A Young Reporter award winner has gained first-hand experience of the media industry after recording a series of Instagram reels for the Open University.
Arran Sihota form Parmiter’s School in Watford secured the opportunity after winning the Sports category in his age group at this year's Young Reporter Awards.
The recording session gave Arran the chance to work alongside content producers in a professional sound studio, where he provided voiceovers for a series of Instagram reels.
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Speaking about the experience, he said: "Taking part in this opportunity was an amazing experience! I had to be the voice over for a series of videos that the Open University were making and I got to work with the content producers and record in a real sound studio, getting a real gauge for how this part of the industry works internally, while gaining valuable experience in the world of media."
The Young Reporter Awards, held annually in June, celebrate the achievements of students taking part in the journalism scheme. This year's ceremony was hosted by Roehampton University.
Thirty-three students were recognised across a range of categories, selected from hundreds of entries. Arwa Kinana, from Croydon High School, and Neve Ess, from Franklin Sixth Form in Grimsby, were named the overall winners for 2026.
As part of the prize, winners also attended a university newsroom day, where they experienced producing an online newspaper while working to newsroom deadlines.
The Young Reporter Scheme has been running for 18 years and has helped thousands of students develop journalism, communication and deadline-writing skills to support their future education and careers.
Emma Burch, from Artful Being, who organised Arran's recording session, said: "Arran was brilliant. It was a lot to get through and I've seen seasoned pros struggle more than he did.
"This was an amazing experience for a Young Reporter student and highlights the exciting possibilities that can arise as a result of taking part in this scheme."
To join in September or learn more about the programme, go to youngreporter.co.uk
