Eye opener: WITT journalism students, from left, Ale Feaunati , Hannah Fleming, Zaryd Wilson and Steve Dixon rubbed shoulders with international media at the Rugby World Cup matches in New Plymouth.
Four WITT journalism students got a taste of the life of an international sports correspondent at the recent Rugby World Cup matches in New Plymouth.
National Diploma students Hannah Fleming, Ale Feaunati, Zaryd Wilson and Steve Dixon were media volunteers at Stadium Taranaki, rubbing shoulders with players and sports reporters alike.
“It was amazing we got right in there, taking down quotes from players when they were interviewed straight after match and asking questions ourselves at press conferences,” says Hannah.
The majority of students were employed as “flash-quote reporters”, taking down material for the RWC’s official website while others worked as media assistants, helping to keep the whole machine working smoothly.
Observing how the event ran media-wise was a real eye opener, says Ale.
“We were there for the captain’s run, in the ‘mixed-zone’ and privy to the out-of-bounds questions at the press conferences,” he says. “It was hard work but fascinating.
“Having inside access to the players was my highlight, in particular the Irish lock Paul O’Connell,” says the former NZ Universities rep.
The Witt journalism school prides itself on the real-life media opportunities it offers its students, says programme coordinator Robin Martin.
Based at the Taranaki Daily News building in downtown New Plymouth, Robin says, there is a regular exchange between the newsroom and the classroom, and students also take up outside opportunities.
For example, WITT journalism students are regular media volunteers at the Womad music festival and the ASP Dream Tour international surfing event, he says.
Applications for the 2012 National Diploma in Journalism are now open but places are limited.