University of Gloucestershire journalism student is up for major industry award

A talented journalism student from the University of Gloucestershire is in the running for a major industry award from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).

Jack Shute – who is a third year BA (Hons) Journalism student at the university’s School of Creative Industries and previously interned at SoGlos – is among three finalists in the NCTJ Awards for Excellence’s Student Journalism Podcast category.

He has been nominated for his celebrity and entertainment podcast ‘Pop Cult Digest’, where he discusses the latest trends in pop culture and interviews people of interest – which he launched during the Covid-19 pandemic and government-imposed lockdown in 2021.

Jack said: ‘I’ve always been called a chatterbox so podcasting seems like the perfect fit for me. I wanted to be able to independently create something of my very own that I could be proud of, but also have fun with.

‘My lecturer, Anna Pointer, helped me realise my passion for celebrity and entertainment journalism and that’s when I realised I could make my own podcast.

‘The whole idea is for my guests to be able to tell stories, via Zoom, they’ve never told before. As they’re sat at home, they already feel comfortable and safe which helps them to open up to me.’

Already an industry powerhouse, Jack also has a regular slot on BBC Radio Gloucestershire’s Saturday Brunch Show, as well as presenting his own monthly showbiz show where he covers exciting events happening across Gloucestershire and the country.

The young journalist has been working closely with the regional radio station since he was 18, when he was invited to host his own residency show representing the local LGBTQ+ and drag community.

Jack added: ‘I’m very proud to represent University of Gloucestershire and my journalism course at the NCTJ Awards. I chose the journalism course for a reason and it was because I knew it would get me to the places I’ve always wanted to go. Now fingers crossed and let’s hope I can bring this award back home.’

The winners of the NCTJ Awards for Excellence will be announced in spring 2022.

By Annabel Lammas

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Thursday 13 January 2022