Students studying Broadcast Journalism were given the opportunity to go and cover the General Election vote counts in East Sussex, as fully fledged members of the press for an evening. Thanks to ITV Meridian these young journalists were given a tiring but exciting look into the real world of political reporting. Khari Miller and Helen Westgarth share their experiences:
Although my weary head is yet to rest when writing these words, General Elections are important events that happen just once in five years and is so crucial for people to stay not only politically up-to-date but passionate about what happens to our country.
Three words can sum up my last 24 hours: election, excitement, exhausting.
Anyone who has ever stayed up to watch the election count on television, or more recently via social media, will tell you that it’s a long process. Being selected to report for ITV news as a budding journalist eager to learn as much as possible is undeniably exciting so, even after dedicating about 20 exhausting hours to the election count I attended, I’m so grateful for the experience.
People nationwide are still reeling from the undeniable Conservative win after Lord Ashcroft’s polls suggested a neck-and-neck battle between the Tory and Labour parties.
Three words can sum up my last 24 hours: election, excitement, exhausting.
Anyone who has ever stayed up to watch the election count on television, or more recently via social media, will tell you that it’s a long process. Being selected to report for ITV news as a budding journalist eager to learn as much as possible is undeniably exciting so, even after dedicating about 20 exhausting hours to the election count I attended, I’m so grateful for the experience.
People nationwide are still reeling from the undeniable Conservative win after Lord Ashcroft’s polls suggested a neck-and-neck battle between the Tory and Labour parties.
After a gruelling nine hour wait of sitting in a hall in near silence but for the sound of ballot papers being counted, the Worthing declarations were at roughly 7am.
It was no surprise for both the East and West constituencies that the Conservatives won both seats. There was even an overwhelming local Tory whitewash with all eleven wards up for election becoming Conservative.
It was no surprise for both the East and West constituencies that the Conservatives won both seats. There was even an overwhelming local Tory whitewash with all eleven wards up for election becoming Conservative.
An opportunity like this comes literally, once every 5 years and 12 lucky students were able to experience it this time around. In the days leading up to the big night, the students were invited down to the ITV Meridian studio in Portsmouth for a tour of the facilities. On arrival, students were briefed on ITV’s expectations for the evening. As thrilling as the experience was, it was also exhausting. We arrived 30mins before polls closed at 10pm, and it would be another daunting 9 hours of waiting for the declaration from the returning officer. For most of the students who took part, it was their first genuine glimpse into their future. Instead of shadowing a journalist,or making tea runs, these students were given the true responsibility of the ‘Accredited Press’, something they will definitely feel proud of, for years to come. |