MediaCity Experiences by The Reporters’ Academy
2026 saw us officially launch “MediaCity Experiences” in partnership with MediaCity Studios, which has opened up opportunities for young people to explore behind-the-scenes of how TV is made, meeting industry professionals and getting hands-on experiences in a wide range of activities and masterclasses.
Highlights
- Since launching, we’ve delivered 12 individual experiences for young people
- 36 hours of industry-led training
- 244 young people engaged
- Reaching a wider audience, groups have travelled from Newcastle, Scotland, The Lake District and more!
- Developed confidence, communication and understanding of the TV and media industry.
The Challenge
After 15 years of working with young people, we often hear the same feedback:
“MediaCity isn’t for people like me”
“I can’t access MediaCity or the industry, I don’t know anyone that works there”
“It’s too hard to see myself working in the industry as no one will let us in”
We were invited by our lovely friends Darren Deans and Andy Waters at Mediacity TV studios, formerly Dock.10, who challenged us to help open the doors of Mediacity to the communities around the site.
Together we wanted to create experiences that welcomes youth groups, schools, colleges, universities, summer camps and home educators to bring their young people all over the UK (and world, we have some international bookings in the pipeline!) to MediaCity.
Our Approach
Our experiences include a hands-on activity followed by an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the TV studios. If a full day is booked, we will include another activity or invite an industry professional to join us for a careers and insights talk.
Our popular hands-on activities, include:
- Podcasting – using our equipment, we will teach groups how to prepare, record and edit their very own podcast they can share back at school, home or on a CV/portfolio
- Green screen – utilising the green screen studio, we give small groups a brief to create a news report, which they perform in front of our technology where they will see their report to life using chroma-keying software
- Filmmaking – a chance to explore filmmaking using our mobile phones; how to create industry-standard content, tell stories and use free editing apps.
All workshops, activities and talks are designed to make the TV and media industry accessible to all – we use equipment and software that most young people can access after their time with us so they have the momentum to continue to learn and create beyond their MediaCity Experience. We use mobile phones, free editing and software as well as give advice and top tips that they can utilise whenever they are ready.
Testimonials
We ask all our groups to provide feedback on their experiences, this is what they had to say:
“Hope and Rosie were amazing at facilitating the activities and tour! Everything was fun and insightful, the young people had an amazing day! We loved touring the studios and getting a behind the scenes look at how TV programmes are produced. Also thanks to Hope for giving us a tour of the building before the session, it was really helpful in planning and giving info to young people before their visit!”
“Just a brilliant day to get young people together and learn more about the media industry. It’s such a special opportunity, and it’s amazing that The Reporters’ Academy offers this experience! Highly recommend to anyone supporting young people in broadening their career horizons or just having a fun unique day out!” Barnardo’s Children’s Charity
“Hope and Rosie provided an engaging session for our pupils so that they were able to experience what making media felt like. If I was a pupil in my class, I would be considering a career in media. Thanks for the opportunity.” – Primary School Teacher.
Want to get involved?
If you’re interested in booking a MediaCity experience for your young people, please visit the “MediaCity” page www.TheReportersAcademy.com/mediacity or email our team on tours@TheReportersAcademy.com
