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28 Feb 2006 14:18:43
Journalism students from the University of Luton got more than they bargained for when they joined staff at easyJet for a recent journalism and media relations exercise.
Generous bosses at the budget airline gave them free airline tickets for taking part in the successful day-long session with some of the company’s top executives.
Led by three experienced journalists, University lecturers James Anslow and Clive Hedley, and freelance journalist Sally Ballard, a mixed group of undergraduate students visited the airline’s headquarters at London Luton Airport to put their journalism and PR skills to the test in a range of exercises.
James Anslow: “It was a brilliant day for us and the students. They learned so much – from dealing with standard press enquiries and handling awkward cameras and recorders at a windswept airport, to mastering the art of tough questioning.”
One exercise saw students researching, writing and broadcasting news bulletins every half-hour, with limited access to the Internet and with staff briefed not to give them too much information.
Toby Nicol, Communications Director from easyJet said: “We did several exercises with the students and they proved to be focused, fearless and incisive in their questioning of our executives and directors.
“They really put us on the spot and we learned a great deal from them too. It was such an impressive exercise for everyone involved.”
“It’s great that two of Luton’s largest employers can come together for the benefit of everyone involved,” said James. “We were all thrilled when staff presented us with free tickets to any destination in Europe. That certainly was a brilliant way to end the day!”
easyJet Chief Executive Andy Harrison plans to visit the University of Luton later this year to give students feedback about the day.
To find out more about journalism and PR courses at the University of Luton, call 0800 389 6633 or visit www.luton.ac.uk.
Latest news» 2006» Feb» Students learn the easy way to a career in journalism
