Jenny Wotherspoon, from Wakefield, won the Journalism Award at the BBC North Partnership Awards at the Developing Talent Conference 2011, which recognises emerging talent in the media industry.
She is pictured above receiving her award from Victoria Wood.
Fellow trainee Will Rastall (pictured below) won the Bronze Award in the Broadcast Journalism Training Council’s Longform Television category for his film about one man’s fight for the freedom to roam naked in his own garden.
Lauren Layfield (pictured below), who studied alongside Jenny and Will, received recognition in both competitions – she was shortlisted in the BBC awards for her piece on Yorkshire’s best coffee maker, and was commended in the BJTC’s Shortform TV category for her story about the sport of roller derby.
Jenny, who completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Broadcast Journalism at Leeds Trinity in November 2010, submitted her final course assignment to BBC North for consideration.
Her TV feature about the closure and demolition of the Gannex raincoat factory in Elland impressed the judges, who said the piece was well rounded and combined good journalism with strong production values.
Jenny said: “Although the factory closed 30 years ago no decision was taken about its future until the recent demolition went ahead. It was interesting to meet local people including former employees – there was mixed reaction to the demolition of such a historic but neglected building.
“I was surprised and delighted to win – it’s great to have extra recognition for the hard work that I put in for the Diploma, and the award has given me a confidence boost now I’m job hunting in the sector.”
The awards were part of the BBC North Developing Talent Conference 2011 which focused on the theme of ‘Talent and Technology’. Delegates attended a variety of workshops presented by industry professionals and heard from guest speakers Nick Park and Victoria Wood about their career highlights.
Now in their third year, the awards are open to all the colleges and universities who are part of the BBC North Developing Talent network, which has been established ahead of the BBC’s move to MediaCityUK at Salford Quays in Greater Manchester this year.
Leeds Trinity has a strong track record in the Journalism category, with a winner at the inaugural awards in 2009 and making the shortlist in 2010.