A move to bigger, better plans
journo tips, podcasts, supporting local journalism
From Katie B…
What a week it has been for news! I’ve spent this week editing this week’s podcast episode, taking time out to go on short day trips, reading and spending time near the beach before I start my new job next week. I find the beach to be such a comfort, the sound of the waves and the smell of the sea brings such happiness to me. I’m super excited to go into an office on Monday to meet my new team and to go through an induction. Things are slowly going back to normal, we just need to keep going and keep following guidelines 👏🏼
We’re planning bigger and better things for Series 3, which will all be revealed in this week’s episode so keep your eyes peeled!
From Katie W…
I’ve been taking this week a little easier. I felt so burnt out on Monday and I’m preparing myself for heading back to work in the pub on the 26th. But between me and you… I don’t know how long I’ll be there for🤫🤫
As I’m writing this, I’m sitting in my garden. It has been so sunny here in Stirling the past few days and that just brightens up my mood and hopefully next time I’m writing this newsletter I’ll be sitting in a cafe with some coffee and cake.
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Journo tip of the week
Let’s chat about contacting sources…
A few weeks ago we received a direct message from Sean who started his own website last year and has been focusing on investigative journalism, had a piece published in the Ferret but contacting sources was completed by the editor.
So here’s Katie W’s tips for contacting sources.
Do use social media. The hashtag #journorequest is so helpful and can really attract attention, but watch out for a bunch of PRs. Depending on what you want, you can say “No PR’s please”. Tag PressPlugs too and they will share with their contacts.
Be honest. Tell them who the publication is for and exactly what you want from them. Last thing you want is for them to feel like they’ve been tricked into saying something - which does happen.
Email and phone. When you reach out to contacts, I would suggest using email and leaving a phone number. I hate when contacts get in touch and never leave a phone number. It is so much easier to discuss exactly what you want on the phone and they can ask any questions too.
Who to follow
Kirsty Major - deputy opinion editor at the Guardian
Holly Hobkirk - writer at Paste Agency & North East Creative Jobs
Rhys Thomas - journalist & men’s advice columnist for VICE
NN reacts
Katie W: Anyone else’s mum made up their own phonetic alphabet? Seriously, I thought it was F for Freddie and S for Sugar all this time. Have a look at this mum’s version. I am CREASED!
Katie B: If you’re ever travelling to Alnwick in Northumberland, go to Barter Books! It’s a secondhand bookstore, with model trains, cosy armchairs and a railway cafe. I visited there on Tuesday and it was like being part of a Harry Potter film. Ah the joys of lockdown easing ❤️
Song of the week
Katie W:
Katie B:
Jobs and opportunities:
FREELANCE: Vicky from DelsihUK is looking for contributors to write long form pieces about food. Check out this thread where she breaks down everything she is looking for.
FREELANCE: Michael Pearson is looking for some freelance video journalists to work on an exciting new social video project starting in May. He is looking for journalists based in Newcastle and Bristol. Email michael.pearson@reachplc.com for more details.
NORTH EAST: END Clothing are looking for a senior copywriter and copywriter at their studio in Washington. These vacancies are full time and permanent. You would be responsible for ensuring END produce high-quality copy for brands and products which are engaging, informative and accurate, aligning with their tone of voice. Closing date for these posts is May 3rd.
NORTH EAST: Scott Digital is looking for a lead Wordpress developer. This growing digital marketing agency helps small businesses to get established online, through assisting with website design and development, Facebook and Google Ad campaigns, strategy development and training courses. Fully remote/flexible working environment, four-day working week, £20k salary, closing date is May 2nd.
BLAYDON-ON-TYNE: QA Apprenticeships are looking for a Digital Marketing Apprentice to join their team. This is a full time position.
GLASGOW: News UK are looking for a digital editor for the Scottish Sun.
FREELANCE: James Pearce has put a callout for technology writers to cover a broad range of topics, specifically aimed at enterprises for a new publication launching soon. Has budget for several commissions. Pitch your background, areas of interest and availability to james.pearce@iresearchservices.com
FREELANCE: Ryan Bassil is looking for stories about getting into and out of debt for VICE The Debt Collection column. Pitch to ryan.bassil@vice.com
FREELANCE: Amber Leventry is seeking pitches on LGBTQIA+ topics told by queer people, parents and teens. Pitch to amber.leventry@gmail.com.
FREELANCE: Tina Reed is looking for pitches about healthcare for Axios. Reach her at tina.reed@axios.com
Good luck if you are applying!
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