A challenging industry in which to flourish, these stars are establishing themselves as the next generation of journalists by investing in both core journalism skills training and equipment. Awardees will undertake training from trusted organisations to strengthen their central knowledge and skills.
Hannah Bradfield
Hannah graduated from Loughborough University in 2021 with a BA in English and Sport Science, and an MA in Media and Cultural Analysis. Whilst studying, she was heavily involved in student journalism and was awarded Best Student Journalist, Midlands in 2018. She has since created content for the BBC, WAVE Press, and is now a trainee journalist at Journo Resources. Her career goals include hosting a podcast, continuing to write and edit, and championing women’s voices in publishing. Hannah will use the Awards funding to diversify her skills further with Scriptwriting and Narrative Non–Fiction courses.
Michael Crossland
Michael realised he needed a change from working in retail and decided to follow his dream of becoming a journalist. He obtained a place at the University of Leeds, and having gained his degree, is now working hard on his MSc in Journalism. Michael has had work published in multiple newspapers in Yorkshire and Rotherham and is fully on his way to fulfilling his dream career. He will be enrolling with the NCTJ to further his skills and one day hopes to be a correspondent for a national newspaper, with a focus on working-class issues and the challenges facing lower-income families.
Cyann Fielding
Supporting her English degree at Royal Holloway, Cyann is a prolific writer, writing for her own blog, both The Tab and The Founder at her university, and for Women in the City magazine. She has relished writing about and meeting so many inspiring women whilst at the magazine. Cyann is excited by creative thinking and innovation, and she enjoys the challenge of the evolving industry. Cyann’s dream job is writing for Formula One, and she will be using her award to gain an NCTJ qualification to help get her there.
Annabelle Gauntlett
Annabelle’s journalism journey began when she won BBC Young Reporter of the Year in 2019 at just 15. Her story attracted global news attention, gaining her a bravery award and the chance to share her story on the BBC and Fox News. Now focused on environmental journalism, Annabelle works for The Edinburgh Evening News where she is undertaking her NCTJ qualification, with aspirations of becoming a BBC presenter in future.
Dom Smith
A passionate football fanatic, Dom has followed his dream of sports journalism, founding EnglandFootball.org at the age of 11. Now set to graduate from the University of York, Dom will be launching himself into a Sports Journalism diploma at News Associates. With a substantial freelance portfolio, he sees himself working on the sports desk of The Times, Telegraph or The Guardian in the future.