How Media Is Made

Win My Vote

UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

One of the main issues facing young people from marginalised backgrounds is their ability to believe that they can break the mould and ‘do something different’. Through capitalising on the innovative nature of the media sector disadvantaged young people can be inspired to challenge assumptions about their future and place in society. Opportunities to work alongside industry professionals will lead to the development of ‘hard skills’ ranging from journalism and scriptwriting to camera operations and web-design as well as ‘soft skills’ such as confidence, motivation and interaction.

INSPIRING OPPORTUNITIES

Mediabox, a fund run in partnership by Media Trust, First Light, Skillset and the UK Film Council, offers disadvantaged 13-19 year olds the tools and support they need to create their own media projects. The fund enables young people to gain new skills, express themselves and get their voices heard, to date over 12,000 young people have participated in Mediabox projects. Media companies support the programme by providing mentors and showcasing content made by young people on their platforms. Media Trust’s Community Channel also broadcasts selected Mediabox films and documentaries.

Through his participation in a Mediabox project, Dorian ‘V.Go’ Wright created a short news piece about Barack Obama’s election called 'Bristol backs Obama'. The film looked at how Obama's election would impact on the aspirations and self-belief of young black people in Bristol. V.Go’s film won him the chance to gain access to the political party conferences in Autumn 2009. V.Go interviewed leading politicians for an independent Mediabox documentary titled Win My Vote which was transmitted on Community Channel in October 2009. His journey was also documented in three features in The Times. As a result of meeting and impressing their senior journalists V.Go was subsequently offered 2-weeks work experience at The Times.

James Harding, Editor of The Times, said, "The Times is thrilled to have worked with Mediabox and Community Channel on this fantastic project which gives talented young people unprecedented access to the political stage and our political leaders. Watching V.Go in action has been a real privilege."

V.Go said, "It’s hard to describe what I have been a part of and achieved, its been a real eye opener. Something special has happened and I think that it's amazing that someone from my background has been allowed to do something like this. I am grateful to The Times, Mediabox and Community Channel for giving me this opportunity, it's a journey I'll never forget."

LESSONS LEARNED

Through projects such as Mediabox the sector can develop talented young people from marginalised backgrounds as well as raise the aspirations and skills of future generations. The scheme gives young people the chance to have their own voice in the mainstream media and to challenge negative perceptions. By offering mentoring, work experience and advice to disadvantaged young people, staff at The Times develop their leadership skills, learn how to nurture employees from diverse communities and can be aligned to social responsibility programmes. Through it’s Youth Mentoring team Media Trust continues to connect experienced professionals with disadvantaged young people through a wide range of projects that inspire and develop the talent of future generations.

To find out more about Media Trust go to www.mediatrust.org

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