NewVIc media students takeover BT Sport for 4th year!

BT Sport and NewVIc have done it again, producing a brilliant magazine-style studio show, created by 12 NewVIc media production students on an eight-week course on the fundamentals of TV production.


NewVIc was lucky to be selected in 2019 when the project launched, giving local students from diverse backgrounds the chance to experience and work in a real broadcast environment and empowering them to create a TV show.

Last year the project went so well, BT Sport aired the final show on BT Sport channels and their social media platforms. BT Sport have signed off the new show for 2022 after being really impressed with the programme students created which premiered in a private event with family and friends this week. The programme will be aired nationally on BT Sport 2 at 6.45pm on Saturday 28 January 2023.

The Takeover show will be presented by NewVIc students Ali, Ameila and Raheema and will focus on the BT Sport United commitment, which aims to champion positive social change in three areas; community, inclusivity and sustainability.

The BT Sport Takeover programme includes a series of short films that cover the three BT Sport United pillars and deal with topics that embrace both sport and culture on a local and national scale:

Community – the team travels to the Peak District with an organisation called the Muslim Hikers, founded by Haroon Mota, to gain an insight into how outdoor sports can be made inclusive to South Asian communities

Inclusivity – shown through a meeting with Javeno Mclean, owner of J7 Health Centre, who offers free personal training to elderly and disabled people in the Manchester area

Sustainability – the team headed over to Oxfordshire to meet Asylum Welcome, an organisation which helps asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants, to benefit from the organisation’s recycled bicycle project scheme and how these refurbished bikes enable asylum seekers and refugees to get to work, access education, attend appointments or pursue leisure activities in the community.

Jamie Hindhaugh, Chief Operating Officer of BT Sport, said:

“This is the fourth year of the BT Sport Takeover Project. I can truly say that this project makes my team better. We work in an industry, which is and can feel quite inaccessible, so we want to help people understand there are many opportunities in the industry, both in front of the camera and behind the camera. Those who take part in the project quickly learn the value of being part of a team and pushing your skillset. I am hugely proud of each of the students. Congratulations.”

Amelia, Level 3 Creative Media, Production and Technology student at NewVIc, added:

“I decided to come to NewVIc because I wanted a fresh start when I left school - and it proved to be the right decision. I chose to study a Level 3 Creative Media course, because my mum who actually runs her own small media business company inspired me.

Initially, I was hesitant to apply to take part in the project because I was shy and lacked confidence. The Takeover experience changed all of that. There was never a dull day on the project, we had lots of fun and it really helped to build my confidence - and I now know that I want to become a presenter. I would really recommend the experience to other students. Go for it!”

Ali, Level 3 Creative Media, Production and Technology student at NewVIc, added:

“I came to NewVIc from a local school. Originally, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study, but opted to study Level 3 Creative Media because of the practical element. When the opportunity arose to apply to take part in the project, he jumped at the chance to do so. “It’s been an amazing experience. I have learnt so many skills and learnt so much about all the different roles in the industry, from presenting to all of the roles behind the scenes. The Takeover enabled me to work out which areas I want to specialise in. On top of that, I have been invited to come back to work with BT Sport on a range of projects. It really has been the experience of a lifetime!”

Raheema, Level 3 Creative Media, Production and Technology student at NewVIc, added:

“I’ve always had a passion for creative media and felt a need to share my views. I developed my interest by creating my own videos focused on sharing my thoughts on south east Asian culture, using comedy to convey my messages. Initially, my parents were not keen when I said that I wanted to apply to study creative media. However, once they realised what was involved and that I was passionate about it, they were more comfortable with my decision.

The takeover project has helped me to develop so many skills and helped me to decide that I want to become a presenter. I want to move into freelance presenting, so I can inspire others. The experience has taught me that it’s important to go with your gut and try new things - and that it’s ok to make mistakes as long as you learn from them!”

Paul Jones, Curriculum Team Leader and Teacher for Media, said:]

“The BT Sport Takeover project is an invaluable opportunity for our NewVIc media students. Each year we have had the privilege of being involved has been truly amazing! Students return after the 8-week project with a newfound confidence, which is the result of their time, spent learning about the industry, job roles, developing new skills, working as a team and being immersed in a fast paced, professional environment. The quality of the work they are creating is extremely impressive, we are so proud of them and we are very grateful to BT Sport for this opportunity.”

NewVIc’s final show broadcasted last year can be seen here.

NewVIcPerforming Arts