The initiative run jointly by the Media Trust and The Sun aims to find raw undiscovered writing talent and get the voices of young people heard.
Katie (pictured) said: “I’ve been writing a column in The Sun for almost three months and it is one of the best privileges of my career so far. Column Idol offers an amazing chance for young people to stand up for what they believe in and to put their opinions across. My advice to entrants is don’t let anything hold you back.”
The competition, now in its third year, offers six 18-25 year olds the chance to be mentored by top journalists on the paper – with one lucky winner getting the chance to have their column printed in The Sun.
To enter, young people must submit a short description about themselves, what they’d like to write about and why they deserve to be crowned Column Idol 2012. The entry form can be found at www.thesun.co.uk/columnidol
Six writers will be shortlisted and mentored by top journalists from The Sun who will help them polish their ideas and support them as they write their columns.
Those shortlisted will present their columns to a high-profile judging panel including The Sun’s Editor Dominic Mohan and Lorraine Kelly. The final winner will receive the prize of having their column printed in the newspaper in September 2012.
Dominic Mohan, Editor of The Sun, said: “The Sun is committed to finding and investing in new talent so I am extremely proud that we are giving new voices a platform through Column Idol 2012. Each year we have attracted incredible talent from all walks of life and I’m sure this year will be no different.”
Katie Lloyd, Deputy Chief Executive at Media Trust, said: “We’re pleased to partner with The Sun for the third year running to find raw undiscovered talent and give young people the chance to get their voices heard. Column Idol is part of a long term partnership with The Sun. We’re delighted to once again have some of their most esteemed journalists on board as mentors to give industry insight and expertise to young people who wouldn’t normally have access to it.”
The closing date for entries is Friday, 15 June 2012 at midday. To enter and for terms and conditions please go to www.thesun.co.uk/columnidol
About the Media Trust
The Media Trust says: “The Media Trust believes in the power of media to change lives. We work with the media industry to empower charities and communities to have a voice and be heard. This is achieved by;
• providing communications skills and resources
• helping access audiences
• harnessing creative industry talent.
Our corporate members include Aegis Group plc, BBC, Channel 4, Daily Mail and General Trust, Discovery Networks Europe, Google, Guardian Media Group, IPC Media, ITV plc, MTV Networks UK and Ireland, News International, Sky, WPP. Follow us @Media_Trust”
