University of Westminster’s newspaper, QH, sports team won Best sports coverage award at the Student Publication Association Awards Ceremony on May 6^th2017

The Student Publication Association, otherwise known as SPA, is the national body representing student-run magazines and newspapers.

This year’s award ceremony was held at Leeds University. Representatives of student publications were joined by a wide range of industry speakers, including Gareth Jones from BBC Radio Leeds and former Sun writer, Bill Coles.

Westminster’s sports team stand out from the crowd thanks to their innovative coverage of the university sports teams, strong exclusives with big name sportsman and a clear passion for quality sport journalism.

Check out QH top sports stories here: http://smoke.media/sport/

Sports reporter Etienne Fermie was present at the ceremony and collected the award on the behalf of the sports team. He dedicated their success to sports editor Damian Burchardt.

This year was very successful for Smoke Media, Westminster University media team. They were shortlisted by the Student Publication Association for a record breaking seven awards.

Ahead of the event, Smoke Mag editor, Amy Avent said: “The whole team are ecstatic as this is the first time Smoke Mag has been shortlisted for a SPA award. It is a great way to end our year as the 2016/17 editorial team, and feel like our hard work is being recognised outside of the university.”

In 2016, both the QH newspaper and Smoke Mag had a makeover. They became regular monthly publications, and debuted new designs and websites. They also renewed their focus on local issues that are more relevant to students.

The involvement and hard work of all the Smoke Media team is also the key to their success. Let’s hope this year will be the first of many successful ones for the journalists at the University of Westminster.

The full list of Smoke Media shortlisted nominations is:

Best Interview – Etienne Fermie, The QH. Rohan Ricketts’ story: Meeting English football’s globetrotter

Best New Publication – Smoke Mag

Best Sports Coverage – The QH

Best Use of Digital Media – Smoke Media’s election coverage

Best Design (Magazine) – Smoke Mag

Best Design (Newspaper) – The QH

Outstanding Commitment – Amy Avent, editor, Smoke Mag