Creativity and Season 3
journo tips, podcasts, supporting regional voices & local journalism
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From Katie B…
I have my first vaccine booked tomorrow! After months of waiting to get that all important text, it feels so good to say that I’ll be receiving my first vaccine by the end of the week.
From recording videos for a Tiktok collab to sending out emails to guests for S3, I feel like I’m getting back into the swing of things with the podcast. I have so many ideas in my head for the website and questions for episodes. Brainstorm mode is certainly activated!
Earlier this week, we went to Seaham for my first meal out in almost a year and a half. Classic scampi & chips and a double chocolate brownie, phwoar - just what I needed. Taking walks by the beach has been a favourite of mine; I feel so calm taking in the sound of the waves and the views of the sea - definitely a mermaid in my past life I think.
From Katie W…
So if you follow us on Insta you might have seen our latest reel - I asked Craig Paton from PA, what is a news wire? And here’s a wee exclusive for you - there’s more to come from that conversation. And here’s the exciting bit that YOU only know, we’re going to be launching little bite-sized episodes, snacks of natter if you will, full of the information you need, like media law and PR tips, in a quick, easy format. You can see a sneak peak here.
This week…I’ve been a little in my own head, anxiety has been getting the best of me and last night I didn’t really know what to do with myself. It was still sunny outside after I’d finished work but I just went straight to bed and watched some Youtube. But I also knew I had that footage sitting in my laptop, begging to be edited.
I ended up deciding to work on it, but only a little, enough for an Insta reel and enough for me to distract myself.
I think when you’re working in any sort of creative industry, when you have to put yourself out there, it can really cause you to take things personally if your work doesn’t take off like you expected. But it’s good to focus on the little wins when that happens, even if the win is a learning curve. I put my focus in something that I know always makes me happier and more confident - this podcast and any other content related to it. I love making things for Northern Natter and it never fails to perk me up if something else has dragged me down.
Journo tip of the week
Katie B: Let’s chat about…how to find creativity when you’re stressed.
Read outside of your comfort zone - turning the page on a book or reading a different political stance or genre of article can make you think of different ways to write.
Set aside time for yourself everyday - Finding time to set aside for yourself everyday can help you strike a balance between your work life and personal/social life. Self care is so important. Remember look after yourself, especially after lockdown.
Put on your favourite playlist and have a dance - let that stress out, dance, laugh, smile - just do it! I’d recommend an 80s or dance playlist on Spotify! 💃🕺
Who to follow
Geri Scott - political correspondent for Press Association
New Writing North - supports writing and reading in the North of England
Amy Lea - ITV Tyne Tees & Border journalist and presenter
Andrew Watson - broadcast journalist for Metro Radio news
NN reacts
Katie W: So.. the Scotland V England match. Mixed emotions. For the first time, I actually watched a match and although I wanted to see some goals, did you see how happy the Scotland fans looked? Mon Scotland!
Katie B: Can we talk about how much of an icon Olly Alexander is - loving the behind the scenes footage of his latest music video & his Tiktoks!
Song of the week
Katie W:
Katie B:
Jobs and opportunities
FREELANCE: Brian Ferguson at the Scotsman is looking for articles about Scottish arts, culture & events news, plus features. Working on something exciting? Any burning issues he should know about? Email bferguson@scotsman.com with your pitch.
FREELANCE: Massive Cinema are looking for pitches, on new films and contemporary cinema aimed at young audiences. Commissions are paid. Email editor@massive-cinema.com for more details.
FREELANCE: Florence Derrick is commissioning travel and lifestyle content for CultureTrip for the next three months. Email florence.derrick@theculturetrip.com with your pitch.
