Journalism Lecturer in the judge’s chair for industry awards

A Senior Lecturer in Journalism from the University of Northampton was selected to sit on the judging panel for a prestigious industry awards, for the second year running.

Hilary Scott chaired two categories at the Society of Editors’ Regional Press Awards, which celebrate the best of British regional newspaper journalism.

Judging took place at the offices of the Press Association, in London, and the awards ceremony was held at the Marriott Grosvenor Square, in May.

Hilary said: “The press awards celebrate the excellent work of often unsung heroes of our communities, the regional newspaper journalists, and at the awards lunch there was a special commendation for the Liverpool Echo’s 27-year coverage of the Hillsborough justice campaign.

“The Echo had backed the families when other parts of the press were following the now-discredited police line, and there was an emotional standing ovation when Trevor Hicks presented the award.

“One of the winners was Chris Oakley, who was one of the original Liverpool Echo reporting team 27 years ago. He, by coincidence, kindly sponsors the Journalist of the Year prize, given to one of the University of Northampton students at graduation, helping the next generation of reporters.”

Hilary also recently appeared at the Broadcast Journalism Training Council’s conference, where she gave a presentation on her department’s Twitter Treasure Hunt, which is held each year to help first-year Journalism students get to know their news patch and bond with each other.

Next month she will be giving a presentation on work experience at the Association of Journalism Educators conference.

You can find out the winners of Regional Press Awards by visiting the Society of Editors website.