Channel 4 discusses careers in broadcasting with Northumbria students

The role of a Commissioning Editor was placed firmly under the student spotlight during Channel 4’s visit to Northumbria University, Newcastle.

Media students were given the opportunity to put their questions directly to Channel 4’s Commissioning Editor Drama, Lee Mason, as part of the University’s continued drive to connect students with industry.

The partnership between the two organisations began last year with the launch of the Channel 4/Northumbria University Writing for Television Awards, which form part of the Northern Writers’ Awards run by New Writing North. This latest event is a development of that relationship. Len Collin, Senior Lecturer in Media Production, explains: “The Film and TV industry is constantly changing, therefore access to industry insiders such as Lee, who are at the forefront of such change, enables our students to be ahead of the competition.

“Channel 4 has always been the most progressive of our national broadcasters, we want our students to be progressive too. It seems like a perfect partnership which we hope to nurture over the coming years."

Rachel Fleming was one of the second year media students who met with Lee. She said: “The session has been really helpful. It’s great to see someone come to Northumbria from such a big company as Channel 4 and for us to be able to talk to Lee so easily.

“We could really tell he was interested in the students and new talent, something that is really encouraging for students to hear.”

Northumbria students have access to a wide range of industry insiders. The department of media and communication design has recently hosted visits from international award-winning graphic designer, John Dowling of global agency, Mucho, and ITV’s Mark Bickerton, who has worked on some of Emmerdale and Coronation Street’s biggest storylines.

Lee Mason, Commissioning Editor Drama, Channel 4, said: “I was so encouraged by the enthusiasm of the students. It was great to hear how much they already know and how engaged they are with an evolving global television industry, which will put them all in good stead for careers in the future.”

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