Perth's cricket enthusiasts are in for a special treat this weekend as the next generation of Australian journalists delivers a fresh perspective on the summer sport. Edith Cowan University's graduating broadcast and journalism students have created 'Rough Cut: Summer of Cricket', a half-hour television program that showcases their developing skills.
Real-World Journalism Experience
The project represents ECU's flagship media showcase, providing students with genuine industry experience. Unlike typical university assignments, this program requires students to write, film, edit, and present content that meets professional broadcast standards. The special will air on Saturday at 3pm on Channel Seven, giving students the incredible opportunity to see their work on free-to-air television.
ECU graduate Ava Martin produced a segment focusing on cricketers with disabilities, a topic of personal significance to her and her family. 'My brother has a disability, so I like the idea of being able to show people the side of disabilities that they don't see,' Martin explained. 'Knowing that it's going to be on TV, I was so excited because this gave the people in my story an opportunity to be seen and to be understood.'
Industry Partnerships and Opportunities
Andrea Burns, ECU Screen and Media academic lead and former 7NEWS reporter, described the Rough Cut program as an 'extraordinary opportunity' for students pursuing broadcast journalism. 'For 21 years, Seven has been giving our emerging journalists and broadcasters the chance to create this show that their friends and parents can watch on free-to-air TV,' Burns noted. 'Only the best stories are chosen, and they must meet a professional standard.'
The collaboration between ECU and Channel Seven has proven vital for developing new talent in the Australian media landscape. Seven Perth news director Christien de Garis emphasized the program's importance, stating that such initiatives are 'vital' for the future of journalism. 'Many current Seven reporters are ECU graduates who contributed to past versions of Rough Cut,' de Garis revealed. 'These sorts of collaborations give students the chance to learn the craft in a real-world environment, which is exactly what newsrooms need.'
Student Perspectives and Future Impact
For the students involved, the Rough Cut project provided their first taste of professional journalism. Ava Martin reflected on the experience, noting that 'It's probably the first assignment that really felt like a project that I would undertake in the real world as a proper journalist.' This hands-on approach to media education ensures that ECU graduates enter the industry with practical experience and portfolio pieces that demonstrate their capabilities to potential employers.
The broadcast represents the culmination of the students' studies at Edith Cowan University and serves as a stepping stone into their media careers. With the continued support of industry partners like Channel Seven, programs like Rough Cut help maintain the pipeline of talented journalists entering Australian newsrooms.
