Media Trust’s Breaking into News initiative, run in partnership with ITV News, invites you to come up with, write and create your own news story about a local issue that you’re passionate about.
The competition was launched in 2011 with the aim of increasing diversity in UK broadcast journalism. Now in it’s eighth year, the programme has grown and many previous finalists and winners are now working in newsrooms up and down the country.
How to enter
Simply submit an application form on the Breaking into News website, the form includes a 200 word written pitch and we also recommend you submit a 60-second video talking about your pitch. Your application will still be considered if you do not submit a video.
How it works
Ten finalists, one from each ITV News region, will be selected and paired with an ITV News mentor. Over the course of six weeks, the finalists are mentored on all aspects of broadcast journalism including writing, reporting, production and the inner workings of a newsroom.
By the end of the mentoring phase, finalists will have researched and produced a broadcast quality bulletin, which may even be aired across the local ITV news region.
Who should enter?
The competition is open to everyone over the age of 18. No previous media or broadcast journalism experience is needed to enter, just a keen interest in journalism.
Locations
Breaking into News takes place in ten ITV regions across England, Wales and Northern Ireland:
ITV Anglia
ITV Calendar
ITV Central
ITV Granada
ITV London
ITV Meridian
ITV Tyne Tees & Border
ITV Wales
ITV West Country
UTV
The Prize
To make this competition even more exciting, finalists will be judged by an esteemed panel of judges from across the world of journalism. Our winner will receive the top prize: £400 worth of journalistic equipment. The overall winner will be revealed in Summer 2019 at a special award ceremony in London.
Will my news report be broadcast?
All ten of the finalist’s news bulletins will be considered for broadcast on regional ITV news and online.