News Academy, News UK’s flagship programme to inspire the next generation of journalists, is giving nine bright, young students from across the country the chance to cut their teeth at Edinburgh Festival Fringe writing reviews for The Times and The Sunday Times.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which runs from 7-31 August, is the largest arts festival in the world, showcasing the best in the worlds of entertainment in Scotland every summer.

This all-expenses paid opportunity will give the hand-picked team of students, aged between 18 and 24, the chance to scour the festival – from underground theatre performances through to big-name comedy shows – to bring readers the latest reviews, stories and insider tips from the Fringe.

The students will see their work published daily online in The Times and Sunday Times, the official media partners of the festival. And with a focus on creating innovative digital content, expect to see the students live streaming audiences reactions to shows, making a splash online in The Times’ daily Curtain Up festival e-newsletter and more.

Shingi Mararike, a participating student from the University of Warwick, said: “This opportunity will help me learn what it takes to report on huge cultural events, invaluable experience I can take going forward. I am looking forward to the creativity, the passion and the performances.“

Duncan White, director of the News Academy, said: “Writing for The Times and The Sunday Times is an honour for any young journalist – but to combine this with the magic of the Fringe Festival – the mecca of comedy and artistic performance – is an experience they will never forget. I’m delighted the News Academy can support emerging talent in this way, a tangible investment in the future of our industry. “

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More information on the News Academy here

The News Academy

Launched in January 2014, the News Academy is News UK’s flagship programme for aspiring young journalists. It aims to inspire and empower the next generation of those considering a career in the media industry. The programme is based on four core pillars of activity:

  • An innovative programme of visits by News UK staff to schools across the country. Each visit includes an opportunity for young people to discuss topical issues, the role of the media and receive practical career guidance.
  • The National Conference Series. So far attended by more than 1,000 students from 110 different schools, each conference hosts sessions featuring world-class journalists and a platform to debate the role of professional journalism. Each National Conference consists of: – Journalist Panel Discussion- Student/Journalist Networking Session- Break-Out Session and Workshops- Mock Press conference
  • A bespoke summer school at News UK’s HQ offering a week of training for the most promising and talented young people. The students compile their own newspaper, search out and write stories and see it printed at the world’s largest print site in Broxbourne.
  • A tangible opportunity for young writers – a fortnightly competition to have their article published on our comprehensive website (www.news.co.uk/academy), packed with information about how to become a success in the industry and insights from experts.