Opportunities for aspiring journalists

It is not everyday where I flick through a newspaper and see so many opportunities for a young journalist. But today was one of those days. If you had the chance to pick up a copy of The Guardian this morning, you will have noticed many of the exciting opportunities for young journalists, to not only be inspired and gain knowledge in the field of journalism, but also garner experience through some exciting opportunities. If you did not happen to pick up the latest copy however, I have listed below some of the opportunities I came across.

1. The Guardian International Development Journalism Competition 2012 - this fantastic competition offers a unique opportunity for aspiring journalists to report on key issues in the developing world. The challenge is to write a feature of 650 to 1,000 words by Thursday 3 May at 23.59pm on an aspect of global poverty that deserves greater media exposure. 16 finalists will then be chosen, and flown out to a developing country to write up on a key new issue. Two winners will then be chosen, and given awards in London at the end of the year. The competition is free, and supported by major companies and NGO's. A fantastic opportunity for a journalist with dreams of reporting from abroad.
2. Panorama (8:30pm tonight, BBC 1) - Any journalist should be glued to the ongoing coverage of the phone hacking scandal, and tonight's episode of Panorama looks closely at Rupert Murdoch's news empire, where journalist Vivian White investigates allegations of corruption in tonight's episode, "Murdoch's TV Pirates." Well worth a watch.
3. The Guardian Student Media Awards - Another Guardian-led item, this fantastic opportunity will help kick start a journalist's dream by helping nominate student reporters for awards and prizes. Awards cover photographers to broadcasters, critics to feature writers. These awards are a great opportunity for young journalists to showcase their work, and get a foot on the ladder to success. May as well try your luck!
4. Frost on Interviews (9:00pm tomorrow, BBC 4) - I do not know about you, but Sir David Frost is one of my favourite broadcast journalists, and this exceptional new series sees him interviewing famous chat show hosts and other gruelling reporters, as he delves into the history of the interviewing trade. For anyone interested in broadcast journalism looking to get a few tips on interview technique and style, this is the show for you. A must!

Will the PCC closure rejuvenate the press industry, or leave it still tarnished?

It was announced today that the Press Complaints Commission (PCC), the government regulative body for the printed news industry, will close after 21 years.The watchdog, which has faced intense criticism over the last year for its handling of the phone hacking affair at the News of the World, will be replaced in the meantime by a transitional body in the wake of the Leveson inquiry.

Although a decision has now been finalised, the news was somewhat expected. It was over two years ago that the commission came under scrutiny for its role in regulating the British press, where in February 2010 it was described as “toothless” by the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport select committee.
Since then, Prime Minister David Cameron said the PCC was “inadequate” and “absent” in July 2011, as he made a statement to the public regarding phone hacking.
Over the last few months, the PCC’s fate has been clear. It had failed at its attempt to regulate the press. Whether it was News International's illegal practices or the Metropolitan Police’s wrongdoing, no one can deny that the PCC failed to protect the innocent victims who were subject to their personal details being released for the general public to read.
As a journalist, are judgments are supposed to be bound to the PCC’s Code of Practice. So it is slightly ironic that the judgments of the PCC led to its downfall. It turned a blind eye at the ‘Reporting of Crime’ (code.9), it mistook ‘Confidential Sources’ (code.14) and subsequently led to the ‘Intrusion into grief or shock’ (code. 5).
The newspaper industry believes the closure of the self-regulatory body will offer a clean break from the past, an opportunity to fix the press industry’s tarnished reputation. Even Rupert Murdoch, the evil Queen at the centre of the hacking scandal - who recently launched the NOTW successor, The Sun on Sunday - pledged that the paper would be “fearless, outspoken, mischievous, fun…but committed to our high ethical standards”, echoing the industries cries for forgiveness.
So is this the start of something new for our battered news industry? It may well be the start of a grassroots movement into reigniting traditional print media, but will the newspapers learn from their mistakes and changing their wicked ways? I am doubtful. Although the government has announced that a long-term replacement is not expected to be up and running until 2014, it confirmed that the replacement would take on the assets and liabilities of the old PCC.
It remains unclear whether Lord Hunt will have to reapply for his position as Chairman ones the transition process is complete.
The papers may be celebrating at the moment, but we are from the end of seeing a free press industry. Trust is the key issue here. The public, the politicians, the celebrities; they are far from ready to put their trust in the press again, and therefore, a need for government intervention through a new body is needed. With Lord Leveson expected to publish his findings in October, the next year is likely to be an interesting and defining moment for the press industry, and one where the question of ‘freedom of the press’ remains very much unanswered.
This article was also uploaded on the Centre for Journalism website

For information on other 'News Industry' related questions, why not have a look at these blog posts?

