This is a bad time for jobs, but a good time to get a journalism qualification

March 22 2009

Fifteen rejections, four "we regret to inform yous", seven "please see Holdthefrontpage.com for further information" and three non responses. Even the charities responses have been smug and unsympathetic. I must remember to cancel my monthly subscription...

Yes, the economic downturn is in full swing. It is easy to see that, in a time when ITV cannot keep staff, I stand about as much chance of finding a job as a snowball does of surviving the infernos of Hell; or any other dismal cliche for that matter.

According to The Guardian however, periods of recession are an excellent time to consider retraining and education. A matter of, if you have to play the waiting game at least get a qualification while you do it. No one, including myself, wants to have to pay for their training fees IF there is the smallest possibility they can be trained and paid at the same time. BUT, if there are no prospects on the horizon in the near, or in this case distinctly LESS than near future, what options do journalists have?

Well, there are correspondence courses, university degrees, masters, internships and college courses. None of these is better or worse, as long as you gain you an NCTJ qualification at the end. They all differ in price and some are tailored to film and photography, whereas others are directed to print journalism.

One thing is painfully clear - without qualifications I am going to be hard-pressed to find paid journalism work for a while. At least it is all very character forming.

Staying positive in search of that elusive first job

March 10 2009

As the second rejection email landed in my inbox, I felt my heart sink to my toes, then instinctively signed out of my mail, as my boss loomed up behind me. Oops!

Perhaps sending out application letters at a time of worldwide economic downturn could be seen as a little rash. I prefer to think of myself as excessively positive, or arrogant, one of the two. I have three more responses to receive. Three more emails of fortuitous doom.

However, if I don't continue to believe that this is what I'm meant to do, how do I expect to convince an editor to hire me? A new plan of action is called for. I am going to write to all the journalists that I admire and ask for advice! I am also going to widen the net of papers that I sent applications to and trawl the internet for jobs.

Determination and perseverance of a stubborn limpet will be needed in my journalism career and I see no reason not to start now.

Hold the front page Chief! I've got a scoop!

February 8 2009

Since last I wrote, I realise I may have become mildly obsessive. It is becoming increasingly difficult to switch off. For instance, having successfully completed my first face to face interview, I have a second one booked for Monday. I also donated last Tuesday evening to a local campaign group that was tentatively beginning the long, slow fight against big business. They are hopefully going to contact me when they are ready to initiate a press release. I'm making local friends and influencing people apparently.

The good news is the plan appears to be working. My news team have been incredibly supportive and gave me the centre spread article to complete, coupled with the interviews. I have also received offers of paid work! It's all going rather well.

Hmm. maybe its time to invest in that camel mac?

Recession means tills are not jingling quite so loudly

December 21 2008

Christmas is most definitely nearly upon us. This week has been mostly spent covering Father Christmas' various exploits around the local villages. Reindeer have occasionally been swapped for greyhounds, cattle and ducks and geese. Yes people, this is how we do the festive season in the country.

In other news, stories have started to come to me. The more integrated I am becoming with the local community the more I am finding my own slant on the news. I'm starting to make contacts with the locals. On the back of this I have written a letter to send to editors in the new year. Basically I intend to bully everyone within a 50-mile radius until someone gives me a job. All for the greater good, I'm sure. The problem is, as I have been reliably informed by anyone vaguely connected to journalism, that due to the forthcoming recession, there aren't a lot of jobs at the moment. However, I am undeterred and the plan goes ahead, with all the silky precision of a kitten in a blender.

Controversy is never far away for a trainee journalist

December 7 2008

The song goes, "You're nobody 'til somebody loves you." Apparently in journalism, your nobody till somebody complains. Just ask the BBC.

This week I had my first piece of controversy. I had written an article and as my subject was in a far flung corner of the world, his representative conducted an interview over the phone. This included pre-arranged questions. These were then answered, and given to me to use in my article. All well and good.

