Journalism graduate named rising star by national award

Published on 8, October, 2025

A University of Sunderland graduate has been named as a rising star in the journalism sector after winning a national award.

University alumna Kayleigh Fraser, who studied MA Journalism, has been named as one of the Press 30 under 30 Class of 2025, which spotlights the talent of young journalists around the UK.

Kayleigh said: “It feels so surreal to have made this list alongside so many other talented journalists from very prestigious national publications. About four years ago, when I decided I wanted to be a journalist, I had no idea that this is where it would take me.”

During her studies, Kayleigh secured a role at the Northern Echo as a reporter, covering stories across the north-east and North Yorkshire for the newspaper.

Since graduating in 2023, Kayleigh has covered a range of stories, ranging from major national events to local news, championing the newspaper’s campaigns in the region.

Kayleigh said: “There are so many stories I've worked on and that I'm super proud of. But when I think about the bigger pieces, the first that comes to mind is the 2024 General Election.

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“I attended my first count and watched the action unfold all night from Darlington, and it was brilliant to be a part of.

“I've also enjoyed my work on The Northern Echo's Keep Hitachi on Track campaign, which was a huge victory for our paper. We lobbied politicians for months to act and step in at the factory, resulting in a landmark £500m deal. I'll never forget being able to break that news as an exclusive after months of hard work.”

Dr John Price, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for MA Journalism and MA Sports Journalism at the University, said: “Kayleigh was a fantastic student because of her enthusiasm, good humour and hard-working attitude.

“She excelled across a range of modules and showed the empathy and interest in people that good journalists need. The journalism team at the University are delighted to hear of her success and confident she will go on to achieve great things in her career.”

Kayleigh added: “There's no doubt that I wouldn't be where I am if it weren't for the University of Sunderland.

“I was lucky enough to be able to secure my job here partway through my course, and the staff were so accommodating and supportive throughout my transition into work. Every day at work, I remember the core skills I learned at Sunderland.

“The staff at the University gave me the tools to go out into the industry and thrive. I'll never forget them and will be forever grateful.”

If you are interested in studying Journalism and PR at the University of Sunderland, find out more here.