Welcome to my portfolio

About me  

I'm a BJTC-accredited multimedia journalist with a Master’s in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, with an academic background in social anthropology and sociology. My interdisciplinary outlook equips me with a deeper understanding of social issues and cultural dynamics. I approach journalism with a commitment to cultural insight and social awareness – perspectives that inform and shape every story I produce.

 

My work has been featured in Pier Journal, West Dorset Magazine, The Breaker, The Bournemouth Echo, The Daily Echo, BBC Radio Solent Dorset and BBC Sounds, covering topics such as politics, climate change, gender equality, war and conflict and mental health. I’ve developed a broad range of journalistic skills, including feature writing, court reporting, live event coverage, pieces to camera, OOV scripting, and the production of both radio and news packages. Whether working in digital, audio, or written formats, I’m passionate about producing journalism that’s insightful, engaging, impactful and resonates with diverse audiences.

 

Outside the Newsroom 

I’m based in Dorset and take full advantage of the serene coastline by hiking and cycling local paths and exploring nearby heritage sites. I also enjoy live music events and have volunteered and worked at various festivals, shows and concerts.

At home, I enjoy unwinding in my hammock with a compelling book or immersing myself in a thought-provoking documentary. I’ve recently started collecting vinyls after being gifted a record player, and I’m enjoying the ritual of discovering music in a whole new way. I also live with a lively Bengal cat called Luna – who is equal parts chaos and charm – there’s never a dull moment.

 

 

Published Work

 

Features

Women Making Space

COMING SOON: A Shorthand multimedia long-form feature exploring the role of women in the male-dominated space sector. Featuring interviews with former NASA pilots, astrophysics researchers, and astronaut training specialists, this piece uncovers what it means for women to navigate this evolving industry in 2025.

Pier Journal Vol.10

Pier Journal Vol. 10 shines a spotlight on innovation across Dorset. In this issue, I explore a trio of inspiring local stories: a series of new art murals transforming the coastline, a bold reimagining of Bournemouth’s beaches as a unified destination, and a grassroots gardening initiative turning construction waste into thriving, chemical-free community crops.
Read the full features in the attached PDF.

Inside the protests

A Shorthand multimedia report capturing the confrontation between protesters and counter-protesters in Bournemouth amid nationwide immigration tensions – featuring original reporting and powerful imagery.

The Breaker News

A portfolio of features and news stories produced for The Breaker, an award-winning news platform run by MA journalism students at Bournemouth University. My stories explore both local and global issues, covering topics such as war, politics, gender equality, men’s mental health and grassroots initiatives. 

Q&As

Daniel Bar-Tal, in conversation, on the Israel-Palestine conflict

Daniel Bar-Tal is Professor Emeritus at the School of Education at Tel Aviv University and a leading scholar in political psychology. For decades, his work has focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly on understanding the ethos of conflict – the shared societal beliefs that shape how communities perceive war, violence, and their collective identity

Alex Crawford, in conversation on the realities of war reporting

Alex Crawford is a British journalist and Special Correspondent for Sky News, currently based in Istanbul. With a career spanning over 30 years, she has reported from some of the world’s most volatile conflict zones – including Libya, Syria, Ukraine, and Myanmar –often delivering frontline coverage under extreme conditions

Jessica Toale: From Labour Candidate to MP – A pre-election conversation

Jessica Toale, a member of the British Labour Party, has served as the Member of Parliament for Bournemouth West since 2024. She shared her plans of revitalsing the town ahead of the UK general election.

Local News - Dorset & Hampshire

West Dorset Magazine, Edition 51

News feature about community action for the River Lim in West Dorset. Includes interviews with members from an advocacy group which aims to protect and restore the river. I also wrote a short piece on community communication boards being introduced to support people with learning needs, plus upcoming events in the West Dorset area.

Daily Echo

Digital articles include coverage of a collaborative police and RSPCA operation to seize animals from a private property due to welfare concerns, later featured on the front page of the Bournemouth Echo. Another reports on a Hampshire councillor’s visit to a school rated inadequate by Ofsted. This article, written by myself for the Daily Echo, was later syndicated and republished by Yahoo News, extending its reach to a national audience

Bournemouth Echo

Local news articles in print and digital including an original story on a community-led LEGO robot wars tournament for children and teens. Coverage also includes articles related to upcoming events in Bournemouth.

