A journalism student at the University of Galway and volunteer broadcaster with the college’s Flirt FM has been named Student Journalist of the Year at the Justice Media Awards.

Caoimhe Looney, who is from Corofin, Co Galway, and is studying for a BA in Journalism and Law at the University, also presents current affairs show Vested Interest on Flirt FM.

Her winning entry was broadcast on Flirt FM, titled the Right to Protesting and Housing.

The judges described it as ‘an interesting piece exploring one of the most topical issues facing the nation – the right to housing and the right to protest’.

“This journalist has a captivating interview style. The journalist had conducted significant research in advance to ensure her listeners were all the better informed,” the citation continued.

The Justice Media Awards are the longest running media awards in Ireland,

recognising outstanding print, broadcast and online journalism that contributes to the public’s understanding of justice, the legal system and legal issues.

It’s not Caoimhe’s first win either, because last April, she won a Student Media Award at the Smedia Awards, and the RSA Award for Journalism Relating to Road Safety for a piece on road safety in Galway.

Vested Interest presents invaluable information about a range of topics such as the right to protest, homelessness and food poverty, through Caoimhe’s interviews with people directly impacted by the topic.

The link to the podcast can be found on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6D1UOP8uVAjVW7GuDo1xUD

Flirt FM offers training and on-air experience for students at the University of Galway though internships and volunteer show opportunities.

All volunteers are trained in every aspect of radio production including structure, how to use an audio desk and sound editing.

Providing valuable experience to future broadcast journalists, volunteer learning and accomplishments are recognised with digital badges issued by the Centre for Education, Learning and Teaching at the University.