Newsquest reporter named Apprentice of the Year
A Newsquest reporter has been named the industry’s Apprentice of the Year.
Poppie Webster of the Essex Echo in Basildon was crowned the title at the NCTJ Awards for Excellence.
The winners of the prestigious annual awards — which recognise and reward the best journalism students, apprentices and trainees — were announced on March 18 in an online ceremony hosted by Sky News presenter Anna Botting live from the Sky Studios.
Poppie said: “This achievement is not something I ever expected or saw coming, to even be shortlisted was such an amazing honour.
“It truly has made every late night, stressful day, and terrifying door-knock worth it — and I wouldn’t change one second of it for the world.
“Journalism has always been something I wanted to do, and it’s times like this that remind me exactly why. My short time in the industry has been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
“It goes without saying that I couldn’t have done this without support from my Darlington College tutors, who have been behind me through thick and thin, no matter what.
“And of course my Essex Echo family, who have believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.
“Every single person shortlisted deserved to win, and no doubt put their all into their work every single day. A huge congratulations to you all!”
Poppie’s colleague Lewis Adams, a new trainee reporter for Newsquest Essex based in Colchester, was highly commended in the Student Podcast Journalism category.
Poppie and Lewis’s regional editor Chris Hatton said: “We couldn’t be more proud of Poppie and Lewis and their achievements in the NCTJ awards.
“Poppie is a beacon of light in our news conferences, sourcing many brilliant news stories ranging from cracking follow-ups from police raids and fires to incredibly emotive pieces.
“During the early stages of Covid-19, Poppie spent time shadowing an A&E consultant, covering the most challenging of scenarios faced by NHS staff. Many people wrote to congratulate her for the Incredibly powerful piece.
“The award is testament to her dedication, drive and commitment to finding the best news stories.
“Lewis joined our newsroom in North Essex in January. He is a past master at podcasting and has developed crucial digital skills, including creating and managing a digital football news profile and spearheading a multimedia project on the link between degenerative brain disease and heading a football.
“Warmest congratulations to both Poppie and Lewis on their awards.”
Other Newsquest journalists recognised at the awards were central digital content writer Nicole Baddeley and Brighton Argus journalist Connor Stringer — who were jointly both commended in the Best Student Project category and Hampshire digital journalist Megan Hinton was highly commended in the Best Student Features category.
In the Apprentice of the Year category James Robinson at Cumbria daily the News & Star was highly commended and Hedi Mehrez at the Swindon Advertiser was also commended, while Bradley Deas of the Bradford Telegraph & Argus was highly commended for Scoop of the Year.
