On 21 May 2018, the London Voices Journalism Competition (http://www.londonlc.org.uk/london-voices/) closes for entries. Entry to the competition is free, and entries can be written, audio or video. The competition is an opportunity for Londoners to join last year's winners and start talking about something they are passionate about - whether this is a cause, a local issue, or a London response to something bigger - or even to break the next big national story.
London is the most diverse and distinctive city in the world, and it needs more stories and reporters that reflect this. There are so many communities, issues and voices that never get heard. The London Voices competition challenges everyone who has ever thought they wanted to tell a story but didn’t know how, to get involved and have a go.
Entries can be from anyone over the age of 14 who lives, works or studies in London. No experience is required, just an enthusiasm for telling a story.
The competition is also a great way to learn about the power of journalism, and how it really works. With support from a range of universities, media organisations and news websites, there are some great prizes on offer, including time on location with professional journalists, a day in a newsroom and mentoring from those working in the field.
As more key national stories now start with local voices, it is vital that Londoners know how to get their voices heard. Those impacted by Brexit. The Windrush children. Students suffering from high fees. Those on zero hours contracts. All of these stories began with individuals raising their voices and sharing their stories.
The London Voices competition calls to all everyone with important stories or opinions about local, national and international issues to have their say. The competition is all about developing and inspiring the next generation of professional and citizen journalists, helping to make sure that both the news and those that report on it are as diverse and distinctive as London itself.
Last year’s winner Louisa (who wrote a story on the personal impact of Brexit on Londoners) said, "I wanted to develop my skills and tell a story that really mattered. It opened a lot of doors for me, and it really helps to have my name out there now. Winning the competition looks very good on my CV, which is important as the industry is very competitive".
Stephen Jeffery, CEO of key sponsor London Learning Consortium said, “This is a real opportunity for anyone who lives or works in London to get involved in citizen journalism. The more we can encourage local people to take part, the better chance we have of reporting events and issues in a fair and balanced way.”
Competition manager Amanda Pavon-Lopez said, “It’s really important for all Londoners to feel they can both comment on and create the news stories of the future. This competition inspires those who’ve perhaps not contributed before to get involved and get their voice heard. Many big stories start with a personal experience, and this is a chance for Londoners to really make a difference”
The London Voices competition is in its second year, and has sponsorship from:
London Learning Consortium is a training provider based in Croydon but operating across London and the UK http://www.londonlc.org.uk/
London South Bank University Department of Journalism http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/
YNUKtv – a community news broadcaster http://ynuk.tv/
Journo Resources – a journalism resource website http://www.journoresources.org.uk/
Update News – an online news organisation for young people https://www.updatenews.co.uk/
Panda Radio - a digital radio station http://pandaradio.co.uk/
The competition is free to enter
The deadline is 21 May 2018
London Voices Journalism Competition
London Learning Consortium
Christopher Wren Yard 119 High Street
Croydon, Surrey
CR0 1QG
07812 159689
[email protected]