Case study – Reece
What was your experience like at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥?
"My postgraduate experience at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ was challenging yet rewarding. The curriculum was demanding, but the lecturers – many with years of experience in investigative journalism – were supportive and knowledgeable. I gained valuable skills and had the opportunity to apply them in real-world scenarios through the Investigative Journalism degree. I am proud to have earned my degree from Æß²ÊÖ±²¥."
What was your experience like after graduating?
"Since graduating, I have contributed to various publications and news outlets across the UK, including The New European, the Private Eye, the Independent, Byline Times, and Sky News. I have investigated the PR industry fueling far-right populism, the asylum and refugee system, Russian oligarchs, sick pay across Europe, abuse of Whitehall computer systems, Meta and Mark Zuckerberg, and more. I have reported on local elections in Leicester and written about access to green space in the city. Without a doubt, I couldn't have done this without my training on the investigative journalism degree."
What are you doing now?
"Recently, I was a Fellow for the Centre for Investigative Journalism's Lyra McKee Scheme – an investigative journalism training programme named after Lyra, a LGBTQ+ northern Irish journalist who was killed reporting on riots in Derry. Towards the end of this programme, I got together with a small team to put an idea I've had for a while into action: an independent investigative newspaper in Leicester. And so, the Great Central Gazette was born. We start publishing in March 2023 and I can't wait to get started. I'm joined by Emma Guy, graduate from the Investigative Journalism degree, and Megan Lupton, current PhD researcher at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥. Together, we're redefining what local news means in Leicester."
How has being in the LGBTQ+ community had an impact on all of the above?
"When I first started the Investigative Journalism degree, I pitched and ran with stories about the LGBTQ+ community, drawing from my own experiences of biphobia and discrimination. Now, I'm leading an all queer team to create a meaningful alternative to the established newspapers in Leicester. I hope that all the team's experiences will mean the LGBTQ+ community, and all other marginalised and under-represented people, will finally have a voice where there wasn't one before."
Why are you proud to be a part of the community and celebrating Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ Pride month?
"Being bisexual has led me to where I am today and it's at the core of who I am. Studying at Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ helped me find myself, it gave me the courage to finally "come out" to my friends and family, and my very first Æß²ÊÖ±²¥ Pride Month made me realise I had found my home."
February 2023