Clarion Award call comes for five UQ students

Five University of Queensland undergraduate journalism students are finalists in the Queensland Clarion Awards, the prestigious state-based awards promoting excellence in the media.

Alison Francis, Leah White, Carl Smith, Rhian Deutrom and Alexander Tamayo have been recognised for their quality journalism and commitment to excellence in media coverage.

Winners of each category will be announced at a presentation ceremony on Saturday, 25 August.

The students’ short-listed submissions cover a diverse range of subjects, from refugee employment and the Queensland election, to robots, and protests in Brisbane.

“The students recognised in these awards are high profile, high achievers whose work is a joy to read, watch and listen to," said John Harrison, Director of Undergraduate Programs at UQ's School of Journalism and Communication (SJC).

Anthony Frangi, SJC Director of Learning, Engagement and Innovation said it was a great outcome for the School.

“More than ever, our students are engaged in work experience and internships within their chosen field," he said.

“The School of Journalism and Communication remains committed to working with our industry partners to ensure students are skilled and job ready.”

Mr Smith, who is about to graduate with a dual degree in Journalism and Science (Genetics), was short-listed for his radio broadcast on Robots and the Future. For the piece, Mr Smith conducted interviews with four of the world’s most accomplished robotics experts on the planet, including ‘the Godfather of Modern Robotics’ – Australian-born MIT Professor Rodney Brooks.

Mr Smith now works for ABC Radio National program Future Tense.

Ms Deutrom is short-listed for her work on the SJC project Y Vote – State Election Coverage Show.

The Queensland Clarion Awards are run by the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance – the union and professional association for journalists and media professionals.

Media contact: Siena Perry (SJC) 3346 8285, 0404 520 556 or siena.perry@uq.edu.au