LATEST NEWS

On Thursday 7th November, Chiswick School were the first and only school to be invited to participate in the exciting production of a new TV programme for young people.

The producers of ITN on Channel 5 are applying for funds to start up a news channel designed to target and accurately represent our generation (14-19 year olds). They are aware that the news can be very tedious and difficult to understand, whilst the CBBC programme, Newsround, is aimed at children rather than teenagers so it does not fulfil our needs.

After an interesting discussion on journalism and several mini-debates talking about who and what we would like to see in the news and how the top stories are chosen, we were taken to the studio. This is a large room, littered with carefully positioned cameras and monitors, wires snaking around the floor and a big 5-shaped table with an aesthetic background, which is where the show is filmed when it goes on air.

All ten of us had a go at taking the role as presenters, having been miked, filmed and taught how the editing and tech works (all hidden in the gallery next door).

To conclude the day, we were filmed and asked questions about our opinions on how young adults are seen and treated. TV Journalist, Ruth Liptrot, gave us a fascinating talk on what life and opportunities in the media are and everyone had many enthusiastic questions for her to answer.

The day was full of dynamic conversations and ITN committed to 'do our absolute best to get this programme made - and when it is, you’ll be the first to know, and the first to be involved’ which is very exciting.

Chiswick was chosen because of the successful journalism programme held last year and ITN described the students as ‘honest, open and articulate’. All of us are looking forward to moving the project along, and if anyone has any ideas for a name or stories they want presented, email or talk to Miss Wyatt.

By Selene Kalra