Last weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the National Student Television Association (NaSTA) Conference and Awards in Manchester, hosted by the grand triumvirate of Fuse TV, Quays TV, and Shock TV.
I was there to moderate a panel discussion featuring four recent graduates who had all been actively engaged in student TV during their university years (and all now freshly minted members of STAN). We explored the realities of working life post-graduation, discussed the challenges they had faced in their burgeoning careers and how the skills they honed through student TV had proven invaluable in navigating the media industry. It was a thoughtful and engaging conversation full of shared experiences and sage advice, peppered with great questions from the audience. A key takeaway was: network, network, network. They had all seemingly drunk the equivalent of Brazil's quarterly coffee exports in their efforts to make contacts in the industry. I was struck by how strategies to get one's foot in the door haven't changed all that much since I was in their position 12 years ago.
Throughout the day, the STAN stall buzzed with activity as alumni volunteers from our committee engaged with NaSTA members, inviting them to join our mailing list and highlighting the various initiatives we have spearheaded, including our mentoring scheme, CV Clinic, and Ask An Alum program. These endeavours are made possible by the unwavering support of NaSTA alumni, and if you're keen to find out how you can get involved—either as an alumnus or a student—drop us a line via alumni@nasta.tv.
But wait! The fun didn't stop there. A quick dash back to my hotel to throw on some glad rags and it was off to the NaSTA Awards ceremony on Saturday night. I was asked, as a news producer and editor, to present the award for Best News and Current Affairs. The award was judged by ITV Granada producer and news editor Ian Barber, who unfortunately couldn't be there, and won by PalTV. The runners up were YSTV and Quays TV.
As a former member of Exeter University's student TV station XTV, where I was co-Station Manager in my final year, being part of this celebration always fills me with nostalgia and hope for the future. It's truly wonderful to witness the exceptional talent and dedication showcased by student television stations across the UK. It's also truly wonderful to watch NSTV alumnus Josh Rom (now a successful entertainment journalist and broadcaster) down not one but TWO glasses of wine while on stage to present an award, to in honour of living NaSTA legends, Matt Capon and Emma Bew (YSTV).
Josh was part of a panel of alumni put together by STAN to judge the Best Events Coverage award. Fellow judges Leah Blackaby (Fuse TV) and Tom Brown (Surge TV) were not at the ceremony, but we're hugely grateful for their time and effort. Leah was at the conference earlier in the day, along with a raft of other members of STAN. Seeing so many old faces over the course of the event really highlighted, for me, the collaboration and generosity that defines student TV.
Reflecting on the weekend, it's hard not to see it as a resounding success for STAN. More and more NaSTA members are aware of us, and we garnered additional newsletter subscribers and followers on social media platforms like Instagram. The panel discussion was a triumph, both in terms of format and attendance, setting the stage for future events (more details on those soon!).
I will look back on NaSTA 2024, as I do every one of these I have attended over the years, with gratitude and hope. Gratitude for the friendships forged, the knowledge shared, and the memories created. And hope for the future of student television—a future that shines bright with the passion and dedication of all its members old and new.
As we look ahead, we are eager to build on these successes and maintain momentum throughout the year. NaSTA 2024 was a testament to the enduring spirit of camaraderie and support that defines our community—a spirit that I am proud to be a part of. Long may it continue!
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