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Sky News and the University announce new Bob Friend Memorial Scholarship

Sky News and the University of Kent have announced the introduction of a new annual scholarship, in the name of the late Sky News presenter Bob Friend.

In the week that Sky News celebrates a landmark of 20 years of world-class journalism and technological innovation, Head of Sky News John Ryley will present a first-year student from the University's Centre for Journalism with the year-long scholarship. He will then deliver the inaugural Sky Bob Friend Memorial Lecture, with both events taking place at the University of Kent's Medway campus on Monday, 9 February.

The scholarship will be awarded annually to a student from the University of Kent's multimedia journalism degree. The award will go to the student who the panel believe shows the most academic and professional merit, as well as potential for the future. The winner will be chosen by Sky News, the Centre for Journalism and the Friend family, and the scholarship will pay their first-year tuition fees.

The winning student will also be guaranteed a four-week work placement at Sky News.

This special agreement between Sky News, the University of Kent and the Friend family will provide a lasting memorial to the life and career of Bob Friend, the original face of Sky News and a long-standing, well-respected BBC journalist before that.

Speaking about the new award, John Ryley said: 'Bob Friend was the original face of Sky News, and a fantastic journalist and a much-loved friend of his many colleagues at Sky News, the BBC and beyond. We are delighted to be able to announce this award in his honour - and are sure that Bob would be proud to be helping young journalists get a foot up into the profession he was absolutely passionate about.'

Under the leadership of Professor Tim Luckhurst, a former editor of The Scotsman, the Centre for Journalism at the University of Kent teaches innovative, cutting-edge multimedia skills to students in a live newsroom environment. Professor Luckhurst said: 'Our journalism degree will be greatly boosted by this generous Sky scholarship in memory of Bob Friend.

'The addition of the Bob Friend Memorial Scholarship to the degree programme has thrilled the students, and it will encourage applicants who have the talent, ambition and drive to build successful careers in multimedia journalism.'

Bob Friend joined Sky News at its launch 20 years ago and quickly became the face of the fledgling channel - the first European 24-hour news channel. In his 14 years with Sky News he won a glowing international reputation for warmth, intelligence and humour. He also won a number of awards for his presenting skills. His on-screen presence and his rapport with his co-presenters made for compelling viewing.

Bob Friend died in October 2008 and is survived by his wife, Marion, and their two daughters.

Contact: N.J.Ellwood@kent.ac.uk

Story published at 5:05pm 9 February 2009