‘Persistent networking’ lands reporter exclusive interview — and journalism prize
A regional reporter has been honoured for a rare interview secured with a man responsible for the livelihoods of thousands of local readers.
Bridget Dempsey was awarded the Cathryn Nicholl prize at the Regional Press Awards.
Set up by the News Media Association, the Award has been launched in memory of Cathryn Nicoll who held the position of news editor at the Croydon Advertiser during her career as a journalist.
Cathryn was known for her passionate belief in journalistic standards and training, and the award highlights and reward brilliant interviewing and feature writing by young journalists.
Bridget, who works for Newsquest in Cumbria, won for her interview with the CEO of Sellafield nuclear site, Martin Chown.
Sellafield is not just the largest nuclear site in Europe, it is a vital contributor to the Cumbrian economy even while it is in the process of being decommissioned, with tens of thousands of people employed either directly by the plant or the associated supply chain.
Thanks to persistent networking over the course of many months, Bridget was able to secure a relatively rare interview with Sellafield’s CEO, which offered not just an insight into future plans for the site but a personal look at a leader of local importance who guided Sellafield through the pandemic and its aftermath, judges noted.
They added that Bridget emphasised Chown’s humility as a leader, and his belief that “everybody is just as important as everybody else” whether they are a nuclear worker, cleaner or security guard. But Bridget also discussed Chown’s background, from starting his career working on the shop floor as an apprentice to later volunteering as a part-time ambulance driver.
The article appeared in Newsquest’s business publication In Cumbria.
