An upcoming journalist hailing from the hustle and bustle of Sydney has been awarded the 16th JB Fairfax Award for Rural and Regional Journalism and Communications.
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Currently in his third year of studies at the University of Technology Sydney, recipient Nick Newling has expressed a particular interest in rural and regional affairs.
Mr Newling works as a research assistant at the Centre for Media Transition, contributing to projects that cover regional media, media standards, and media complaints.
He has also worked as a freelance journalist for The Guardian, reporter for the Central News and a producer for the radio station 2SER.
Through his work Nick hopes to better connect regional and metropolitan audiences as well as ensure regional stories are accurately reported in the mainstream media.
"As technology changes, political polarisation and socio-environmental factors rapidly mould the world in which we live in, quality public interest journalism is becoming both more vital and vulnerable than ever," Mr Newling said.
"The regions have never been more important to Australia's way of life yet their modes of communication have never been under such significant strain.
"As such a well trained, well rewarded press is necessary to uphold and challenge the democratic and institutional forces that define the quality of life of so many Australians. Strong regions need strong advocates."
As part of his scholarship, Nick will receive $10,000 towards supporting his studies as well as internships at The Land, ABC Brisbane, and with the RAS media team during the Sydney Royal Easter Show.