All you need to know about Phone Hacking and the Murdoch's

Open Journalism: The Guardian deliberates

Open Journalism: The Guardian deliberates

It is quite uncommon for an advert to leave me speechless. Most are only appealing because they are teasing us into buying a certain product, watching a certain programme or drinking a certain drink. But a recent scroll through YouTube brought me across a real gem of a commercial. One that not only appealed to my desired profession, but also made me think about my future, and the role of our society.

The Guardian newspaper, it is fair to say, has revolutionised itself in the last few years. Groundbreaking reports, a focus on every aspect of the news - from celebrity to foreign affairs - and a greater convergence of all media sources. If I was to name just one of its many successful stories, without a doubt I would suggest its uncovering of the phone-hacking story has shaken, stirred and part-destroyed the newspaper industry, and changed the face of journalism as it is known today.

Critics might call this a blatant promotional trailer for a news organisation which is now second in readership to the new and highly popular I Paper, but I see it as a dedication. The Guardian has dedicated itself to reporting high-quality, ground-breaking news stories to the public, and is dedicated to us the way the Queen is dedicated to her country. Rather than pressing on the current flaws in our badly-damaged press industry, it looks to the future. An integration between newspaper and internet, the latter of which it views with a pinch of salt, suggesting it is a good thing, rather than something to be worried about, as many old, tedious media-types often see it as.

In fact, The Guardian has coined the phrase 'Open Journalism' to describe its new image. Editor Alan Rusbridger leads the campaign for Open Journalism, describing journalism today as a very active process, rather than readers being "passive participants" of Journalism. He reveals that The Guardian hopes to interact more with audiences, using apps, widgets, social networking sites and links to help appeal to new, more diverse audiences.

Whether you read The Guardian or not, it is really worth watching this video to make your own opinions on the state of journalism today, and how journalism might be perceived in the future. Please comment below, I am interested in what others have to think on this subject.

The Guardian 'Open Journalism' Advert 2012

You can also read more on what The Guardian has to say on Open Journalism by following the link. There is also the opportunity for members of the public to go and visit The Guardian offices in a series of workshops at the end of March. After visiting the offices last year on work experience, it was simply breathtaking to see the news rooms and facilities that make The Guardian such a world-class news company. Well worth a visit.

Pictures Courtesy of Google Images

Blog of the Week: This is Alton

When I think of local news, I think of a weekly 'round-robbin' type broadsheet paper circulated across a small area, featuring a list of bereavements, local events and the odd incident involving a horse and a tractor. Well, maybe that is just my paper in in rural Hampshire! Yet, no matter where you are, it is apparent that local news is dwindling. It used to be the essence of communities, with talk of the local 'rag' featuring in many conversations. But with newspapers closing and shutting up shop up and down the country, local news is facing the brunt of a crisis in the media industry.

Which is why this weeks Blog of the Week offered a glimmer of hope to my local area in particular. This is Alton, a website/ blog dedicated to all the local news in my hometown, picks up from where the newspapers stalled. It contains all the latest news, along with various interviews, videos, photos and event listings for Alton.

In just a few minutes, I learnt about a new supermarket being built in the town, details on how to enter a Come Dine With Me (which is currently being filmed in East Hampshire) and the councils plans for the Diamond Jubilee. Completely independent from any media outlet, the website is regularly updated and frequently viewed by residents.

I like that it truly captures the digital era by allowing the reader to share with friends on Facebook and Twitter, and comment on blog posts. The content is of quality journalism, and the advertisements do not blare out at you.

So if you are looking for all the local news from Alton in Hampshire, then 'This is Alton' is for you. Forget paying for the local newspaper, this website truly is a gem in providing the local people with easy access to journalism. Enjoy!