However, the subject has now claimed that he never said any of it, and please can I pull the article. This is a shame as I think it's rather good. But then being me, I would think that. So it has been removed. This probably should be my second rule of journalism, check and re-check your sources. And never do anyone a favour, as they are bound to complain.

This week I have been working on several press releases. This involves reading and editing each piece, to turn it into a story with a local interest focus. Basically, any unnecessary waffle, bumph or dross is removed. I have also continued learning shorthand. The squiggles are starting to make a bit more sense. They have lost their look of rabid hangmen try to end it all, and are starting to look more like join the dots, but with attention deficit disorder.

I've discovered the byline buzz, local news here I come

November 26 2008

This week has been mixed bag. I didn't receive an invitation to interview with the BBC. Which, given the 2500 applicants is exactly surprising, even though it is a little galling. However, I don't necessarily consider this a bad thing for this simple reason; I want to work as a hack, not in production. Although the BBC would have been, no doubt, a fascinating insight into broadcasting, my ambition truly lies in old fashioned investigative craft. To this end I have started to teach myself Teeline shorthand, which is rather like looking at a page of spaghetti. Nevertheless, we persevere.

During my work experience this week, I got to produce a short piece on the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which for a local paper is great. I'm starting to appreciate that there is so much that I could achieve in local news. The capacity to make a difference and have your efforts appreciated is vastly superior in local news where you are recognised as a person. I am being given pieces that are not only being published every week, but also given bylines. My latest piece took the banner slot on the front cover. It's nice to be acknowledged, and not just being given a list of tea drinking preferences. The adrenaline rush from seeing my name in print hasn't worn off yet.

This leads me to the next evolution along the path towards a paid career, a mad letter writing marathon to all local editors. This, in the hope of a trainee position. Being overworked and underpaid, I'm reliably informed, comes as standard.

A mixed reaction to the start of my career in journalism

November 15 2008

Nine weeks. That's the amount of time that has elapsed since I admitted I wanted to change my career, and dared everyone I knew to try and stop me. This week I celebrated another small victory, I had my first pieces published. Three stories in the local paper, one online and one video. Admittedly the reaction of my nearest and dearest has been mixed, from total apathy to elation. It's always nice to elicit a reaction I suppose, pause for smugness.

With this achievement adding to my growing collection I have started a portfolio. I now have one for published pieces, and one for my creative pieces, bolstered by my creative writing class. So far, so good. This week I have been investigating how to go green and save money over the winter. This was partly because it seemed topical, but mainly as I was getting frustrated by the obsession with fuel poverty in the media. The green agenda and the plight of those worst affected by energy prices, are one and the same. By 'going green' people can save themselves money this winter, here are a few tips:

1. Turn off all unnecessary lighting when you leave the room.

2. For every degree you turn down on your heating, you will save between 1-3% on your energy bill.

3. Wear a jumper!

4. Close all internal doors, this will keep the heat in.

5. Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.

6. Take a shower rather than a bath.

7. Try using Freecycle. www.freecycle.com

8. Shop locally. There are so many farmers markets around, the food is cheaper, and you will be supporting your community.

9. Buy energy saving light bulbs. They initially cost more to buy but will save you £100 on your electricity bills over their life time.

10. Build your own solar panel for under £5. www.treehugger.com or make your own water butt, www.makeyourown.co.uk

Going green isn't about being a hippy, hugging trees or rich politicians and celebrities patronising people. It's about simple changes that are common sense. You can save the world, and save yourself money at the same time.

My work experience encounters with midgets, sharpshooting and caffeine

November 9 2008

On Wednesday I started my work experience, and I'm still buzzing from it. It was far from being the odyssey in photocopying and tea making that I had envisaged.

Firstly I was treated like a member of the team from the offset and I never once felt like you do on work experience when you're 15. I was however, a little shocked at their relaxed manner. It was very much a case of, here's your desk, write what you like, oh and if you want we are going to interview the circus later so why don't you come along?

