Students' Union TV Station Scoops First Award

A TV station being developed by the Students' Union at Newport's University has scooped its first award.
Newport Television (NTV) an online, on-demand TV channel made by Newport students, won the Highly Commended category for the Documentary film 'Becoming Neil' at the annual NaSTA (National Student Television Association) Awards.
Commenting on the success of the film, by first year Documentary Film students Alexander O'Toole and Ezra Birne, Newport's SU Entertainment & Media Officer, Jonny Roberts, said: "We were really proud to see the high quality of NTV's work being recognised and we are determined to come back and win even more awards next year.
"It's still early days for NTV and our first year being affiliated to NaSTA, so it was a massive achievement. It underlines our aim for NTV to become one of the leading student television outlets in the UK, dedicated to creating opportunities for national recognition for our members."
Jennifer Moran, NTV Station Manager, added: "NTV was established by the SU to champion student work and foster film-making talent among Newport's student body. It's a showcase for anyone who fancies grabbing a camera and making a gripping drama, insightful documentary, silly comedy or filming the sports teams."
Jonny and Jennifer were joined by eight students for the weekend event, which was hosted by Susu TV (Southampton University Students' Union Television), and featured interactive workshops run by industry professionals. The ceremony was broadcast live via the NaSTA Awards website, so that students across the UK could participate and share the suspense of the stations awaiting the judges' results.
The judges included Justin Judd, former producer of Red Dwarf, David Mercer, the man behind Live & Kicking, James Laidler, the producer of BBC Breakfast News, Peter Weitzel, Technology and Media Development Manager for Siemens and Mark Ward, the Tour Production Manager for The Rolling Stones.
Further information is available at: www.newport.ac.uk.
(KMcA/BMcC)