It’s with great pleasure that we announce that Ryan Murphy, who is a current member of upstart‘s editorial team, has won the Gillette sports reporter competition which we advertised on this site.

The winner of the competition was announced during the Grand Final edition of the AFL Footy Show.

Ryan, who has been producing video content for upstart as part of his Bachelor of Media Studies degree at La Trobe University, will now be reporting on some of Australia’s major sporting events, starting with this weekend’s AFL and NRL grand finals.

As a finalist in the competition, Ryan took part in this advertisement featuring former Australian cricketer Michael Slater, which has been airing on commercial television.

He also went along to the AFL footy show a couple of weeks ago, where he interviewed Shane Warne and Harry Kewell, as well as the show’s hosts Gary Lyon, James Brayshaw and Sam Newman.

‘The guy is a natural,’ says Erdem Koc, who is one of Ryan’s lecturers.  ‘It’s a thoroughly deserved win, and only the start of many great things.  We’re very proud of him.’

upstart editor Kellie Mayo agrees.

‘Ryan’s videos for upstart this semester have been a delight to watch,’ she says.

‘They are a clever combination of imagination, humour and an eye for detail.  He has a great future ahead of him in the media industry and it’s terrific to see his talent recognised. Congratulations Ryan.’

About Ryan

Growing up in country New South Wales, Ryan found his first love to be writing and performing music, completing a degree through the Queensland conservatorium in 2008.

Since graduating, Ryan has gained international radio play for his original works and performed alongside some of Australia’s best musicians.

So far in 2011, Ryan has hit the stage not only as a musician but also a comedian; he has written, directed and acted in a short film, is co-hosting a community radio show and taken a keen interest in journalism.

Ryan has compiled several video articles for upstart, and has been in the Gold Coast this week covering the Australian University Games.  We’ll be publishing some of his videos next week.

Meanwhile, here’s the video that Ryan entered in to the Gillette competition:

[yframe url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5AsZtV-NuI&feature=player_embedded”]

Stay up-to-date with Ryan by following him on Twitter: @ryanmurphynow