Ashna Hurynag is a Sky News Correspondent, covering a range of stories across the UK including breaking news. She started her broadcast career at ITV News working in the regions. She was responsible for re-launching rhubarbTV, Royal Holloway’s Student TV Station, in 2012.
Ashna Hurynag is a Sky News Correspondent, covering a range of stories across the UK including breaking news. She started her broadcast career at ITV News working in the regions. She was responsible for re-launching rhubarbTV, Royal Holloway’s Student TV Station, in 2012.
What University did you go to and what subject did you study?
I went to beautiful Royal Holloway and studied English. Shakespeare and student TV were quite the combination.
What Student TV Station were you apart of?
I relaunched the ever evolving rhubarbTV in 2012 and ran the Station for two years. With the help of a handful of supportive and creative team members, we put our time and effort into making fun television in our own time. None of us really had any clue what we were doing, but us sitting in the dingy broom cupboard we called our office, talking about how to livestream using a measly camera make up some of my fondest memories.
Why did you choose to get involved with Student TV?
I’d never picked up a professional video camera before choosing to campaign to become rhubarbTV’s Station Manager - cue gasp. But I was enthusiastic and dedicated to building something from scratch. I knew that it would be hard work and I would need help. But as a student - this was my time to take risks and learn new skills so figured why not. Some might say, well why not join as a member - but I wanted to be part of the Station’s history.
What was the highlight of your time involved with Student TV?
We created a breakfast TV show, live streamed Question Time and open mic events, but my personal favourite were the news reports. I also created branded purple t-shirts for members, which I believe the current cohort of rhubarbTV still wear today - can that be a highlight?.
How has Student TV helped you in your professional life?
There is no doubt that my rhubarbTV journey shaped my career. I am immensely proud of having created the modern rhubarbTV that exists today. I won awards for my work, but there was always a small and mighty team that stuck by me. To the Media Arts student that helped me use a camera, thank you. To the student who taught me how to edit, thank you. To the techie that told me about framing, thank you. These are the skills I’ve gone on to use everyday.
What did you do after graduating?
Journalism has always fascinated me so I went on to complete a Masters degree in Broadcast Journalism at City University. After too many work experience placements to count and refusing to take no for an answer from countless newsrooms, I was lucky enough to get an internship at ITV News West Country working as a Production Journalist.
What do you do now?
I’m now a Correspondent at Sky News covering a range of stories across the UK on air and online. I’m lucky enough to be trusted to hear and share people’s stories. Working here alongside immensely talented journalists is a great place to thrive. Also, you can’t beat the rush of reporting breaking news!
What's been a highlight of your career so far?
One of my last trips for ITV News involved flying to California to cover the Red Arrows’ North American Tour. Alongside a camera operator and producer we delivered multiple reports and live broadcasts from Los Angeles, including Huntington Beach. It was gruelling and relentless work, but there were pockets of incredulity - including getting to do live broadcasts from a hot sandy beach with the water lapping at my feet.
What would you say to someone who is currently part of a NaSTA Station and is due to graduate soon?
Note every skill you’ve learnt from your time at your Student TV Station and within reason, don’t take no for an answer in the industry. There are jobs out there that need to be filled, so why not by you. Be optimistic and keep knocking on those doors. Also keep passing the baton and helping out others too. There’s room for everyone.
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