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Ceremony honours the best in student journalism

The University of Bristol’s student newspaper has scooped three awards at an awards ceremony highlighting the best journalism from those in higher education.

Bristol’s paper Epigram was named Best Publication at the Student Publication Association’s National Awards.

Emily Faint, a 20-year-old English Literatures student at the university and news editor at the paper, was also crowned Best Reporter, while Epigram also picked up Best Use of Digital Media.

The awards were judged by industry figures including Mark Wray, managing director of Press Association Training, Alan Hunter, head of digital at The Times and Sunday Times, and Louise Ridley, of BuzzFeed News.

A selection of the winners with their awards

A selection of the winners with their awards

Said Mark: “Epigram is a very worth winner of this award. Many professional publications and publishers could learn much from the innovative approach being championed.

“I’m sure many of those involved in Epigram’s publication will go on to great things in the world of journalism.”

Emily won the Best Reporter prize for what the judges called a “terrific exclusive” about students taking in a fugitive on the run.

She said: “I’m absolutely delighted with this award. It’s the perfect way to wrap up two amazing years at Epigram, and I am incredibly proud to have been recognised by the SPA in this way.”

Gemma Shields, Chair of the SPA, said: “Among almost a thousand entries to 16 categories, the standards were exceptionally high and a joy to receive. I’m very excited to watch the progress of our publications over the coming year, as this past year of unrelentingly talented student journalism will be difficult to top.”

Jem Collins, a trustee for the organisation, added: “The talent on show this year, as ever, shows how bright the future of journalism really is. I’m confident all of the shortlisted entrants will go onto great things and we look forward to supporting them on their journey.”

The full list of winners is as follows:

Best Publication
Winner: Epigram, Bristol
Highly Commended: Concrete, UEA
Special Mention: The Magdalen, Dundee

Outstanding Commitment
Winner: Abbie Llewyelen, York Vison
Hight Commended: Emma Yeomans, London Student

Best Specialist
Winner: Interhacktives, City University
Highly Commended: Holdall, Brunel
Special Mention: The Lemon Press, York
Special Mention: The ISIS, Oxford

Best Newcomer
Winner: The Manchester Magazine, Manchester
Highly Commended: Woke Magazine, Kingston

Best Website
Winner: London Student, London
Highly Commended: Concrete, UEA

Best Design (Newspaper)
Winner: The Mancunion, Manchester
Highly Commended: Exeposé, Exeter

Best Design (Magazine)
Winner: Impact Magazine, Nottingham
Highly Commended: The Magdalen, Dundee

Best Use of Digital Media
Winner: Epigram, Bristol
Highly Commended: London Student

Best Sports Coverage
Winner: The QH, Westminster
Highly Commended: The Boar, Warwick

Best Reporter
Winner: Emily Faint, Epigram
Highly Commended: Conor Matchett, The Student
Highly Commended: Sophie Dismhman, SR News

Best News Story
Winner: Susannah Keogh, Exeposé
Highly Commended: Finn Judge, Nouse

Best Feature
Winner: Megan Baynes and Caitlin Doherty, Concrete
Highly Commended: Jennifer Creery, Roar News
Highly Commended: Bea Fones,Exeposé

Best Interview
Winner: Hannah Butler, Exeposé
Highly Commended: Megan Baynes, Caitlin Doherty and Jessica Frank Keyes, Concrete

Best Entertainment
Winner: Conrad Duncan, Redbrick
Highly Commended: Cameron Clark, The Boar

Best Comment Piece
Winner: Eleanor Gray, Impact Magazine
Highly Commended: Molly Wyatt, Quench

Best Student Photographer
Winner: Ewa Ferdynus, BUMF
Highly Commended: Cameron Seymour, The Orbital