Call for pitches and local journalism
journo tips, podcasts, supporting regional voices & local journalism
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From Katie B…
Apologies for the newsletter being late - it has been a busy weekend! I’m so happy with the response we’ve had with the first episode of S3 - we’re hopefully going to release another episode in the next newsletter for you all so keep your eyes peeled for that.
It was nice to hear from a few North East companies in my DM’s this week with some new jobs that need filling - it really makes all the difference when we’re both working full time for people to send new roles and information of how to apply. Make sure to check out our list of jobs below - there’s 21 of them from across Scotland and the North of England. We also post a jobs & opportunities post on our Instagram every Wednesday, so make sure to follow us!
From Katie W…
I’m not going to get into the ✨discourse✨ that landed on my Twitter timeline on Friday night as I feel that debate comes up twice a month - but what I’ll say is that I’m happy to help any new journalist, anyone wanting to get into the industry as much as I can. I have experience in pitching, found a great formula for that as well as the best way to layout my CV and if you’re applying to a job with Reach PLC - we have a few in our jobs and opps list today - please give me a shout!
It’s been a short working week for me as I was at my friend’s wedding and away in Edinburgh for most of the week. It was great to finally celebrate and catch up with my old pals, as well as introduce them to my boyfriend. It felt like a bit of normality.
Before I escaped to the big city though, my last article for Edinburgh Live this week was a tough on to write - I actually teared up during the interview but I felt like I had to tell Lisa’s story and help raise awareness of secondary breast cancer. You can read it here.
My work is also hiring another Trainee Trends Writer, so if you’d like to work with me - more info about that below but get in touch.
Twitter: @katie_wjourno
Email: katie.shannon.w@gmail.com
🚨 NEW EPISODE - LISTEN NOW 🚨
We have a lot of local journalism jobs in our jobs list and we cover a lot in this episode that might help you with your application and even in the interview.
Who to follow
The Publishing Post - publishing magazine
Edikan Umoh - journalist and has written for The Spill this brilliant piece about mental health and different generations.
Jess Lord - journalism coordinator at BBC Radio Lincolnshire
Marthe de Ferrer - journalist and producer for Euro News
NN reacts
Katie W: In my days off, I have been furiously binge-watching Keeping Up With the Kardashians. And I can’t stop. I am living for Kim’s dramatics and Kourtney’s dead pan face.
Katie B: I am living for the ‘gay realness’ between John and Johannes on Strictly. I’m so glad it’s back!!
Song of the week
Katie W:
Katie B:
Jobs and opportunities
FREELANCE: OK Magazine are looking for freelance celebrity and lifestyle writers. If you're interested, email your CV to kelby.mcnally@reachplc.com.
FREELANCE: Izzy Grinspan is the new digital deputy editor at Harpers Bazaar US and are always looking for stories on fashion and style.
FREELANCE: The Crack Magazine are looking for print feature pitches, especially those that cover a wider cultural moment – scene profiles, underground movements, etc all relevant to Crack. Email rachel@crackmagazine.net with your pitch.
FREELANCE: Digital Spy are looking for pitches! Ian Sandwell wants a hot take on a relevant new show. They have all you need to know and a list of editors to pitch to depending on your story here.
FREELANCE: Catapult are wanting pitches too. Matt Ortile has mentioned ‘immigrant writers on returning to their homelands for the 1st time since the pandemic began’ and ‘interested in essays about the places that feel, to you, most like your homeland’. Pay min $200 for personal essays. See more info eg who to pitch to here.
FREELANCE: Not specifically a ‘call for pitches’ but Dee Elizabeth, Weekend Editor for Teen Vogue seems to be commissioning and has put together a handy thread of info for those wanting to pitch. Worth having a look!
ELGIN: Highland News and Media are hiring a community reporter. This is a great opportunity for a graduate or experienced journalist. You would cover Aberdeen and Moray, providing engaging and interesting copy for local newspapers and their associated websites. You would be based in their Elgin office and from home in a hybrid working model. Full training will be given, a full driving licence is essential and a willingness to work weekends too. Closing date is 15th October.
ABERDEEN: The Press and Journal & Evening Express are looking for an experienced, talented and passionate journalist to join its health and wellbeing team. Fixed term position until September 2022 to cover a period of maternity leave.
EDINBURGH: The Scotsman and Scotland on Sunday are hiring a political reporter. The successful candidate will have a keen sense of what makes a story in Scottish politics, an understanding of the news agenda and an ability to build relationships with those in and around Holyrood. Closing date is 8th October.
EDINBURGH: Edinburgh Evening News are hiring a crime reporter. You won't just report the crime statistics, you will understand and explain the significance of the latest trends. You will be comfortable and pro-active on social media with a strong grasp of SEO and brimming with ideas for fresh ways to engage their readers. Apply here.
EDINBURGH/GLASGOW: Edinburgh and Glasgow Live are hiring a Trainee Trends Writer - you’d be working with our Katie W! They want someone with excellent storytelling techniques, superb social media skills and knowledge of SEO and Google Trends, as well as a deep understanding of how to make content engaging. Apply here.
GLASGOW: National Theatre of Scotland are looking for a marketing assistant. They are looking for candidates with excellent organisational skills, who are collaborative, flexible and excited by the prospect of a career in the arts in Scotland. £18,900 per annum, closing date is 24th September at 9am.
GLASGOW: The Scottish Express is launching soon and they need reporters! They want experienced reporters around the country to join their team to find and report on the stories and issues which matter to their readers. Apply here.
SUNDERLAND: Sunderland Software City are hiring a multitude of marketing roles; social media executives (£19-24k), digital content designer (£25-32k), brand strategist (£33-40k) and a digital adoption specialist (£28-32k).
WHITLEY BAY: Aspect Publishing are looking for a chief reporter. £23-27k, dependent on experience. Candidates must be NCTJ-qualified, have newsroom experience and some previous work in business, technology or healthcare reporting. You will be producing news and features on Aspect Publishing's flagship technology title Health Tech World. Email your CV and cover letter specifying which role you are applying for to editor@aspectpublishing.co.uk. Closing date is 30 September.
GATESHEAD: MediaWorks are hiring a copy editor, £21-25k salary.
NEWCASTLE: Young Women’s Film Academy are looking for a creative producer to plan and lead the fortnightly Saturday club and school holiday workshops. Freelance fixed-term basis, £500 per calendar month. Closing date is 12 noon on 11th October.
NEWCASTLE: Passionate about PR? Crystallised are hiring a PR manager. £30k pro rata or £200 per day for freelance rate. Closing date is 3rd October.
DARLINGTON: The Northern Echo are hiring a digital news reporter. £25k salary + bonus. They offer flexible working from home and from their offices in Darlington and Bishop Auckland. Email your CV and a brief covering letter to the editor at karl.holbrook@newsquest.co.uk by 1st October.
MANCHESTER: Cognitive Publishing are hiring a multimedia journalist. £18-20k, full time, permanent role.
MANCHESTER: CommaPress are hiring a publishing assistant. £20-22k, 35 hours a week. Apply by emailing your CV and covering letter, outlining your suitability to the role to Ra Page at ra.page@commapress.co.uk. Closing date is 6th October.
Good luck if you are applying!