the opportunity in five minutes!
“You are selling yourself in the same way you would have to ‘sell’ a news story to television viewers.”
BA Broadcast Production and Presenting programme leader Mark Hannaby said Lauren’s success shows how much can be achieved when talent is accompanied with a great work ethic.
He said: “All the Chester media department staff are delighted that Lauren will have the chance to demonstrate and further develop her fine presenting and production skills amongst one of the UK’s most respected television news programme teams.
“She has worked very hard indeed and much deserves this wonderful opportunity”.
- Find out more about the University of Chester’s BA (Hons) Broadcast Production and Presenting course