So I did. I ended up helping out with the filming of segments for a web reel, and interviewing a little person who could open beer bottles with his eye socket! I met a former tax man who had run off to join the circus, and who now makes a living by putting needles through his skin, and an African contortionist. Not bad for my first morning! I then wrote three articles for publication, one on a local who had won a rifle competition, one on childhood obesity and one on getting the unemployed back to work. We shall see if they are published next week. All of this was powered by large amounts of caffeine.

No one is laughing now at the sorry saga of Brand and Ross

November 2 2008

I have tried in vain to not give any more blog space to the BBC's recent incident involving Brand and Ross. Neither deserves any more time or attention wasted on them by the British public. They crave attention, they've received plenty of it over the last week, and I for one do not feel the need to validate their onerous presence further.

It is not my intention to jump on any bandwagon, or to damn or defend anyone involved, (except for perhaps Mr Sachs, who seems to be the only one involved who can walk away with his head held high). The Great British public and the media, in their need to play judge, jury and executioner, have conveniently forgotten the most important messages to be gleaned from this sorry affair.

Firstly, we as listeners should never have been made aware of that broadcast. The handling of the story has not been "in the public interest." This; at a time when both the government and its people should be focusing on important economic issues. As journalists, it is our job to uphold free speech and inform the readership. Not to blind them with cheap, tacky, mass titillation.

Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, whatever happened to treating other people as you wish to be treated yourself? If you take away the religious connotations; it's brutal common sense. We are after all, all human. No one is completely innocent, and there is always more than one person at fault. I can guarantee you one thing; no one involved is laughing any more.

The agony of the BBC journalism trainee waiting game

October 26 2008

This week a deepening sense of dread has started to permeate. I don't believe in fate, I believe in taking responsibility for your own choices. I don't like the idea that anyone else is in control but me. However, I must concede that on this occasion I have no choice to sit back and be patient. I'm not a patient person. In fact, the waiting may be the closest I have come to being neurotic yet.

You see I have applied for the BBC's trainee scheme. 15 young people with little media experience are employed and trained by the BBC for a year. They work primarily in London first, before moving to regional positions. After the year, their BBC mentor will hopefully find them a position within the organisation. Perfect for those of us without the instant funds needed to attain a position in post-graduate education. So I applied; it took me eight hours and many essay re-drafts.

The problem is that I really want this opportunity. I'm sure everyone else who has applied will agree. It is extremely frustrating, trying to explain just how important something like this is to you. You don't want to waffle on in over-used phrases and come across as unimaginative. You want to appear passionate, without sounding like you're three inches away from being certifiable.

Now I have to wait three weeks. Just enough time to re-read my answers and marvel at my stress-induced lack of spelling or grammar, and to become truly neurotic.

Why I'm happy to fetch the coffee at my local newspaper

October 19 2008

I am very aware that having decided to change careers, I have no actual experience in the industry and no formal qualifications. Therefore, I was very happy to be offered an interview this week, at my local paper for some on-going work experience. I proposed spending every Wednesday with them, the day after their issues are sent to press and the beginning of the journalistic week. My interviewer raised one eyebrow and started the questioning. He seemed to be rather confused by me. Why did I change careers? What do I think I can bring to this paper at 24? How did I think I could effect change? What was I expecting with regards this work experience? But perhaps most interestingly he asked whether I was sure that this was what I wanted.

How do you answer a question that has personal significance to you, without becoming a cliche? So I did the only thing I could. I told him, that I know who I am. I know that this is what I'm meant to do because the news is the only thing that I can see myself being passionate about for the rest of my life. What other career is in such a constant state of flux, as to keep me interested? I reminded him that I was only 24, and that contrary to the popular cultural myth, I was not over the hill just yet. What do I expect? Well, to spend at least two months photocopying, making tea and generally running errands, and I don't mind. I'll do it with a smile, because at least I will be doing something towards gaining experience. I think I may have taken him a little aback. I don't expect the world. In fact I expect to have to work harder to catch up, but I am determined. I work five days a week, and now I am proposing volunteering for one more, even if it is just to do the Starbucks run.