FREELANCE: If you're a music journo with experience on camera, Hannah Mylrea is looking for pitches for NME's In Conversation series from July onwards. Pitch to hannah.mylrea@nme.com
FREELANCE: EachOther are looking for pitches for their InspiredSource series. £50 per piece, they prioritise emerging writers from marginalised backgrounds, 400-600 word opinion pieces. Send your ideas to editorial@eachother.org.uk
FREELANCE: Novara Media are looking to publish more content on how Britain is breaking up - constitutionally, economically and culturally. Pitch your ideas to clare@novaramedia.com
REMOTE: Calling all gamers! GRV Media Limited are looking for entertainment and gaming writers. You will have general writing experience covering areas which includes gaming, anime, comics, culture, reality TV, movies, music, celebrity news and K-pop. Send your CV, covering letter and a link to samples of your work to vic.daniels@grv.media. Closing date is 5th July.
GLASGOW: BBC are hiring a production management assistant. One year full time contract, £17,810 per annum, closing date is 24th June at midnight. You will provide administrative and logistical assistance to the production teams in order to ensure the smooth and efficient running of productions.
GLASGOW/REMOTE: MadeBrave are recruiting a senior copywriter role. The applicant will be a copy-lead creative and work closely with their senior copywriter and ideation team to interpret abstract business concepts, client briefs, market research and strategic direction into impactful and award-winning copy. £28k-38k, dependent on experience. Closing date is 24th June.
EDINBURGH: Passionate about reading? Scottish Book Trust are hiring a research and evaluation coordinator to join their team. This role will manage a new piece of research exploring the impact of the Bookbug and Read, Write, Count book gifting programmes and will also work with the Early Years team to plan, design and implement robust evaluation across their wider activities. Fixed Term contract for 9–12 months, minimum 21 hours per week (open to negotiation), £21,500-£26k, closing date is 24 June at 9am.
ABERDEEN: More than Enough Ltd are looking for a social media content creator. £30k - £35k, remote working. The role will involve creating video and design assets, including reels, instagram stories, YouTube stories, IGTV and graphic design for static assets. Ideally you will support social media in reaching follower goals by achieving reach through top-performing content.
STRANRAER: Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press are hiring a journalist/reporter. You’ll be involved in the production of the weekly newspaper title and its bi-monthly glossy magazine Our Wigtownshire. This role will include writing news and feature copy for both publications, and a principal role in page production, in all aspects of a regional newspaper covering news, sport and community matters. NCTJ preferred but not essential. A full driving licence is essential, as is page make-up experience in InDesign. Send your CV to office@stairestates.com. Closing date is 5th July.
SUNDERLAND: ReVibe Media are hiring a Head of Social Media. This is a full time, permanent role, £30k salary. You will be responsible for strategic planning, campaign management and digital advertising. You will be working with some of the best brands in the North East managing a social portfolio of your own while managing the daily tasks of the team.
SUNDERLAND: The University of Sunderland are hiring two MediaHub graduate interns. £18,000 salary, one year contract. This role would include, assisting the management of mediaHUB websites and social media platforms, covering fashion, news and arts & entertainment plus Spark Sunderland’s website; inspiring, coordinating and editing student contributions to websites and contributing to a culture of innovative digital storytelling in a vibrant and collaborative newsroom environment. Closing date is 4th July.
NEWCASTLE: Newcastle University are hiring a marketing coordinator. Salary is £25,941 - £27,511 per annum (pro rata), part time, 29.6 hrs a week. Newcastle University Careers Service provides opportunities for students and graduates to explore their future career options, and this role will be accountable for creating engaging and impactful campaigns that drive action and deliver results. Closing date is 4th July.
NEWCASTLE: Children North East are hiring a marketing and communications manager. £30,151 to £31,653 per annum pro rata, full time permanent role. You will work with the communications team, fundraising team and their delivery services, developing and implementing a marketing and communications strategy across a range of reactive and strategically planned opportunities in various forms of communications print, media, events and digital. Closing date is 22nd June at 5pm.
NEWCASTLE: Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are looking for an assistant charity communications/media officer. £21,892 - £24,157 a year.
Good luck if you are applying!
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