Alternative routes into the industry
journo tips, supporting local journalism & podcasts
Happy Friday Natterers! First things first - we hit 1000 downloads on Monday!! We cannot believe it and we want to thank each and every one of you who listened and shared our episodes. We do this for you and we couldn’t have done it without you. It really got us excited for planning S3 and making even BIGGER plans for Northern Natter. So if you’d like to support us and help us out, you can click that button above.
From Katie B…
We hit 1000 downloads and the support we have received has grown day by day! We recorded a new episode on Monday and we’re recording our S2 roundup next week. We’ve decided to give ourselves a little break in May from recording to grow our brand and develop our new website.
We’ve planned some content for S3 already and we can’t wait for you all to see our plans. I start my new job on the 26th (the same day I believe Katie W goes back to work). I’m so excited to go back into an office, meet new people and get started on a job that I truly love. Working for a charity in their communications department is a dream job for me. If you can dream it you can do it! 💫
From Katie W…
Things seem to be returning to some form of normality. Here in Scotland this week, our FM announced that we can meet in groups of 6 from 6 households from this Friday and travel restrictions, that have been in place for the whole of Scotland since December and the Central Belt since September (Glasgow even earlier) are finally lifting.
This means I get to see some of my friends together! Buzzing is an understatement. But it also means other things are returning back to normal. I am seeing people planning to return to their offices, a decline in remote job roles and a lot more ads saying “will be expected to come into the office when restrictions lift”. But we have proven that so many of these journalism and media jobs can be done outside the office, from our own homes and not in London. I really thought we were going to see a shift after this.
Maybe I’m naive, maybe I’m clinging on to a dream that I can work for the top dogs from my cosy flat in Scotland. But the lack of remote working does create a massive barrier and only open to the select who can afford to live in the capital. Imagine if we could pick and choose what ‘normal’ we go back to.
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Journo tip of the week
Let’s chat about alternative routes into the media industry…
Katie W: It’s the age-old question, isn’t it? Do you need to go to uni? We have spoken about it extensively throughout our podcast with a lot of our guests and there are ways around it if you haven’t gone to Uni. I don’t think the answer is black and white, it depends on what you want to do, but I do think it is important to show understanding of media law and shorthand when reporting from court. However, you don’t have to go to uni to get this.
NCTJ is the qualification asked by many employers and they have a range of different courses to suit different levels. You can see them all here . NCTJ qualifications can cover media law, shorthand, community reporting, production and more.
Create your own portfolio. If opinion or first-person pieces are your thing, then Metro are always looking to work with new writers and it can be a great first byline. Of course, you want to show examples of work when you pitch, then you’re going to want to create some form of a portfolio. Your own blog is a great way to start. This can include any writing, audio or video you have created and will show your talents and gumption. There is an abundance of online publications nowadays that you can pitch to as well to get experience and have your work out there. Empoword Journalism and Indiependent are great volunteer-led publications. Also take a look at The Spill, Aurelia, Gal-Dem and The Breakdown who are indie pubs that look for new writers.
Look for traineeship positions. Now you have your portfolio looking slick, keep an eye out for job positions that offer training! If you don’t have an NCTJ some employers might be able to help fund you while you work for them. This will give you the valuable training you need if you don’t have the qualifications.
BBC Apprenticeships are now open! Deadline 23 April. Of course they’re competitive but worth a shot! You can apply for their fast track journalism or advanced scheme. They both last two years.
News Associates are the UK’s number 1 Journalism School. They have fast track courses that last 22 weeks in Manchester and London and a range of courses to give you the foundations. It isn’t cheap, but here’s some advice on funding if this is the route you want.
Who to follow
Brooke Combe is a Scottish singer and has a killer cover of Arctic Monkeys that just gives me chills.
Noopur Jambhekar is one of our listeners from India (we’ve gone a lil’ bit global!) and she’s trying to get into the industry so I’m sure she’ll love some fellow journo support.
Nathan Ely, self-proclaimed “voice of the North”, was one of our brilliant guests and is starting a new project by the look of things.
NN reacts
Katie W: This is the type of article I wish I had written. I am a big fan of Grace Dent (a fellow University of Stirling alumni) and she hits the nail on the head with this article on restaurant etiquette.
