Ground-breaking journalism project launched

Glasgow Clyde College journalism students have launched an innovative project with market-leaders Media Scotland, owners of the Daily Record and Sunday Mail, supported by leading railway contractor QTS.

Media Scotland will print 12,500 copies of 'Clyde Outside', produced by second year HND Journalism students, and distribute 8,500 copies within their hugely successful regional paper, The Paisley Daily Express published on Thursday 9 June.

A further 4,000 copies of the magazine will be distributed in the communities of Anniesland, Cardonald, Langside and Paisley.

The students’ magazine will also be published online on Media Scotland’s digital platform; and readers will have the opportunity to vote for the best advertising campaign. Readers can vote here.

Journalism students will be tasked with writing an editorial piece about nationawide railway contractor QTS and the winning feature will be printed in The Paisley Daily Express.

The piece will reflect the support QTS, one of Scotland’s fastest growing businesses, has given to the sports industry – with sponsorship deals including the SPFL Scottish League Cup, Kilmarnock Football Club, Derby City and Ayr racecourse.

Supporting the importance of sport within the community, the second issue of Clyde Outside will feature a strong section on sports within the targeted communities.

A presentation ceremony, for the students with the winning editorial and advertising pieces, will be held in Media Scotland’s Central Quay boardroom in June, where prizes will include engraved trophies and work experience opportunities.

Helena Morrow, sales director for Media Scotland’s regional titles, said: “Working with students to inspire them via words, creative writing and information-sharing means we can help motivate our future generation and discover aspiring new journalists.

"This joint initiative led by Media Scotland and, in particular, The Paisley Daily Express, has tremendous potential and I look forward to working with the college and students and seeing the results unfold.”

Gregg McEwan, marketing manager of QTS, said: “We are really pleased to support this series of articles because the media, specifically journalists, are a massive part of how we promote our investment in sport.

“The fact that our activities cover a vast array of sporting disciplines means that the students can really put their reporting skills to the test. I’m sure this project will highlight some future starts in the journalism world and we are proud to be a part of it.”

Cheryl McEvoy, editor of the Paisley Daily Express, said: "I have the privilege of working in an incredible industry and for a company that encourages and nurtures young talent.

"This initiative will go a long way towards inspiring the journalists of the future, and I'm delighted to be part of it."

Glasgow Clyde College journalism lecturer, Karen Bale, said: “This is one of the most exciting projects we have ever worked on and we are over the moon to have this opportunity.

“For our students to have such an incredible platform for their work is what we would dream of. We are absolutely delighted to work so closely with Media Scotland and to strengthen our partnership. And we are thrilled to be supported and associated with such a successful company as QTS. Their support has made this fantastic project possible.

“Our students have worked hard to produce a fabulous second edition of Clyde Outside, I'd like to thank everybody involved for giving them this amazing opportunity.”