Award-winning journalist is in the news

Massive congratulations to Nathaniel Lawson, one of three high-achieving student journalists to win a prestigious award in an annual scheme dedicated to the memory of NUJ stalwart Bob Norris.

Nathaniel, who lives in West Sussex, completed the NCTJ fast track journalism diploma course here at COPC, and has already landed a job at the Henley Standard.

He said he was ‘shocked’ to win the award. “I am only here through the help of my lecturers and God. It feels incredible to be recognised for my work.”

He said to him high achievement in journalism meant writing high-quality, accurate material that, as in the case of his employer, the Henley Standard, focused on local people and their stories.

Nathaniel added: “I have a passion for writing and journalism allowed me to pursue that. I also really enjoy speaking to people and understanding their stories. It made the perfect career for me.”

Nathaniel has a keen interest in politics. He’s pictured interviewing Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey.

Journalism lecturer Darren Sadler said Nathaniel had been ‘a delight’ to teach. “One of the younger members of our Level 5 Diploma cohort, Nathaniel has grown so much as an individual and as a reporter since starting his journey in September,” he said.

“Starting out as a quieter member of the study team, Nathaniel has become more confident in his abilities and has embraced all the learning with aplomb. 

“Nathaniel has embraced some of the trickier aspects of his studies – he overcame his fear of doing pieces to camera and even took a placard/sign to the streets of Portsmouth asking for hugs (and getting them) from complete strangers while researching a piece on National Hug Day!”

The other awards went to Binta Trawally who lives in Hilsea and is a third-year student at the University of Portsmouth and Reece Barrett, from Newport, Isle of Wight, who studied Sports Journalism at Solent University.