04 July 2019

The way in which young people receive the news has changed, according to two young journalists from Cardiff who are about to embark on an exciting journalism scheme between S4C and ITV Wales.

With more emphasis than ever before on social media, S4C and ITV Wales again this year are supporting a journalist training scheme to produce material for the Welsh language digital platform, Hansh.

Gwennan Campbell and Zahra Errami are the two who have earned their place, and both will be seen on the Hansh social media pages, breaking news stories and trying to spark conversations on topical and political issues amongst the younger audience, aged 16-34.

26-year-old Zahra Errami, originally from Anglesey, said: "It's great to have the opportunity to find our feet as a young journalist and start a new, exciting career through the medium of Welsh.

"I'm looking forward to creating content for a platform that I watch and enjoy myself. I hope to bring to Hansh new ideas and stories to catch the attention of young people about topical issues that matter to Wales in a relevant, easy and accessible way."

22-year-old Gwennan Campbell, originally from Llandeilo, said: "It's a great privilege to be chosen to be part of the ITV training scheme with S4C. It is an exciting time to be creating digital content that discusses current issues for young people, especially with most young people receiving information through social media.

"It is so important that young people take an interest in news issues. There has been so much apathy over the last few years but it is clear that things are beginning to change."

Hansh is a digital platform targeting the 16-34-year-old audience and was first launched over two years ago. With original content, often full of humour and banter, published on the platform daily, this scheme will offer viewers a different kind of material to watch.

Rhodri ap Dyfrig, S4C's Online Content Commissioner, said: "We are delighted to be able to extend this scheme which was successfully piloted last year. Providing a platform for contemporary journalism and for people to voice their views on what is happening in the world around them is an important addition to Hansh.

"Hansh is also a place to experiment with new publishing and communication techniques, and journalism is no exception. We hope that a new generation of journalists will become confident using the range of techniques and platforms available to them, which is so vital to make sure our services are up to date and relevant."

Head of News and Programmes at ITV Wales, Phil Henfrey, said: "ITV Wales plays a vital role in providing trusted Welsh news for audiences and it is exciting to be working with S4C on this innovative initiative to reach younger audiences on new platforms through the medium of Welsh.

"Gwennan and Zahra will be working alongside a hugely talented and passionate current affairs team and will bring a fresh perspective and a new voice to help engage new audiences with our coverage of Welsh affairs."