In a change from the print newspaper created in a week by previous students, this year, 15 aspiring young digital journalists will be working alongside 10 budding developers and designers to produce a multimedia digital news product.
Storytelling is evolving and technology has an important part to play. There has never been a greater need for journalism to make sense of a fast-changing world and to challenge fake information, says News UK.
During the digital news summer school, there will be journalism sessions from top editorial talent across The Sun, The Times and The Sunday Times throughout the week. Meanwhile, News UK Technology and video ad tech company Unruly are teaming up with Amazon Web Services to deliver a series of workshops, masterclasses and tutorials for the budding developers and designers.
The digital summer school comes as an evolution of the Build The News event run by The Times and The Sunday Times Digital team for the past three years, who will be providing their knowledge and expertise throughout the week.
The week will end with summer school students doing an Apprentice-style pitch to senior leaders from News UK and Unruly.
The all-expenses paid week will be held at the London headquarters of The Times, The Sunday Times and The Sun between Sunday to Friday, August, 20-25.
Tech and journalism applications are now being accepted here on the News Academy website for 18-25 year old applicants, before May 14.
News UK CEO Rebekah Brooks said: “Journalists need to work hand in hand with technologists to deliver innovative and engaging products for tomorrow's reader. The digital summer school will give a new generation the skills to pursue a career in digital media and news gathering.”
Unruly CEO Sarah Wood said: “The best way to prepare the next generation of journalists to take on a changing digital landscape is to bring them together with talented developers to collaborate and share skills. Developing tech skills in a fast-paced news environment with some of the country's greatest journalists is an unbeatable opportunity for anyone wanting to kickstart their career in media.”
News UK Chief Technology Officer Christina Scott said: “We’re looking for aspiring designers and developers with a passion for media to work in an exciting and fast paced environment. During the week, we are not just developing products, we want to develop people.”
