Inaugural scheme awards bursary to budding broadcaster
A University of Leeds student is among 20 individuals across the country awarded a bursary as part of a new scheme from the Royal Television Society (RTS).
The RTS is Britain's leading forum for television and related media, and an educational charity whose purpose is to promote the art and science of television.
The inaugural undergraduate bursary scheme, with funding totalling £60,000, aims to widen participation in media and related industries and assist talented people who need financial support.
Included in the recipients is Kyle Shiels, from Moortown, Leeds, who has just embarked on a BA Broadcast Journalism course at the University of Leeds. The 19-year-old will receive £3,000 (£1,000 per year) to assist with his studies. In addition he will receive mentoring and free membership of The Hospital Club (a media industry members club in London) and the RTS while studying and one year’s free membership of the RTS after he graduates.
He said: “If you had told me last year I'd be on my dream course at the University of Leeds and taking part in an inaugural Royal Television Society scheme, I would have laughed it off as unrealistic optimism. I couldn't be more delighted.
“The course is everything I wanted it to be and more. The lecturers are amazing, the support for students is outstanding and the modules are so interesting. And I'm only one month into the course.”
Dr Julie Firmstone is Programme Leader for the BA Broadcast Journalism course in the School of Media and Communication. She said: "We are delighted that Kyle has been awarded an RTS bursary to support his studies at Leeds.
“The RTS scheme is a fantastic initiative to motivate and support people from all backgrounds in pursuing their goal to become broadcast journalists.”
Theresa Wise, RTS CEO, said: “Great talent can be lost without the right support. We’re committed to finding, funding and nurturing the next generation and through the RTS Undergraduate Bursary Scheme I am convinced that we can make a critical contribution.
“The response to our inaugural bursary scheme has been fantastic and following an exacting selection process I’m excited to announce the first beneficiaries – all of whom stood out and demonstrated ambition and commitment to learning. We look forward to following their future career achievements.”
The recipients were selected by a panel of industry professionals following an open call to students applying for eligible UK courses.
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