Last month, creative media production students had the exciting opportunity to visit the Al Jazeera headquarters in London’s Shard.

As one of the largest news organisations and current affairs channels in the world, Al Jazeera reaches 270 million households across 35 different countries. Their broadcasting centre is situated on the 16th floor of the Shard and offers fantastic views over London.

This is the second year in a row that creative media production students have had the opportunity to visit the centre.

Lecturer, Jorg Wagner, accompanied the students on their trip. He said: “This was a very valuable networking experience that placed students in contact with professionals who work in the media industry. They were also placed in direct contact with state-of-the-art broadcasting equipment. A unique opportunity such as this definitely enhances out students’ learning experience."

David Jackson, who is one the Master Control Room (MCR) operators at Al Jazeera, gave students an elaborate tour through the 24-hour network’s London office and happily answered any questions the students had to ask while took a look around.

Al Jazeera’s reporters were able to offer students an insight into news reading, planning, editing, transmitting and co-ordinating. At the end of the tour, students exchanged contact details for the chance to pursue internship opportunities with the network.

Here’s what some of the students had to say about their visit to Al Jazeera.

Michelle Adetoun Adeogun

“The visit was a great privilege for me, especially to witness what goes on behind the scenes. It was an eye opener to how some of the art technology is utilised to transmit information across the globe.”

Andrew Wishart

“I found it very informative. The trip showed us different sides to the industry, for example, that we could become freelancers in editing and sound, and gave some insight into how news networks are never asleep.”

Joao Rafael Lopes Vicente

“I think the tour of Al Jazeera was not only informative but exciting as one could see how a TV studio is run, by the people who actually work there.”

Nigel Powell

“I feel the tour organised by Jorg was very exciting. It was great to see the inner workings of a television station.”

 

Our students have also previously visited the world's largest zip manufacturer, YKK. Find out what they are saying about their visit.