A Journalism student at the University of Winchester didn’t have far to go to find a job – she’s just been taken on as a trainee reporter by the city’s weekly newspaper The Hampshire Chronicle.
Eve Thompson gained her job after impressing Chronicle editor Kimberley Barber during a work experience placement.
A month after completing her BA course she’s started work at the paper which has offices in Upper Brook Street, in the heart of Winchester.
Although much of her university course was concerned with broadcast journalism, Eve, from Camberley, said that writing is her first love.
“I love working here so much,” said Eve. “Everyone in Winchester knows the Hampshire Chronicle. I love meeting the people who live and work here, and it’s really made me appreciate the city and its history.”
During her placement, the 21-year-old was given a taste of the broad sweep of stories a local paper covers with a mix of assignments ranging from the relocation of a city estate agent to an investigation into cocaine traces found in the city’s public lavatories.
“From the moment she walked in, she fitted right in and has been a great addition to the team with her enthusiasm and positivity,” said Kimberley.
“Eve has potential to be a great reporter; it's a joy to have her on the team."
The Chronicle’s parent company Newsquest works with Darlington College to provide further training for some reporting roles, so Eve will start to study, remotely, for the NCTJ Preliminary Diploma one day a week from September.
Brian Thornton, Journalism course leader at Winchester University, said: “As a teaching team we are so proud of Eve. We have a fantastic relationship with the Chronicle, and we are delighted that Eve is beginning her journalism career at such an amazing organisation.
“Eve’s broadcast skills are sure to bring an extra element to the Chronicle’s reporting and we can’t wait to see all the brilliant stories that she’s going to produce.”
She follows in the footsteps of two recent University of Winchester graduates who have worked for Newsquest. Adele Bouchard worked for the Chronicle for two years following graduation in 2022 and is now with That’s TV, and Matt Rooks-Taylor, another 2022 graduate, is a reporter for the Basingstoke Gazette and Andover Advertiser.
For more details about courses visit BA (Hons) Journalism - University of Winchester
Pictured: Eve is pictured here (right of photo) with members of the Chronicle news team proudly holding their Newsbrand of the Year trophy which they won at the recent Newsquest Excellence Awards.
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