Recently we at Cardiff Student media held our annual Student Media awards, to celebrate a year of commendable achievements across the student body. Last year I was not able to make it, but joining around ninety other people in Revolutions for an evening of awards and wine was an encouraging sign of continued engagement with student media this year. The result was a memorable evening where we at the paper reflected on a year of growth and improvements in quality and relevance, whilst also looking forward to an exciting new year ahead.
All present made good use of the very moreish prosecco and free drink tokens, and it was in an inevitably jubilant mood that we clapped and cheered the many many brilliant student journalists from Gair Rhydd, Quench, CUTV and Express Radio, winning awards for outstanding contributions in areas like design, commitment and for the quality of their investigations. It was pleasing to see how student media has brought so many of us together and allowed each and every person to bring their own unique talents, passions and opinions together to produce our respective publications or media. For myself it was the culmination of a year when this paper has become an increasingly important part of my student life, and I feel so proud of what we have done together.
Speaking of myself, after the announcement of all the other heads of media for the coming year, it was my turn to go up onto the stage as I was announced as editor of this paper for 2025-2026. Admittedly slightly overwhelmed by the experience, a few parts of what I wished to say slipped from my head, nonetheless I was able to thank Belle for the work she has put in this year, and Ella for how in her role as Head of Opinion has been a brilliant support.
I found the evening a very memorable way to finish a wonderful year, and my discussions with other members of Cardiff Student media has filled me with optimism for all we can achieve in the future.
There is much work to do, but all for something that I and so many others are passionate about, namely giving everyone a space to write and contribute, gaining experience in the world of journalism, as they express their very own Free Word. I look forward to seeing everyone next year and I hope all our members have a good summer break.