Katie B: This is absolutely adorable! So heartwarming ❤️
Song of the week
Katie W:
Katie B: Two words: LADY GAGA.
Jobs and opportunities:
FREELANCE: Metro are looking for first-person pieces, they are always happy to work with new writers, so a good first gig.
FREELANCE: Gal-Dem are looking for submissions for their print publication! Their theme is ‘roaring twenties’ and they want to feature essays across all of their sections, speaking to the underrepresented communities they serve.
FREELANCE: Positive News want sparky, smart, unique ideas for solutions-focused features for their next issue. Deadline 19th April.
FREELANCE: Screen Smart has a new editorial assistant and Jack wants your pitches!
FREELANCE: Conversation without Borders are looking for an experienced journalist/story researcher to help them for two weeks as they finalise the climate action stories. Get in touch here or via office@conservation-without-borders.org
REMOTE: The Citizens is a new non-profit organisation looking for a Journalist/Producer for 3 months.
GLASGOW: DC Thompson are hiring again! This time they’re looking for a Marketing Content Producer. They’re really pushing digital news and you’ll be in charge of the digital story-telling side of things. Ngl, this looks like a fab job!
EDINBURGH: Bundle Digital Ltd are looking for a Junior Copywriter to join their team. £20k-£24k, remote working for now.
SCOTLAND: The Ferrett are recruiting for a Digital Engagement Editor. Full time, £31,200 salary, closing date is 23rd April at noon. This is a rolling, full time freelance contract.
CUMBRIA: Reach PLC are hiring a reporter for LancsLive and CumbriaLive. While it is HOME BASED, they are looking for someone who lives in the North West region as you will be covering the Carlisle, Eden and Allerdale districts of Cumbria. Closing date is 21st April.
LEEDS: Lorien are looking for a copywriter/content editor.
LEEDS: ITV are looking for an assistant digital publisher (soaps) to join their digital content team. Closing date is 27th April.
MANCHESTER: ITV are searching for a reporter to cover “The North”. They say ideally based in Manchester but I reckon if you’re anywhere in the North, then apply.
ROSSENDALE: PR and Marketing Assistant needed for Project Cosmetics Ltd. This is defo more on the marketing side, but at £19,500 it looks like a good entry level opportunity.
CHESHIRE: Spacehouse Ltd are a media company who are hiring a B2B journalist and it looks like it could be a great entry-level job. They want someone whose writing is persuasive, engaging and influential to generate content across NewStart, Environment Journal and Air Quality News. Deadline is 23 April.
SCHEMES:
BBC have launched their Production Management Apprentice Fast Track scheme. Salary is £14,400 per year (pro-rated), 25 days holiday, gold-standard industry training delivered by the BBC Academy from specialists and senior BBC and freelance production staff, completion of a Level 4 Media Production Coordinator apprenticeship supported by an experienced and established training provider plus a defined contributions pension scheme and discounts.
Production Apprenticeship Fast Track England, closing date 29th April.
In a nutshell, if you’re full of enthusiasm and energy about content and you’re creative, engaged and resilient then this scheme is definitely for you! Over the course of 18 months, you’ll get first-hand work experience and hands-on training in a wide range of production skills. You will also be working towards a qualification, a Certificate in Creative Content and Production, and the completion of a Level 3 Apprenticeship (Broadcast Production Assistant or Junior Content Producer apprenticeship).
Production Trainee Scheme - Combining on-the-job, first-hand experience with bespoke BBC Academy training, you’ll be embedded in a content team and work alongside industry professionals. A place on this scheme is a chance to bring your ideas and stories to the table. Whether your passions lie in radio, TV, podcasts, digital or social media, this trainee scheme is for you.
During the 18-month scheme you will develop a solid understanding and knowledge of the production process, across a range of editorial tasks, such as research, finding contributors, locations, props; learning how to develop and pitch ideas; setting up audio recordings/filming shoots; creating call sheets; running on shoots in studio or on location; gaining experience in technical/craft skills such as filming, editing audio or pictures, making podcasts; admin and logistics tasks; booking transport; crews and kit etc.
Good luck if you are applying!
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