Print is dead” and all other such tired clichés are quashed when you enter the realm of Stationer’s Hall, London, for the Shine Media Awards, showcasing the best in print from schoolchildren aged between 11 and 18. Last month, the venerable venue hosted work from more than 130 schoolchildren from 28 UK schools and the projects were nothing short of magnificent.
After a number of morning workshops sponsored by paper merchant Antalis, London mayor Sadiq Khan gave a video address to set the tone for the ceremony.
“I’ve always been passionate about words and print and when I saw the entries for the first time, I knew today was going to be special,” says Shine Awards chairman Annie Hotton.
Hosted by senior Daily Telegraph columnist Dr Simon Heffer and Hearst Magazines’ director of editorial strategy and content Louise Court, categories range widely, with Hotton instituting more of an individual focus this year, introducing new awards for best individual photograph and best illustration.
The Manchester Grammar School’s magazine The New Mancunian, winner of best design and layout, was daubed with a brilliantly photoshopped image of Donald Trump. Best magazine goes to the slick and artistic Aqila, produced by the team at the Headington School, Oxford.
“The schoolkids on so many occasions could give the people in the industry a run for their money. Innovation doesn’t start when you leave school, innovation starts the minute you have a bright idea,” says Kathy Crawford-Hay, who launched what was originally the Scottish School Media Awards in 2006. It became Shine and moved to London in 2010. She acted as consultant for this year’s awards and was overawed by the entries.
Best newspaper went to Northamptonshire-based Oundle School’s Oundle Chronicle, which received special commendation for supporting local charities as well as being funded through advertising revenue. The Harrison Cup, awarded to a school showing exceptional promise, was granted to London’s Chislehurst School for Girls.
Speaking after the awards, Hotton says: “My favourite day out is in a print shop, because you walk in and smell the air and know you’re in the right spot. Sadly, the printing community I’m talking about is getting older and there are fewer people coming in so what I’m trying to do with Shine is to get young people interested.”
Hotton is particularly pleased that she got the likes of Google, Getty Images and industry bodies such as the BPIF on board as sponsors. She already has big plans for next year.
“I’m hoping I can take this to another level, to encourage young people, but the most important thing from my perspective is getting that database of contacts and building it. I’m already putting out feelers to find people in the network who can help me build that database.”
BPIF chief executive Charles Jarrold, who attended the day and presented the award for exceptional overall promise, says: “The Shine Awards go from strength to strength, and demonstrates both the level of interest in print and media, and the capabilities, talent and commitment of the schools that entered.”
A fantastic day, and one that showcased the power of print. But spare a thought for Joseph Dale, winner of the award for most promising young journalist.
Dale’s prize? An day shadowing the team at PrintWeek towers.
Teens on print
Christy Au Headington School, Oxford.
Editor of Aqila, winner of best magazine and best editorial content
“We feel amazing. It’s a big team so it’s spread around. We were short on time by the end of it so it means a lot. People have been talking about the demise of physical print but it’s almost regained a new value and is seen in a different light, especially with niche publications.”
Morgan Willetts St Joseph’s College, Ipswich.
Editor of Vox, nominated for best online magazine
“We are predominantly an online publication but I’d love to expand into print. We think print gives a far more appealing product. Print in general we think is doing really well. You could say it’s even on the rise.”
Megan Heggarty Dollar Academy, Central Scotland.
Editor of The Galley, winner of best environmental strategy
“I think this is the first time we’ve been to London and we like how Shine put on the event. The process of putting together a print product for others to read is still really important, and you can just see that by looking around you today.”
