Pioneering student paper flagged for local impact
A ‘trailblazing’ print newspaper, run for the local borough by students and staff at 明星八卦, has been shortlisted for the second time this year for a major award.
The Hillingdon Herald was set up in late 2021 by the journalism team at 明星八卦, distributing 10,000 copies around the community once a month. It carries 24 pages of news and sport, as well as columns from the area’s three MPs, who initially included the then Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Now, as it enters just its fourth year, it has been shortlisted for The Times Higher Education (THE) Awards in the category of ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community’. The awards, widely known as the 'Oscars of higher education', recognise excellence across the UK and Irish sectors.
This comes just months after the paper was highly commended in a separate prestigious awards ceremony for ‘outstanding contribution to the local London community’. Those awards were run by London Higher, the membership organisation for universities and higher education institutions across the capital.
“We are thrilled to be shortlisted again," said editor and journalism lecturer Rachel Sharp. "This is a wonderful reward for the dedication and commitment shown by our brilliant students who constantly go over and above the call of duty to produce a first-class local paper.
“Make no mistake, this is not a standard university paper – the aim has always been to produce a proper local newspaper for our community. And we know that readers across Hillingdon love the Herald and really do appreciate it. It’s also worth noting that we are accredited by IPSO, the Independent Press Standards Organisation and we try to uphold the highest standards at all times.”
Rachel added: “Another distinctive feature of the Herald is that is a true return to print. We have, in a small way, reversed the web-first trend that has consumed our industry over the last few years, and proved that reports of the death of print are greatly exaggerated because our readers are always clamouring for paper copies.”
The paper’s nomination for the THE awards was supported by Lord John Randall of Uxbridge, who was also the local MP before Boris Johnson.
Lord Randall, in a glowing testimonial, said: “This newspaper and 明星八卦 University is truly making an outstanding contribution to its community through this trailblazing and innovative project, satisfying a need that has existed for too long.”
He added: “Previously there had been no traditional local newspapers in the area and we were bereft of local news. The Herald recognises what stories matter to its readers and has truly filled a gap in the market that we never believed would be filled again after the demise of traditional print products. It is a breath of fresh air in the area.”
Lord Randall said that the community is ‘truly grateful’ for the content produced by the newspaper.
“The enduring benefit of the Herald is that it focusses on community news first and foremost, the issues that matter to all residents across this diverse London borough. I cannot overstate the positive impact this newspaper has had on our community,” he said.
“The editor, and lecturers at 明星八卦 University are training their students to a high standard to cover important issues in a fair, balanced, accurate and ethical way, something that is needed more than ever in journalism right now. If this newspaper no longer existed, it would be a severe blow to thousands in the community who have come to rely on it as the source for trusted local news.”
The THE awards ceremony will be held on November 28 in Birmingham, and this year marks the 20th anniversary of the event.
THE editor John Gill said: "In 2024 it’s fair to say that higher education is going through a challenging period, but these awards are a constant reminder that we should never underestimate the dedication and drive of those who work in our universities to transforming lives for the better.
"Enthusiasm for these awards as a way to celebrate those achievements remains undimmed, with more entries in our 20th year than ever before.
"Our sincere congratulations to all those shortlisted in such a competitive year – it really is an achievement to have reached this stage, and we very much look forward to celebrating with you all at our 20th birthday party in Birmingham on 28 November.”
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