Former Jill Dando Classmate Expands 'Good News Newsrooms' To Inspire Students to Journalism and Preserve Iconic BBC Presenter's Legacy
By Jill Dando News
In an era dominated by constant negativity in the news, a former classmate of the late BBC presenter Jill Dando is on a mission to change the narrative.
Liz Davis, who attended Worle School in Weston-super-Mare with BBC TV legend Jill Dando, has spearheaded the expansion of the Good News Newsrooms project - a transformative initiative that empowers young journalists to find and report uplifting stories in their communities.
Launched over a decade ago as a tribute to Jill’s remarkable career, the Good News Newsrooms project has now gained international recognition, with coverage on major networks including CBS News, BBC, and ITV.
The project has been backed by two prime ministers, Mr Speaker, Sir Richard Branson and countless others.
The school-based newsrooms provide a platform for students aged 8-18 to hone their storytelling skills, build self-esteem, and tackle issues of inclusivity and aspiration.
"From Worle School, Jill Dando rose to become Britain's best TV journalist, and it's inspiring that she continues to motivate young people today," reflects Davis, whose leadership has been instrumental in the program's expansion.
"This isn't just about teaching journalism - it's about continuing Jill's legacy of finding light amid darkness, telling stories that bring communities together."
The initiative's success is evident in the achievements of its young reporters.
Alex Crowther, who started in the Jill Dando News Good News Newsroom at Priory School, went on to become one of Britain's youngest football club board members at the age of 23.
Olivia Finch, who led her own newsroom team at age 12 at Worle School, is now studying Medicine at Bristol University, crediting the program for building her resilience and confidence.
The Good News Newsrooms project has also empowered voices from diverse backgrounds, such as 22-year-old disability correspondent Ellise, who recently became a patron of the initiative after being interviewed by the young reporters at Priory School.
Ellise's inspiring work in advocating for disability awareness has reached millions through a CBS News segment, demonstrating the program's commitment to inclusive journalism.
Joshua Keyes was only 11 at Worle School but is now 18 with a glittering sports journalism career ahead of him.
Today, the Good News Post is inviting forward-thinking businesses to join this transformative movement. Partners can establish sponsored school newsrooms, receive premium brand exposure, support emerging young journalists, and contribute to preserving Jill Dando's journalistic legacy.
"Businesses can benefit with incredible brand awareness, PR and promotion, while investing in the next generations to build confidence, aspiration, opportunities and connections," says Davis.
The initiative's proven impact includes the training of hundreds of young journalists worldwide, recognition from Ofsted as an outstanding youth program, and the implementation of innovative collaborative newsroom models that provide a positive alternative to traditional news coverage.
"Every young reporter we train carries that vision forward," says Davis:
"It's about finding light amid darkness and telling stories that bring communities together - just as Jill Dando did."
The Good News newsroom project, the Good News Post and Jill Dando News were all created by Purple Sheep PR.
