20 January 2026 RTÉ Broadcasters Miriam O’Callaghan and Florence Okojie shared invaluable professional experiences and tips with aspiring student-journalists at a seminar at Europe House in Dublin today. The training targeted student-journalists hoping to compete and win the European Commission Award for Journalism Relating to European Issues at the 2026 Student Media Awards late this year.
Drawing on four decades of experience, O’Callaghan discussed reporting on pivotal moments in Irish political and social life, while Okojie offered fresh perspective on breaking into the profession. The panel formed part of a three-hour workshop designed to equip young journalists with the skills required to create an award-winning submission and pursue a career in journalism more broadly.
With over 15 years of backing for the Student Media awards and young journalists the European Commission has a proven record of support and investment in high journalism and media standards in Ireland.
As Ireland prepares to host its eighth Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July, this year’s student journalists were encouraged to report on Ireland’s upcoming EU presidency and the issues shaping the lives of Irish and European citizens.
Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland Peter Power said: “Democracies rely on free and independent journalists to stand up and speak truth to power. The European Commission stands by this noble profession and is proud to offer this training programme. We are particularly pleased that two of Irelands best and brightest journalists Miriam and Florence led the seminar.”
The workshop also included a short address from a former recipient of the European Commission SMEDIA Award for Journalism Relating to European Issues Joshua McCormac, who spoke about his career in journalism to date. Later attendees, received a briefing on the EU institutions and how legislation is passed at European level, including the importance of the Council of the EU in this process.
Head of Communications European Movement Ireland, Aisling Brady said; “Today’s workshop was truly memorable, thanks to the outstanding contributions of RTÉ broadcasters. It was wonderful to have student journalists from across Ireland together to gain valuable insights into building a career in journalism and how the European institutions shape our daily lives. With Ireland’s EU Presidency fast approaching, I strongly encourage young journalists to seize this unique opportunity and enter the European affairs category of the SMEDIAs later this year.”
The European Commission Award for Journalism Relating to European Affairs process is managed in Ireland by European Movement Ireland. All details relating to the category will be published to europeanmovement.ie.