Getting stories on social media
journo tips, podcasts, supporting regional voices & local journalism
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From Katie B…
From designing flyers and logos on Canva & Photoshop to writing copy - this week at work has certainly been a busy one. I can’t believe I’ve been there 3 weeks now, I feel like I’m starting to really find my feet with how the company works and the tasks I’m working on. Everyone is super friendly which makes such a difference! Reconnecting with Photoshop has been amazing to get back into the design element of content creation. I’m glad I’ve got my trusty pen and notebook to note down shortcuts and tips from Youtube tutorials though!
This week is #mentalhealthawarenessweek and the theme this year is nature. The natural environment has the potential to be hugely beneficial to our health and wellbeing, yet almost everywhere we look, the role and visibility of nature is diminishing. Stats from the Mental Health Foundation show that almost half of UK adults said that being close to nature helps them cope with stress. Climate change is real and is happening, especially with the storms we’ve been having this week.
Something I’d love to start is my own nature journal to share how you feel before and after connecting with nature. You can download your own copy here to help you connect, doodle and reflect.
Here’s to a peaceful weekend filled with sunshine and smiles #staysafe ☺️
From Katie W…
I had my first week as a Trends Writer for Edinburgh Live and I am loving it! This week has been pretty heavy with training and video calls but I have written articles too and it is so cool to see my name. Shameless plug but you can read my latest article here.
I am working from home and learning a CMS only through diagrams and screen shares is frustrating but I’ll figure it out. But this is the first time I’m going to have a full 9-5 structure for the foreseeable future and no sign of going into the office…which kind of makes me a little sad. I would love to meet my team properly. Coming from a waitressing background, the staff turns into your family and there is such a camaraderie there, I wonder if that is now going to be a thing of the past. How have you all found WFH?
On another note, a more important note some might say - I’ve dyed my hair. I don’t know if it’s because of my love for the colour orange or my love for A Star is Born and Ally looks stunning with ginger hair…or my dedication to the podcast - but I’m now ginger. And I love it. I am a walking talking promotion for Northern Natter now.
You can see my new do in our latest TikTok (make sure you follow!)
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Journo tip of the week
Let’s chat about… using social media to find stories.
Katie W: Social media is such a useful tool in so many ways as a journalist. In my new role, it is crucial that I’m on the pulse of all things trending and it can be great to see what’s happening online to spark ideas.
Twitter Trends: What is trending on Twitter? You can click the hashtags and see what people are talking about and then you can incorporate some of the reactions into your stories. This can also be a good way to source images of an event - make sure you get the person’s permission though.
TikTok: What is the latest trend on TikTok? What are people doing? Is there something really weird that has become A Thing? It can be a piece on sub-cultures or how Gen Z are doing something, or it would be about a certain person on TikTok, like “X on TikTok is breaking down stereotypes in 15 seconds”.
What is getting Facebook comments? What are your friends sharing on Facebook? Is there a post that is getting a lot of attention? For example, there was a post yesterday about M&S’s new chocolate eclair and got 46k comments.
Facebook groups: Facebook groups is where the drama is happening. Get on them! You can see what folk are talking about, even in your local area, which could develop into a national story if you hunt for it, or groups like “I love Lidl” to see what is the next big thing in the middle aisle.
Instagram: This one might be a little trickier but see what people are doing on Instagram. What is popular? What are people sharing on stories? This is good to see when protests, riots and events are happening and you can then contact the people who post and ask for a comment.
If you have your own tips, let us know on Twitter @northernnatter
Who to follow
Student Publication Association - The UK and Ireland's largest student media association; supporting student journalism, media and production
Georgia Lambert - freelance journalist and deputy sports editor at York Vision - loved Georgia’s piece at the start of the year on homelessness
Harrison Brocklehurst - staff writer at theTAB, with words in VICE, Dazed and mixmag
NN reacts
Katie W: In Glasgow yesterday, 2 men were held in an immigration van for 7 hours and the people of Pollokshields came to the streets to protest and blocked the van from taking their neighbours away. After 7 hours, Police Scotland reported that the men were going to be released. This is incredible, it shows community power and proves that people do make Glasgow. Please watch this powerful video of when the van doors open. I’m so proud of Glasgow tonight.
