Breaking Into News winner

Sophia Kichou will spend a day with the ITV News team as part of her prize for winning Breaking Into News


A 20-year-old student from London who herself spent time living in the hostel system has been named the overall winner of Breaking Into News, for her report on homelessness in the city.

Sophia Kichou was selected as the overall winner of the contest which is run by the Media Trust and ITV News, after already being named one of six finalists chosen from almost 300 people.

As a finalist she was given a mentor journalist, ITV News features editor Nicolette Amette, to help her create a piece of television news.

Kichou, who is in her last year of college and applying for university, then had to present her report to a judging panel, which included ITV News presenter Mark Austin. Austin said she displayed "a genuine passion for her subject".

In a release Kichou said she was "really excited and really happy".

"This will help with my university applications and I've learnt so much and enjoyed working with my mentor," she said.

"Sophia talked to everyone about her piece, seeing what their perceptions of homelessness were and how she could tell this story the best she could," Arnette added.

"Telling the story became her overriding aim - more than 'winning the competition'.

"I have been at ITN a long time and this is one of the most rewarding things I've done. One person and one piece can make you remember why you wanted to become a journalist."

As the overall winner Kichou has been invited to work with the ITV News at Ten team for a day and will also receive an iPad. Her report will be shown on ITV London Tonight.

The judges also highly commended another finalist, 19-year-old Lola Ukandu.
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