Audio & Podcasts

BBC Sounds

This audio story, which I discovered and reported for BBC Radio Solent, explores Julia’s World Kitchen – a Dorset-based supper club where migrant women share their cultures through food. The story features interviews and immersive soundscapes that offer insight into how food fosters belonging and community. I produced and edited the full audio package, which was later added to the BBC Sounds library.

The Issue- International Women's Day

I was the host of this podcast produced for The Issue for International Women's Day (IWD) 2024. Voices heard in this podcast include women I interviewed at an IWD event in Exeter, Devon.

Available on Soundcloud and Spotify. 

The Issue- Training with zombies

In this special podcast episode of The Issue, I report (from 04:00) on a high-intensity emergency simulation in Bournemouth, where paramedic and nursing students responded to a staged zombie apocalypse. Organised by Bournemouth University. 

The Issue - Under fire: the brave stories of war journalism

This powerful podcast episode explores the lives of war correspondents and the human stories behind conflict reporting. While I did not voice the podcast, it features audio clips from interviews I conducted with acclaimed war journalists Alex Crawford and Ben Anderson, contributing to the authenticity and depth of the storytelling.

The Breaker- Ancient Practice to Inspire Healing 

A radio package for local radio exploring how crystal singing bowls – an ancient sound healing practice – could support modern community wellbeing, with voices from a local health store and sound therapy expert.

Coming Soon – Audio Storytelling in Canada

In July 2025, I’ll be volunteering as an audio storyteller at a community radio station broadcasting across Windsor and Detroit. This short-term opportunity will allow me to deepen my skills in community-focused audio journalism and bring new perspectives to future projects in the UK. I’ll continue to be available for freelance commissions and remote work during this time.

Election Coverage

UK General Election- Reporting for BBC and BJTC

2024 UK General Election – Live Coverage
I provided live reporting from the North Dorset count during the 2024 UK general election. This overnight reporting role involved live streaming, real-time updates, and delivering accurate, on-the-ground insights as results came in. This was on behalf of the BBC and BJTC.

US Election Coverage - Reimagined with AI Tools

As part of Bournemouth University’s pioneering integration of AI into journalism education, I contributed to a live simulation covering the U.S. presidential election. Using AI-generated avatars, music, and artwork, we explored how emerging technologies can shape the future of news broadcasting across digital platforms.

The Breaker - Dorset’s Climate Future and the US Election

For a local news story, I interviewed councillors across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole about their concerns ahead of the U.S. presidential election and what the result could mean for Dorset’s net zero ambitions.

Short Documentary - Vikings Next Door

As part of my Documentary Journalism unit during my MA in Multimedia Journalism, I directed and produced a five-minute film exploring how the mundane can become mystical. Filmed entirely in the home of a historical reenactment couple, the documentary offers an intimate look at how Viking cosplay and craftsmanship are woven into their everyday lives. Through interviews and observational footage, the film captures how they transform their home into a site of historical imagination – crafting weapons, hanging garments, and preparing for battle reenactments.

Local News- TV Package 

Ancient Sound Practice to Inspire Healing - A local news story package produced for The Breaker during my MA Multimedia Journalism BJTC course. 

Journalism Awards

2024 Reporter of the year - The Breaker

Recognised for my reporting with The Breaker, the MA Multimedia Journalism student-led news site. This award marked a key milestone in my development as a student journalist, reflecting a commitment to strong storytelling and public-interest reporting.

BJTC Awards

The Breaker was named Best Online News Site at the recent BJTC Awards in London. I’m proud to have contributed to this coverage, reporting on a wide range of international and local stories – from women’s rights and men’s mental health to the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

Community Radio Awards

The Community Radio Awards honoured N Live Radio's student coverage of the 2024 UK general election with the Silver Award, for which I reported on behalf of both the BJTC and N Live Radio.

Contact 

I'm always open to freelance opportunities and feedback. Feel free to get in touch using the contact form below – I'll respond as soon as possible. 

Alternatively, you can email me directly at: nicholajourno@outlook.com

                                Certified Journalism Practice

Nichola holds a Master’s degree in journalism, accredited to BJTC industry standards, and has completed advanced training in media law and editorial codes, ensuring her reporting is both accurate and ethically grounded.