I think I may have put my point across a little too well. I start the first week in November. I have to bring three story ideas with me about local and national issues. They are hopefully going to set me loose interviewing the public for my pieces, and show me how to use their system. Needless to say, after so much preparation for interview, I now can't think of anything to say! I have two weeks and counting.

How journalists can get to the truth, or in homage to George Orwell

October 12 2008

What happens to the truth if it can be changed? What good is memory if it has no evidence?

I had my very own Winston Smith moment this week. As you will see, I have been doing my homework regarding libel and slander, and so I shall not name names, the reason for this will become apparent in just a moment.

I am sure that I was listening to a well regarded BBC production, interviewing a young, eminent Labour minister. I am sure that the interviewer made some reference to reforms made by Harold Wilson, which would have impacted on this minister's department. To this, said minister replied that he was not around at the time of Mr Wilson and could not, therefore, comment on him. This astonished me, twice. Firstly, how is it possible that a Labour cabinet minister does not know his own party history? Especially when Harold Wilson was responsible for important social reforms such as; decriminalisation of male homosexual behaviour performed in the privacy of their own homes, liberalisation of abortion laws and legislation to safeguard against racial discrimination. Surely the young minister is not so busy, that he could not spare five minutes to go on Wikipedia? Secondly, the interviewer did not pull him up on this obvious, and crucially embarrassing gaffe! How is this acceptable? What unsettled me more, however, was that when I tried to find evidence of this interview on the internet or in the papers, I could not. I am unable to find a single reference to it. If anyone else has information on this I would be very grateful to hear it, just as proof that I did not imagine the entire thing!

This led me to think about the prevalence of bias in the media. Can news be truly impartial? I believe it cannot. It is either more or less informed. First hand accounts are invariably flawed, as people cannot honestly report more than they have experienced. Therefore, it is vital to collect information from as many sources, and varying perspectives as possible. This will enable the most accurate conclusion to be drawn.

The case of the minister and the interviewer throws into stark relief the part that popularity plays in journalism. If said minister had not been "flavour of the month," would I have been able to find reference of this event? I am sure I would. I am even more positive that I would not have had to spend hours trawling the internet either, he would have been crucified, (and rightly so!) At best not knowing your own party's history is embarrassing. At worst, it is political suicide, depending on what spin is put on it.

As journalists, we have the need to be investigative and educated, to disregard the official party line and look behind the veneer, and the prerequisite baby-kissing. We need to stop giving the spin doctors and Whips an easy time. If we play devil's advocate, we can play off one side against the other, thereby getting closer to the truth. The way may be harder, and the resistance more disgruntled, but if we want to make a difference it's what we have to do. We cannot always be unbiased, but we can strip down the layers of "untruth," thereby giving the public a clearer view. Politicians are meant to represent and work for our benefit, so why give them an easy ride?

Of fedora hats and camel macs

October 5 2008

Tall, dark, angular all-American guys, hanging out in rat infested side streets in the pouring rain, waiting on their gang land mole "Bruiser" to make contact. Trusty note pad and pencil their only company, waiting to finally bring down the criminal underworld in a flurry of journalistic glory and vitriol.

That's journalism right?

I fear I've already made an elementary mistake. I have decided to train as that guy. At 24 years old. No previous journalistic qualifications, no industry experience, in fact, no actual published proof of ability. Oh, and rather crucially, I'm female. Damn.

What I do posses, without wishing to sound like the liberal hippy I am, is an all consuming passion to tell the truth. Jessica Mitford famously said, "You may not be able to change the world, but you can embarrass the guilty." This is my intention and motivation. I suppose it doesn't hurt that I also have an ego the size of Bournemouth. This then, aims to accurately record my first steps along the path from impassioned amateur to equally impassioned (but slightly less impoverished) published writer, via my favourite subject - myself.