Students from the School of Media, Arts and Humanities have been awarded various accolades at the 2024 Student Publication Association National Awards for their work on the University of Sussex student newspaper, The Badger. In total The Badger was shortlisted for 10 nominations and won 4 awards.  

The Student Publication Association (SPA) is the UK and Ireland’s largest student media association, comprising over 200 publications. The charity aims to provide support, training, and recognition for student-run publications. It works alongside partners such as PA Media, Newsworks, City, University of London, Bloomberg and the Association of British Science Writers.  

Harry Turnbull and Isabella Poderico (BA Media and Communications) were awarded ' Best Culture Piece’ for their article ‘From Jimi Hendrix to… Nothing: The History of Sussex Music’. The winning article tackles the rich history of our University's music scene, and questions the competence of the current SU, as the calibre and quality of music events held at Sussex has dwindled.

Harry said: ‘'I am shocked more than anything, but very honoured and extremely grateful for the amazing Badger team for helping me along the way, particularly our Editor in Chief Semi."

Maisie Knights (BA English and Media) won ‘Best Overall Digital Media’ for her work on The Badger’s Instagram. 

Maisie said: "Winning [the award] feels like a bittersweet end to my time in the newspaper and at Sussex, and I'm so grateful for everyone who has enjoyed my Instagram content this past year! Social media is such a powerful tool, and I'm honoured to know I had such an impact on student journalism utilising this platform."

Students from other subjects across the University of Sussex have also taken home awards for their excellent work.  

Semhar Tesfazgy (BA Computer Science with AI) won the ‘Rising Star (Best Newcomer)’ in her role as The Badger’s Editor in Chief, alongside the ‘Billy Dowling-Reid for Outstanding Commitment’ award for her leadership in restructuring The Badger. Meanwhile, Lucy Spencer(MA Education) won ‘Best Lifestyle Piece’ for her article ‘UTI’s: the What, the How, and the Why Me. 

The Badger’s sixth and final edition of the year will be releasing on 13 May 2024. 

Congratulations to The Badger team!