Students play key role in launch of new North East news platform

Students play key role in launch of new North East news platform

September 16, 2026

Students from across our hospitality, media and production courses played a central role in the launch of a new independent online newspaper for the North East.

The Source, founded by former Journal editor Brian Aitken, officially launched at The Catalyst in Newcastle. The new digital news platform aims to inform, inspire, connect and entertain audiences through high-quality, independent journalism and has the backing of journalist and broadcaster Steph McGovern.

The event was also the first CoLab project of the 2026/27 academic year, giving students the opportunity to collaborate across different curriculum areas while gaining experience at a high-profile regional event.

Students supported the launch in a variety of roles. Hospitality students welcomed and registered guests, TV & Film Production students filmed presentations and discussions, Theatre Technical students managed sound and lighting, and Digital Journalism and Photography students interviewed guests and captured content throughout the day.

Alongside gaining valuable industry experience, students also had the opportunity to meet and learn from Steph McGovern and Charlie Charlton, who contributed to discussions during the launch.

Harrison and Thomas, two of our Technical Theatre students, helped with the lighting and sound setup. They said: “It’s great to be involved in more CoLab projects this year and get more experience in the industry and build connections across the North East. It’s a fantastic way to figure out what jobs we enjoy most in the industry”.

Photography student Charlie added: “From photographing key moments to interviewing guests afterwards, we gained hands-on experience in a live professional environment. Working alongside students from other courses and creating content for The Source gave us a real insight into what a career in the media industry is like.”

The project highlights our commitment to providing students with industry-relevant opportunities that build confidence, develop professional networks and prepare them for future careers.

Through CoLab projects like this, students work collaboratively across disciplines, reflecting the way creative and event industries operate in the real world.