Ella secures exclusive front page news ahead of Teesside University graduation

Journalism graduate Ella Wilson was making headlines ahead of her Teesside University graduation.

Ella, 21, of Scarborough, secured her first front page news exclusive just a few days into a trial as a trainee reporter with The Northern Echo, ahead of her BA (Hons) Journalism graduation ceremony.

And just days into her reporting role, Ella had her byline on her first front-page exclusive, highlighting an important issue about delays in lifesaving treatment for cancer patients, prompting praise from her editor Gavin Foster.

Gavin, regional editor with The Northern Echo, said: “Ella has made a brilliant start to her journalism and Northern Echo career.

“While on a trial to land a role as a trainee reporter, she brought in a story which ended up on the front page. She impressed enormously through the selection process which warranted being offered a role with us.

“Then in her first week, she hit the ground running, with three front pages. She’s shown a real nose for a story and the ability to get out pounding the streets, gaining the trust of those she has spoken to deliver quality news reporting. She’s set her own bar high and I’m sure there are even more great things to come for Ella.”

Journalism lecturer Jim Entwistle said: “It comes as no surprise to us to see Ella making an immediate impact. She has always thrown herself into everything with enthusiasm and positivity and even when she has encountered challenges throughout her studies, she's worked even harder to overcome them. Her attitude towards work is first class and she deserves every success.”

Ahead of starting her journalism career, Ella won this year’s degree course Teesside University Journalist of the Year award. She also achieved the gold standard NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists) diploma.

Ella said: “It was incredible to be offered the role with The Northern Echo after completing my degree. I feel very lucky.

“Securing the front page news splash before I had officially started the role was amazing. The fact it was a story that I’m proud to have worked on, made it even better.”

Ella added: “I chose to study journalism at Teesside University as I loved the range of facilities and opportunities. It was also not too far from home, which was a must for me, as I’m so close with my family.

“I really enjoyed the final project of the degree, when we had complete freedom to cover any topic. It was really freeing to investigate and write about a?topic that I felt deserved my focus and the extra coverage.

“I also really enjoyed the opportunities offering during my degree, such as a month-long trip to Prague, along with the work experience I was awarded from the journalism awards.

“The degree massively helped me on my career path. I knew I wanted to be a journalist before university but being able to learn about how to effectively write articles and create meaningful content helped me to develop the skills which would then benefit me when showcasing my work to potential employers. I’d absolutely recommend studying at Teesside. The opportunities are incredible.”

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