Ara’s NZBS in landmark agreement to foster sports media talent
05 August, 2024
Three-year partnership with University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand signed
NZBS students enjoy opportunities through UTSNZ
Coverage of the Paris Olympics has many of us tuned in for every milestone moment and Ara Institute of Canterbury’s New Zealand Broadcasting School (NZBS) has a proud history of educating the talented individuals who bring us that breathtaking coverage.
Now, a new partnership between NZBS and University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand (UTSNZ) is set to create more opportunities to foster that talent.
A three-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed this week will see the organisations collaborate on media coverage opportunities for sports events at local, national and international levels. Covering sports journalism, commentary and photography, it’s the first formal agreement between UTSNZ and a tertiary institution outside the university network.
The MOU provides a collaborative framework which could see ākonga (students) involved in coverage of the UTSNZ’s National Tertiary Championship Series and international events such as the International University Sports Federation (FISU) World University Games.
UTSNZ Executive Director Sarah Anderson said because the events are tertiary-specific, they provide a unique, safe and highly supportive environment for students to test and develop their skills among their peers.
“This partnership will allow students to explore various career paths, offering practical, hands-on experience that applies theoretical knowledge to real-world situations,” Anderson said.
“Additionally, students will benefit from valuable networking opportunities with industry professionals and community leaders, fostering personal and professional growth and self-confidence.”
Richard Bell, NZBS Screen Tutor (and past provider of livestream broadcasts for the UTSNZ National Tertiary Championship Series, appreciates what the relationship will afford.
“Through UTSNZ our aspiring media professionals have previously gained practical, real-world experience in sports broadcasting. As well as honing their communication and technical skills, the experiences bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice and provide a platform to explore potential career paths,” Bell said.
Next year, the collaboration will reach new heights with UTSNZ and NZBS participating in a pilot project for emerging media talent at the World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr Germany (RR2025).
Extending the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Young Reporters Programme already in existence, the RR2025 Young Sports Media Talent programme will offer NZBS students the chance to engage meaningfully in an international sports media environment.
The initiative begins in October with industry experts from across the globe delivering a series of open-access online lectures on sports media topics to students and recent graduates of media-focused academic programmes.
Ara Bachelor of Broadcasting degree tutors across Screen, Radio and Journalism are among those invited to present.
Students aged 18 to 25 will then have the opportunity to apply for roles as reporters, photographers or commentators at the 2025 World University Games. One student from across Aotearoa will receive a guaranteed spot within the media team on site in Germany.
“Our relationship with UTSNZ provides an exciting pathway to receive further professional training, mentorship and invaluable media experience,” NZBS Manager Kathryn McCully said.
“We’re excited about future collaborations and opportunities to integrate sport and educational initiatives in the coming years.”