Online journalism students meet challenge to build by-election site in a fortnight

Internet users in Japan, New Zealand and the US were among the first to learn the results from the recent Preston by-election thanks to a web site created by journalism students.

Nine students from the new MA/PgDip course in online journalism at the University of Central Lancashire were given only a fortnight to research background material and post it to preston by-election 2000. By the time of the vote, they had already built a strong audience with hits from throughout the world.

On the day, they published the full results, together with pictures and quotes from the candidates. UK journalists covering the contest found the site to be a valuable resource.

"There was a lot of positive feedback from UK journalists who used it," University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) course leader Michael Ward told dotJournalism.

The MA/PgDip course is only in its second year and is a new addition to the clutch of journalism courses available at UCLAN. The one-year, full-time course is one of only a tiny number where students can concentrate on journalism for the internet.

The UK seems to have lagged behind the US in the development of specialist online courses.

The course covers the traditional range of core journalism skills but also covers web site design, production and the legal, ethical and commercial considerations of web production.

Recruits from last year's course have gone on to secure posts in BBC online and Ananova.

Mr Ward told dotJournalism that the department is considering establishing a course for mid-career journalists looking for switch to the internet. The course will not be available in time for next year but - given the content - it is ideally suited for distance learning, Mr Ward said.

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