Bower News is a digital journalism platform produced by students on the MA Journalism programme at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol).
It operates as both a teaching newsroom and a public-facing publication, giving students the opportunity to produce and publish real journalism while developing the skills needed for the industry.
A real newsroom experience
Bower News is designed to reflect the pace, structure and expectations of a professional newsroom.
Students research, report, write and produce stories across:
- breaking news
- features and long-form journalism
- multimedia storytelling, including video, audio and interactive content
Work is produced both during structured News Day simulations and independently, allowing students to build a portfolio of published work.
Learning by publishing
Everything published on Bower News is part of the MA Journalism learning experience.
Students are supported by academic staff and work within a clear editorial framework, developing skills in:
- newsgathering and verification
- interviewing and source development
- writing for digital audiences
- media law and ethics
- multimedia production
Publishing work publicly helps students gain confidence, build professional credibility, and prepare for careers in journalism and media.
Editorial standards
We aim to uphold the core principles of professional journalism, including:
- accuracy and verification
- fairness and balance
- clear attribution of sources
- ethical reporting practices
While Bower News reflects a learning environment, all contributors are expected to work to these standards, supported by editorial guidance and oversight.
A platform for student voices
Bower News provides a space for students to tell stories that matter – locally, nationally and internationally.
Content may include:
- original reporting
- interviews
- analysis and features
- multimedia storytelling
- embedded content from social media platforms
The site showcases the breadth of work produced by MA Journalism students and helps demonstrate their skills to future employers.
About the MA Journalism course
The MA Journalism programme at UWE Bristol is focused on practical, industry-relevant training.
It prepares students for careers across:
- digital journalism
- broadcast and multimedia production
- communications and media industries
Bower News is a central part of this training, offering hands-on experience in publishing, editing and newsroom workflows.
Get in touch
If you would like to contact the Bower News team, or find out more about the MA Journalism programme, please email the MA Journalism programme leader Christopher Brown: christopher12.brown@uwe.ac.uk
