Former Classmate of Jill Dando Invites Businesses to Join Expanding Global Good News Movement in Schools
By Jill Dando News
A former classmate of Jill Dando is inviting businesses to join an expanding global good news project in schools.
The transformative Good News Newsrooms project to spotlight positive news in schools and communities is inviting businesses to partner.
The powerful initiative builds student-run newsrooms focused on uplifting stories with excellent spinoff PR and marketing for businesses.
Led by Liz Davis, a former classmate of the late BBC presenter Jill Dando, this project aims to foster positive journalism while strengthening schools, communities, and business PR and connections.
Originally launched over a decade ago as a tribute to Dando’s remarkable legacy, the initiative has now gained international recognition, with coverage on major networks including CBS News, BBC, and ITV.
These school-based newsrooms empower young journalists, ages 8-18, to find, write, and publish stories of hope, resilience, and community achievements.
Four of the first graduates and reporters include
• Alex Crowther: At 23, became one of Britain’s youngest football club board members with Weston Super Mare FC. Started in the Good News Newsroom, where he developed leadership skills. Now aims to be a Premier League CEO, crediting the program for building his confidence.
• Olivia Finch: Began her newsroom journey at 12, leading her own team and gaining national attention on BBCTV and ITV. Now studying Medicine at Bristol University, she views her newsroom experience as crucial for building resilience and confidence.
• Joshua Keyes: Joined as a shy Year 7 student and grew into a skilled storyteller, later running his own newsroom. Currently pursuing a media and journalism degree while working as the media manager for Taunton Town FC.
• Ellise, 22, the program’s disability correspondent, has recently become a patron of the Good News Newsroom project. Known for her inspiring work in advocating for disability awareness, Ellise brings a unique perspective and passion to the team.
Her role as patron highlights the project’s commitment to inclusivity and empowering voices from all backgrounds.
Their stories appear in The Good News Post and other media outlets, providing a positive alternative to the often overwhelming landscape of negative news.
Today, businesses have the unique opportunity to join this revolutionary project to help uplift communities and create a new generation of storytellers.
Over the years, student journalists have interviewed notable figures, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Downing Street, Fiona Bruce, and other national and international personalities.
"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.
Proven Impact
The initiative's success is evidenced by several key achievements:
- Training of hundreds of young journalists worldwide
- Recognition from Ofsted as an outstanding youth program
- Extensive coverage across major international news networks
- Implementation of innovative collaborative newsroom models
- Creation of a positive alternative to traditional news coverage
A recent highlight saw 22-year-old disability correspondent Ellise reach millions of viewers through CBS News, demonstrating the program's commitment to inclusive journalism and its growing international influence.
Corporate Partnership Opportunities
The Good News Post now invites forward-thinking businesses to join this transformative movement. Partners can:
- Establish sponsored school newsrooms dedicated to positive journalism
- Receive premium brand exposure in national media
- Support emerging young journalists
- Contribute to preserving Jill Dando's journalistic legacy
"This isn't just about teaching journalism," Davis emphasises.
“It's about continuing Jill's legacy of finding light amid darkness, telling stories that bring communities together.
“Every young reporter we train carries that vision forward."
Future Vision
The program's ambitious roadmap includes:
- Expanding the Good News Newsrooms network nationally and globally
- Developing advanced digital journalism training programs
- Establishing a dedicated positive news academy for young journalists
Through this initiative, Jill Dando's commitment to uplifting journalism continues to inspire a new generation of storytellers, creating a lasting impact on media education and positive news reporting worldwide.
The Good News newsroom project, the Good News Post and Jill Dando News were all created by Purple Sheep PR.
To partner with us or to find out more email news@goodnewspost.co.uk
