Journalism student wins BBC Today Programme award
Monday 8 October 2018
MOVING reports of how people live with chronic disorders have earned a University of Salford graduate praise from top BBC broadcaster John Humphrys.
Journalism (Broadcast) high-flyer Nikola Bartosova wanted to expose the daily realities of living with three relatively unknown conditions – Fibromyalgia, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and Cystic Fibrosis.
Her outstanding project not only sealed her a First and, one astonishing mark of 98% but has earned her the title Student Broadcaster of the Year from the BBC’s flagship news programme, Today.
The 25-year-old was selected by veteran anchor John Humphrys and Emma Tucker of The Times and picked up her award and prize of work experience on today at a ceremony in London on October 24.
Devastating
Nikola, originally from the Czech Republic, said: “I was very happy to find out about the nomination. I wouldn’t think I’d actually be shortlisted so that really made my day. I hope that this project will bring more awareness and understanding about chronic illness.”
Inspired by a friend in her 20s called Marta who lived with CRPS, Nikola’s final-year video project lifts the lid on the condition and how it devastates lives such as that of trainee barrister Victoria who lost both legs and spends whole nights awake crying in pain.
Her ‘trilogy’ of videos – one on each chronic condition –are at times hard to watch, showing the daily routines that people make to cope with their pain.
Nicola’s report on Fibromyalgia chronicles the life of Adrienne who despite her struggles takes her campaign to have the condition recognised as a disability all the way to Parliament.
Great talent
Her interviews with clinicians, charities, MPs and the sufferers themselves clearly impressed the judges.
Lecturer and final year mentor Andrew Lindsay said: “There were some very talented students in this year group, and Nikola is in great company among them.
“Her focus and enthusiasm have served her brilliantly and this nomination comes as no surprise, though it is obviously very pleasing and- English being her second language - a superb achievement in itself.”
Nikola, who wants to be a television journalist is currently working freelance at BBC Breakfast, managing student journalists at Quays News for the School of Journalism and putting in hours at a learning disabilities group.
Find out more
Gareth Hollyman, Senior Press & PR Officer (Science)
0161 295 6895 g.b.hollyman@salford.ac.uk
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