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Breaking news: How Joshua is preparing for a life telling stories

Imagine studying to be a journalist and/or broadcaster and having the opportunity to showcase your work to a wide audience on a commercial network? Before you finish your course? How cool.

Young man with a microphone. ECU Journalism and Broadcast Media student Joshua Dowdall steps up to the mike in the university's radio studio.

This is exactly what happens in the third year of a Bachelor of Journalism and Broadcast Media at Edith Cowan University.

The university has an exciting partnership with the Seven Network in Australia that has been running since 2021.

Students have the exclusive opportunity to produce a program called Project WA that is broadcast on Channel 7.

Writing and sharing uniquely Western Australian stories.

And getting valuable experience producing stories for broadcast, while demonstrating their skills as reporters, presenters, and interviewers.

Course Coordinator, Dr Steinar Ellingsen says, "It's a significant highlight for students to add to their portfolios and showreels."

"It's an absolute joy to see it all come together."

Meet Joshua, third year student

Joshua Dowdall couldn't agree more.

He was one of this year's Project WA presenters and says that producing the broadcast was one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences he has had while studying at ECU.

"Project WA is about promoting our beautiful state's many wonders. I chose to focus on the rising glamping industry in Western Australia," he explains.

"This allowed me to travel around to Guilderton and the Perth Hills."

While planning his topic, Joshua reached out to experts and learned the importance of effective communication and adaptability.

"This project not only enhanced my research skills but has also boosted my confidence in reaching out to people," he says.

"Overall, the course has not only made me a more confident person but has also taught me a lot of life lessons."

A sporting chance in the future?

In the future, Joshua sees a career in the radio and sports journalism industries.

"Sports have always been a big thing for me; it's what I love the most," he says.

However, the course has opened his eyes to radio broadcasts.

"I was surprised by how much I enjoyed radio in one of my previous units, and I've loved it ever since."


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