UL and RTÉ collaboration offers students a front-row seat to the 2024 General Election
Sixteen University of Limerick (UL) journalism students will take part in RTÉ’s 2024 General Election coverage this weekend. Representing both the undergraduate and master’s Journalism@UL programs, the students will collaborate with RTÉ teams across the country to produce content for the broadcaster’s digital platforms.
RTÉ News’ Social and Digital Native Content Editor, Philip Bromwell, has assigned the students to reporters and correspondents stationed at count centres nationwide.
“We’re delighted to work with talented journalism students and give them a chance to see at first-hand how we cover one of the biggest news stories of the year,” said Mr Bromwell. “This is the broadest and most ambitious multi-platform coverage of the election that has ever been attempted by RTÉ.” He emphasized that the students will play an important role in the process.
Fourth-year journalism student Aoife McDarby, who will join the RTÉ team in Limerick City, expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity. “I’m really excited. I think it’s a really unique experience,” she said. McDarby sees the project as a valuable learning opportunity. “Personally, I don’t have any background in politics so although it’s a bit daunting, it’s a great time to learn more and get some political journalism experience as well,” she added.
Dr. Fergal Quinn, Head of Journalism at UL and Lecturer in Broadcast Journalism, highlighted the benefits of the collaboration: “It’s a terrific opportunity for our best students to both experience the democratic process and see the buzz of election count centres, while also building important contacts with politicians and RTÉ staff that can help them in their future careers.”