Sound advice from student podcast duo

Two award-winning journalism students hope their recent success will help encourage others to consider taking on their own project while studying at GCU.

Gianni Marini and Greg Ockrim’s podcast Democracy On Your Doorstep received double recognition this year by picking up awards at the Scottish Student Journalism Awards and the NCTJ Awards for Excellence 2019.

The podcast aims to bring the relationship between Scottish councils and local communities to life through interviews with politicians, experts, local journalists and campaigners.

Speaking of their success, Gianni said: “To have our work recognised by professionals in the industry is very encouraging.
We put a lot of time and effort into it and really believe in what we are trying to achieve.”

Starting the project allowed them to create a portfolio of work for their MA Multimedia Journalism course. Now, despite both being in full time jobs, Gianni and Greg plan to keep up the good work with upcoming episodes focusing on Aberdeen and Fife.

Democracy On Your Doorstep has allowed the duo to combine their journalistic talent alongside a shared interest and both would recommend other students get involved in side projects during their time studying at GCU.

Greg explained: “Doing something creative or extra-curricular alongside your degree is a great opportunity to put into practice the skills you learn during your course.”

He added: “The resources available to the journalism students at GCU are second to none.

My advice would be to take full advantage of the equipment, software and pick the brains of staff – it will definitely benefit you in the long-run.”

To listen to the podcast and find out more about Democracy On Your Doorstep click here

By Ross Clark

Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or connect with me on Twitter here