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Daily teams up with basketball champions to recruit journalism student

A regional daily has launched a new partnership with a title-winning basketball club on its patch which will see a journalism student report on the team’s games.

The Leicester Mercury has announced the scheme with current British champions Leicester Riders, which has seen De Montfort University journalism student Samuel Gill become the first recipient of the Leicester basketball internship.

As part of his internship, first-year student Samuel will work with the Riders to learn marketing and content production techniques and with the Mercury’s sister website Leicestershire Live to learn digital publishing.

Riders fan Samuel began his new role earlier this month.

Leicester Riders vs London Lions BBL play-off final. Credit: Joe Pinchin/Leicester Riders

Leicester Riders vs London Lions BBL play-off final. Credit: Joe Pinchin/Leicester Riders

He said: “I am delighted to be part of this partnership between Leicester Riders and Leicester Mercury.

“As an aspiring journalist, I see this as a perfect opportunity for me to further my experience in the industry while gaining an insight into two hugely reputable organisations in the Riders and Mercury.”

Samuel’s coverage is set to complement match reports and coach columns which are carried by the Mercury.

Editor George Oliver said: “De Montfort University in Leicester is hugely keen to get its students effective work experience in industry. Leicester Riders are the British basketball champions and are hugely keen to reach more people through increased coverage on Leicestershire Live.

“Leicestershire Live is hugely keen to grow new audiences and to identify future journalism talent.”

Kevin Routledge, chairman of Leicester Riders, added: “We believe this is a great partnership, working with the Leicester Mercury and DMU, to develop a new source of digital content promoting the Riders, but also increasing the reach of the Leicester Mercury in a world where digital content is so important.”

“We believe this is an excellent way of working innovatively to address current market challenges, while providing a great opportunity for a DMU sports journalism student to develop their skills and experience.”

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