28.10.2010
One lucky journalism student could be reporting from the frontline of Scottish politics as the winner of a competition launched today by the Parliament and the Fife Free Press.
A week-long placement at Holyrood is being offered to final year and postgraduate journalism students studying at Scottish colleges and universities, as part of the joint initiative.
The successful student will get their own hot desk, working alongside Scotland’s best known political correspondents and broadcasters in the Parliament’s Media Tower, where they will file copy on parliamentary business for publication in the Fife Free Press.
News topics will range from First Minister’s Question Time, to the work of Holyrood’s pioneering committees, and any high profile events taking place in the Parliament that week.
To win this unique opportunity, students are invited to submit a 500-word essay on the following topic: ‘What do you see as the main achievements of the Scottish Parliament to date?’
Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson MSP said:
“The Scottish Parliament is delighted to be launching this student placement competition for up and coming journalists. We are at the hub of political news in Scotland, therefore I can think of no better place for a student to learn their trade.”
The prestigious judging panel includes: Allan Crow, Editor at Fife Free Press, part of the Johnston Press publishing group; Katrine Bussey, Political Editor of the Scottish Press Association; Raymond Buchanan, BBC Reporter; and Annette McCann, Head of Media Affairs at The Scottish Parliament.
Background
All entries should be clearly marked Student Journalist Competition and sent to Media Relations Office, Q3.03, Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh EH99 1SP.
The deadline for submission is Friday 3 December 2010. No late entries will be accepted.
Five finalists will be invited for interview at The Scottish Parliament and the winner will be announced in January 2011.
You can now get in touch with the Parliament by text message. Our interactive service enables you to get the name of your MSP by sending your postcode, lets you ask questions about the Parliament and its work, and enables you to request a selection of free leaflets. The number to take advantage of is 07786 209888. Texts are charged at standard network rates. More details can be found on our Text Service page .