Published on 04 July 2023
A University of Sunderland graduate has received an award in recognition of his work at The Northern Echo.
Daniel Hordon won ‘Trainee Reporter of the Year’ at this year’s Newsquest Excellence Awards.
The industry’s prestigious awards recognise outstanding reporting and innovation in both print and online and are based on nominations from staff members who put their colleagues forward for a prize.
Daniel, 22, from Cramlington said: “When they announced my name, I couldn’t believe it.
“I was a bit lost for words, slightly overwhelmed and a tad mortified as I’m not the best at taking praise but it’s great feeling knowing that the work I’ve put into the job is appreciated and I must be doing something right.”
Daniel, who studied a Journalism degree, began working for The Northern Echo in June 2022 before he had even graduated from the University.
Daniel said: “The journey from graduation to the job is pretty short.
“I saw the job advert while I was still studying last February and applied the day before it closed, thinking I’d hear nothing back. I had two interviews, was offered the job and started three weeks after handing in my final project, before I’d actually graduated.”
As a Trainee Reporter, Daniel's responsibilities include covering and live blogging breaking news, interviewing politicians, seeking reaction to national stories, finding exclusives, and working on digital content. Alongside his reporting duties, Daniel is currently working towards his NQJ and Level 7 Senior Journalist qualification.
Newsquest North Regional Editor and Northern Echo editor, Gavin Foster, said: "Daniel has made an incredible start to his journalism career - breaking exclusive after exclusive, holding authorities to account and speaking up for those without a voice.
"Daniel has already been highly commended in the Regional Press Awards for his work, and this latest award is testament to the hard work and dedication he has shown. He is a credit to the Northern Echo and a credit to the University where clearly his studies have perfectly prepared him for the road ahead."