Case study – Reece

What was your experience like at DMU?

"My postgraduate experience at De Montfort University was challenging yet rewarding. The curriculum was demanding, but the lecturers – many with years of experience in investigative journalism – were supportive and knowledgeable. I gained valuable skills and had the opportunity to apply them in real-world scenarios through the Investigative Journalism degree. I am proud to have earned my degree from De Montfort University."

What was your experience like after graduating?

"Since graduating, I have contributed to various publications and news outlets across the UK, including The New European, the Private Eye, the Independent, Byline Times, and Sky News. I have investigated the PR industry fueling far-right populism, the asylum and refugee system, Russian oligarchs, sick pay across Europe, abuse of Whitehall computer systems, Meta and Mark Zuckerberg, and more. I have reported on local elections in Leicester and written about access to green space in the city. Without a doubt, I couldn't have done this without my training on the investigative journalism degree."

What are you doing now?

"Recently, I was a Fellow for the Centre for Investigative Journalism's Lyra McKee Scheme – an investigative journalism training programme named after Lyra, a LGBTQ+ northern Irish journalist who was killed reporting on riots in Derry. Towards the end of this programme, I got together with a small team to put an idea I've had for a while into action: an independent investigative newspaper in Leicester. And so, the Great Central Gazette was born. We start publishing in March 2023 and I can't wait to get started. I'm joined by Emma Guy, graduate from the Investigative Journalism degree, and Megan Lupton, current PhD researcher at DMU. Together, we're redefining what local news means in Leicester."

How has being in the LGBTQ+ community had an impact on all of the above?

"When I first started the Investigative Journalism degree, I pitched and ran with stories about the LGBTQ+ community, drawing from my own experiences of biphobia and discrimination. Now, I'm leading an all queer team to create a meaningful alternative to the established newspapers in Leicester. I hope that all the team's experiences will mean the LGBTQ+ community, and all other marginalised and under-represented people, will finally have a voice where there wasn't one before."

Why are you proud to be a part of the community and celebrating DMU Pride month?

"Being bisexual has led me to where I am today and it's at the core of who I am. Studying at DMU helped me find myself, it gave me the courage to finally "come out" to my friends and family, and my very first DMU Pride Month made me realise I had found my home."

February 2023