2014 Headline Award for Student Journalism
NUIG student David Nevin has been selected as winner of the 2014 Headline Award for Student Journalism Related to Mental Health and Suicide for his radio documentary “From darkness into light”.
David, a Galway native who is an MA journalism student in NUIG picked up the award for his radio documentary that discusses the issues relating to mental health care in Ireland. Judging the shortlisted entries, Carl O’Brien, Chief Reporter with the Irish Times commented on From darkness into light; “A finely crafted and comprehensive radio documentary which combines personal accounts of mental health with analysis of deficits in the system and how it could be improved. A valuable and moving piece of journalism.”
He further remarked; “The standard overall was of a very high quality, I felt, and would give the mainstream media a run for its money. It’s very encouraging to see the level of “mental health literacy” among students these days, which I think bodes well for the future.”
Headline, the national media monitoring programme for mental health and suicide created the award for student journalism to raise awareness among media students in recognition of the issues involved when reporting on mental health and suicide and to recognise the good work being produced.
Jane Arigho, Media Project Coordinator with Headline said; “The media have a huge impact on the way we think about suicide and mental health issues. The standard of submissions for the Headline award suggests that the next generation of journalists will play a key role in raising awareness of and de-stigmatising suicide mental health problems.” She continued; “Dedicated and responsible coverage of suicide and mental health issues of this calibre will not only contribute to greater public understanding but also encourage those in distress to reach out and seek the help that they need.”
Runners-up:
Louise dolphin – UCD – PhD in psychology
Excellent and superbly researched series of articles with rare insights into the reality of eating disorders and the stereotyping of mental ill health. The articles display a real talent for turning complex issues into accessible pieces of writing.
Aoife Price – Trinity College Dublin MSC in applied social research
A beautifully crafted and personal account of how fragile we all are and the small, everyday steps we need to take to maintain good mental health. This piece shows real flair for writing and a rare ability to turn complex issues into something that is accessible and highly readable.
Eoghan Holland – NUI Galway MA in journalism
This is great example of how to incorporate mental health issues into a current affairs radio programme. The interviews were informed, empathetic, and insightful. In the process, they challenged stereotypes and, crucially, provided valuable information on recovery.
Robert McNamara – UL – Journalism and New Media
A very well-researched series of articles which provides a disturbing insight into the reality of everyday life in direct provision. This is journalism of real quality which digs deep into issues that are often under-reported by the wider media.
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The shortlist for the 2014 Headline student media awards are as follows in no particular order
- Aoife Price : Trinity College Dublin
- Susan Clarke : Griffith College Dublin
- John Ivory : NUI Galway
- Eoghan Holland : NUI Galway
- Sarah Ledden : Trinity College Dublin
- Amber Galwey : University Limerick
- David Nevin : NUI Galway
- Louise Dolphin : University College Dublin
- Robert Mc Namara : University Limerick
- Jenny Kelly, Tony Reale, Lisa Stuart, Cian McCrohan and Brian Hogan : Mary Immaculate College, Limerick
Calling all budding journalists
Enter the 2014 Headline Award for Student Journalism relating to Suicide or Mental Health
Judged by Carl O’Brien, Chief Reporter with the Irish Times.
Award info: Entries can cover any aspect of mental health or suicide prevention
All forms of media will be considered; written, (published or unpublished) broadcasted on television, radio, internet, blogs or otherwise.
Prize: Win an iPad mini.
Award Criteria: Coverage must adhere to the various media guidelines for reporting on suicide and mental health issues.
Media guidelines available at www.Headline.ie/multimedia-resource
Submission Guidelines : Entries must be submitted by post to the Headline office by Friday 9th May to Awards, Headline, 38 Blessington Street, Dublin 7. See Headline.ie/awards for the full list of submission guidelines. (Any recordings must be saved as MP3).
Submission Guidelines:
- Entries must be submitted by post to the Headline office by Friday 9th May to Awards, Headline, 38 Blessington Street, Dublin 7.
- Only one piece of work needs to be submitted, however multiple entries will be accepted.
- Online writing should be printed out and the URL where the piece originally appeared written at the top of the page.
- Radio Entries are accepted on CD only as MP3.
- TV or animation entries must be on DVD (VHS entries will not be viewed). No other formats will be accepted.
- Shortlisted entries will be asked to give written consent to have the winning entry posted on websites or published.
- You must have the permission of the people interviewed for publication.
Some pointers on quality and content
Positive coverage of suicide and mental health issues can and should:
- Be informative, accurate and encourage public understanding;
- Promote positive mental health;
- Encourage people who may be experiencing difficulties to seek the help that they need;
- Provide information on sources of support at local and national level;
- Prompt discussion of mental health and suicide related issues;
- Challenge the stigma that surrounds mental health problems;
- Ensure accuracy by providing expert advice or feature someone with self-experience of a mental health problem.
For queries contact Jane :01 8601549.
