Journalism students will soon be able to hone their broadcasting skills on a TV set used by Channel 4 News presenters, thanks to a special collaboration with the University of Leeds.
The programme is donating high-performance equipment and technology from its temporary studio in Leeds to the School of Media and Communication.
Channel 4 made the announcement as it launched a permanent news base in Leeds, with the daily bulletin set to be delivered from two national newsrooms as the broadcaster expands its commitment to nations and regions coverage.
There’s a real buzz about the set. Everyone from the University's technical team to the students are looking forward to its arrival!
The new studio went to air last night at 7pm, featuring for the first time, insight and analysis from Channel 4 News’ new data correspondent Ciaran Jenkins, and anchored by long-standing presenter Jackie Long.
The old set with its distinctive purple and white colouring will now be disassembled and brought onto campus where it will be given a new lease of life as a TV studio for undergraduates studying for a BA in Journalism.
Kristyn Gorton, Head of the School of Media and Communication, said: “We are very grateful for Channel 4 News' kind donation, and would like to thank Head of Regions, Sunita Bhatti, and the rest of the Channel 4 News team in Leeds for the opportunity to utilise such a well-recognised TV set.
“It will be put to good use by students and staff within the School of Media and Communication and I know they're already looking forward to using it on the BA Journalism newsdays."
Channel 4 News has been operating in Leeds since early 2022, with daily programming from its temporary studio.
It says the new studio will serve as a reminder of the programme’s commitment to and investment in regional production, contributing significantly to the rapidly evolving local, cultural economy in the city.
Developing talent
Esme Wren, Editor of Channel 4 News, said: “We’re delighted to be forging this partnership with the University of Leeds as we continue to invest heavily in the region with the launch of our permanent studio in Leeds.
“Our industry is only as good as the talent we develop and the opportunities we create, so we hope this donation will support the University in continuing to shape some of the country’s brightest young journalists.”
Joint Programme Leader of Leeds’ BA Journalism programme, Anna Crossley, was instrumental in forging the collaboration with Channel 4 News. She added: "There’s a real buzz about the set. Everyone from the University's technical team to the students are looking forward to its arrival!
“Channel 4 News is one of the broadcasters we regularly observe as part of our teaching, so this is especially exciting for everyone on the Journalism programme."
The new set will be up and running for the start of the new academic year in Autumn when It will be used by second and third year Journalism students on their newsdays.
Further information
For media enquiries email University of Leeds press officer Kersti Mitchell on k.mitchell@leeds.ac.uk.