SOME of the best-known Scots in the media and in media education have been unveiled as part of a new ‘Scottish Media Academy’.
The brainchild of Graham Bryce, managing director of Bauer Media Scotland – which operates several commercial radio stations in Scotland, including Radio Clyde – the academy is a commercial entity offering various grades of courses for people aged over 15.
Says a media release announcing the academy launch: “The Academy will provide a much-needed springboard for young Scottish talent interested in pursuing a career within the media.
“Courses cover the full spectrum of media channels including radio, TV, print, online and social media, from interviewing and writing for press and creating thought-provoking material for broadcasting to developing a deeper understanding of the new media landscape.”
Its director is Courtnay McLeod, a former presenter on Border Television and most recently MA Journalism programme leader, among other things, at Edinburgh Napier University. She is quoted in the statement, as saying: “Bauer Media Scotland is committed to identifying and developing the next generation of media talent. In creating the Scottish Media Academy, we have developed a truly innovative media education and training resource which strikes a balance between practical and theoretical learning.
“The courses will provide a comprehensive introduction to various media concepts with the support of a highly qualified team of tutors, who have a wealth of experience and advice to share.
“This is the first Media Academy of its kind in Scotland which will provide an unique and exclusive insight into the media business and we hope to identify and develop exciting raw talent and to nurture the media stars of the future.”
The first course being launched is a five-day Summer School from Bauer’s headquarters at Clyde 1 in Glasgow and Forth One in Edinburgh.
The statement continues: “The Who’s Who of the Scottish Media Academy includes Rona Dougall of Scottish Television’s current affairs programme, Scotland Tonight; Kathleen Morgan, [Senior Lecturer in Journalism at Cardonald College Glasgow, and] freelance journalist and former editor of The Herald Magazine and Sunday Herald Magazine; and Billy Briggs, a freelance journalist whose world-wide reporting has won him several wards from Amnesty International and the European Union.
“From an academic perspective, the Academy boasts Robert Beveridge [formerly of Edinburgh Napier University and] a leading authority on media policy and regulation and Colin Gray, an experienced online educator for Edinburgh Napier University.”
MacLeod is a visiting professor of media at the University of Sassari in Italy.
The statement continues: “Bauer Media Scotland’s own stars include Gina McKee, Knoxy, Boogie and Clyde 1 DJ Gavin Pearson who have more than 70 years broadcast experience between them.”
Academy courses have been structured over three levels: Discovery (Beginners) Confidence (Intermediate) and Excellence (Advanced.) Spaces are limited to 20 students per class, and the first class on offer – Discovery – costs £300, with an introductory price of £250.
For more details, visit www.scottishmediaacademy.com
