Journalism students interviewing Strathclyde alumni Daniela Theis.
Fourth-year Journalism, Media and Communication students at the University of Strathclyde gained first-hand experience of the media industry when the BBC Academy brought its BBC Verify on Tour event to campus.
The event explored key issues facing modern journalism, including misinformation, verification and the increasing impact of deepfakes on the media landscape. It also provided Strathclyde students with the opportunity to work alongside media professionals while contributing to the delivery of the event.
Two final year, joint honours students supported the programme in partnership with the University’s marketing team, helping to capture content and engage with visiting speakers and alumni.
As part of the initiative, fourth-year students Santiago Parra-Whitehead and Mannix Elliot conducted interviews with Strathclyde alumni who attended the event. Their role involved speaking with graduates now working across the media sector to learn more about their career journeys, the realities of day-to-day professional practice, and the skills that have proved most valuable since leaving university.
The interviews provided insight into the different pathways available within the media industry while giving the students the opportunity to develop their own professional skills in interviewing, communication and content creation.
Students also had the chance to speak with industry professionals including Sarah McMullen from Reporting Scotland, gaining a closer understanding of newsroom practice and the challenges facing journalists today.
Reflecting on the experience, Santi said the opportunity to work alongside the BBC on an initiative focused on verification and trustworthy reporting was particularly valuable.
“As a staunch believer in ethical and trustworthy news, it was an absolute joy to work with the BBC on their ‘BBC Verify on Tour’ event and to be part of the battle against misinformation and deepfakes in the media.”
Mannix added that the experience allowed him develop his confidence and creativity.
"I was given the platform to let my creativity flourish in promoting the event, as well as discussing ideas as a team with industry professionals. This has already had a very positive impact on my confidence and ability to put forward effective content."
The event reflects the University of Strathclyde’s continued focus on industry engagement and practical learning within the Journalism, Media and Communication programme. Through placements, partnerships and live projects, students are encouraged to apply their learning in real-world contexts and gain experience that supports their future careers.
For the students involved, BBC Academy Live offered a valuable opportunity to engage directly with media professionals, learn from alumni working in the sector and develop practical skills that will support their transition into the industry.