BBC Yorkshire has set up an internship, in memory of its former political editor, Len Tingle, who died last year.
A placement will be open to students at the 7 Yorkshire universities that run a journalism degree. Applicants should also have an interest in regional politics.
“Len really appreciated all the support and encouragement from people who believed in him throughout his career. He was always passing that encouragement on to the next generation of young journalists,” said Angela Tingle, Len’s wife.
“So many people have spoken to me about how he helped and advised them. He had talked about training young journalists when he retired, for him journalism was a passion not a job. This is a way for his dedication to the industry and desire to help others to carry on in his name.”
The successful applicant will gain experience of working in radio, television and online services whilst being mentored by BBC journalists.
“Len would have been delighted to have this placement set up in his name. I can’t think of a better way of ensuring that his name lives on at BBC Yorkshire,” added Tim Smith, Acting Head of BBC Yorkshire.
“This is a unique opportunity for a student studying at a Yorkshire university to work alongside experienced BBC journalists, to develop their own stories and to produce packages for radio and TV. And what fantastic footsteps to follow in.”
Tingle, from Cudworth, near Barnsley had been BBC Yorkshire’s political editor for 17 years. He began his career with Central TV in 1982, before working as a Business Presenter for BBC News in London. He then returned to Yorkshire as a Business and Industry Correspondent for 6 years, before being named Political Editor in 2001.