Katie B: Little Mix made HISTORY at the Brits on Tuesday night! First ever female band to win best group 🥳🙌🏻
Song of the week
Katie W:
Katie B:
Jobs and opportunities:
FREELANCE: BBC Radio 4 and World Service are expanding their talent pool of freelance researchers for Radio Current Affairs (to the rest of the UK, not just London!). This is a part of BBC News that specialises in making long form audio. Applications close on 23rd May.
FREELANCE: Metro UK are looking for news reporters to help fill their freelance rota. Must be NCTJ qualified (or equivalent) & have two years' experience on a local paper. DM Richard for more details.
FREELANCE: JUST: Access Transcription service are recruiting freelance editors. They offer the ability to work from home, full training, remote supervision, at a rate of £11 per hour. Strong candidates will have excellent attention to detail, fast typing, excellent IT skills and previous editing experience.
FREELANCE: SulkMag are calling for pitches for their culture section! If you've got an interesting take on anything internet, tv, film, music etc, they want to hear from you. Send your pitch to hello@sulkmag.com.
DUNDEE: DC Thomson are once again hiring Local Democracy Reporters and it is part of a joint scheme with BBC, so it sounds like a great opportunity.
GLASGOW: BBC are looking for an Assistant Producer to work on their Science Unit. Deadline is 26th May.
GLASGOW: Reach Plc are hiring a Local Democracy Reporter for Glasgow Live. While the role is WFH, you will be expected to live in the area and have knowledge of local politics. It is a good time to get into this, all the MSP’s were sworn in today.
STRANRAER: The Free Press are looking for their next reporter. It is on a seaside town on the South West of Scotland. They are looking for an “enthusiastic journalist to assist in the business of the publication of both its weekly newspaper, Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press and bi-monthly glossy magazine, Our Wigtownshire.” Send your CV to Stranraer & Wigtownshire Free Press, Stair Estates, Sheuchan, Stranraer DG9 8SL or email office@stairestates.com
MIDDLESBROUGH/HOME WORKING: Darlington Live is a newly launched publication from Reach PLC (part of Teesside Live) and they are looking for an Apprentice Journalist to join their team. Mixture of home and hub working, £18,500 per annum, fully funded NCTJ training too. Closing date is 21st May.
SUNDERLAND: The University of Sunderland are looking for a Customer Service and Marketing Graduate Intern. 18.5hrs per week, £18k per annum pro rata, 12 month fixed term contract. Closing date is midnight on 23rd May.
NEWCASTLE: Bough Digital are hiring a Junior Content Writer to join their team. £24k salary per annum, permanent role. CV, covering letter and portfolio of work required for applications.
NEWCASTLE: Nigel Wright are hiring a copy & content manager. £35k salary, permanent role. Looking for someone who is confident and has experience in content-based campaigns, Adobe CC and CMS.
NEWCASTLE: Newcastle City Council are recruiting for a marketing and communications/central services support assistant. £22,627 - £24,491 per annum, fixed term contract until 31st August 2022 (maternity cover). Closing date is 17th May.
NEWCASTLE: Central Employment are looking to appoint an in-house Brand Marketing & Content Manager. £27-30k per annum including benefits. This is a permanent full-time role.
GATESHEAD: Westray Recruitment Group are hiring a marketing manager. £30-£35k salary, permanent full-time role.
SUNDERLAND: The Fire Station are looking for a Marketing and Sales Coordinator to deliver marketing, digital and sales campaign activity for Sunderland’s brand-new music and arts venue, The Fire Station, working as part of the Sunderland Culture marketing team. Salary is £25,000 per annum, full time.
NORTH EAST: Education Partnership North East are recruiting a Director of Marketing and Engagement to accelerate brand and recruitment growth to match the college’s wider ambitions. £50k salary. Closing date is 12 noon on 24th May.
BBC NEWCASTLE are recruiting a researcher to join their team in content production. This is a permanent contract, pay is Band B (which means it pays £22.5k -£37k per annum), are happy to discuss flexible working. 35 hour week too. (This would be another dream job for Katie B!). Closing date is 19th May.
MANCHESTER: Pretty Little Thing are hiring a copywriter. Email your CV to annabel.birtles@prettylittlething.com ASAP.
Good luck if you are applying!