You can check out the website by following the link: http://www.thisisalton.co.uk/

Picture Courtesy of This is Alton.

Previous 'Blog of the Week' posts:
- Mode de la Mode
- Catastrophic Findings

Top Ten for Tuesday: Top Ten News Websites

Now I know last week I decided to post two different Top Ten lists – one for me, and one on something news-worthy. However, I’ve decided to make a small change and instead focus on one top ten list, will provide you with more information about me and the chosen subject.

For this week’s Top Ten for Tuesday, the jourknow has compiled his ten favourite News Websites – where he gets his main news from. These are in the order of the jourknow’s personal preference!

1.       BBC News:  The best objective news gathering in the world, in my opinion. The BBC has been reporting, publishing and informing the public – nationally and internationally – of breaking news for nearly a century. It is highly regarded all over the world, and besides the newspapers of our nation, is the foundations for news in this country. My first port of call when looking at the new. www.bbc.co.uk/news

2.       The Guardian: one of the best online websites, despite being a traditional newspaper, the Guardian has and continues to reveal the biggest and most shocking scandals to rock this nation. It has a readership across the world, and is easily accessible. An up-to-date source for any ambitious writer/ journalist.  www.guardian.co.uk

3.       Digital Spy: My favourite website for showbiz, entertainment and television news, Digital Spy is still unfamiliar with the British public. It provides content on a range of UK and International artists, celebs, movies and television programmes, as well as special features on the Media industry and Bollywood. It’s my number one destination for entertainment news, and one of the best in the UK. www.digitalspy.co.uk

4.       Mail Online: The Daily Mail’s viral website offers many positive articles, as well as negative ones, on a host of news items. Its Femail section provides one of the best sites for fashion and celebrity news, whilst its reader comments allow readers to really get involved in the article. However, its grammar, spelling and facts are frequently misplaced, if placed at all – so watch out for what is true, and what is false! www.dailymail.co.uk/home

5.       Press Association: The press association might not provide you with colourful pictures, vox pops and unnecessary polls and opinion, but what it does provide is a countless supply of news stories. The website is often used for the source of many newspapers and news groups, so why not get ahead of them, and try it yourself. www.pressassociation.com/

6.       Reuters: Another news agency, Reuters is superb for international news. Similarly to the Press Association, it provides information to many of the media outlets – but also is easily accessible to the public. Its Twitter feed is exceptional. www.uk.reuters.com

7.       The Huffington Post: The Huffington Post is one of my favourite international news sites. It’s opinions and blog-style format is really accessible and user-friendly to a growing online audience, and it provides an alternative angle to the conventional news piece. www.huffingtonpost.co.uk

8.       The Independent – One of my favourite newspapers, the Independent – like the Guardian and the Mail – has a website with a global presence which is highly successful and professional. Although the website is not the easiest to navigate, it is well worth a read – especially its award-winning opinion section. www.independent.co.uk

9.       Google News: Now I know technically this is not a news site as such, but Google is great at providing the latest articles on any topic; providing you with sources from a range of media and news outlets, which are easily accessible. www.news.google.co.uk

10.   Sky News: My last port of call if I fancy a change from my usual websites. Although Sky is great with Breaking News Stories, and its TV programming is often far better than the BBC (at times), its online content lacks the clarity and sophistication of other websites. You might think differently though. www.news.sky.com/home

Pictures Courtesy of Wikipedia

Kicking off the week

So it's the jourknow's first proper week social networking, and it proves to be a busy one. What with the continued financial crisis, Olympic security fears and is Russell going to get to Wembley on Strictly all playing on my mind - so many questions need answering on the news of the week.

Now, every Monday, I plan to do a feature called Monday Madness - where I look and analyse the biggest news story of the day, and what looks to be top of the news agenda for the coming week ahead. One particular item that caught my eye was the continued fiasco between the 'Murdoch's', the 'government' and the 'news industry'.

Quite appropriately I feel, this story has thrown up so many issues it promises to change the newspaper industry forever. With one national paper gone and more rumours of others to follow, the landscape of the British papers is in for a rocky ride. And with the Leveson Inquiry kicking off today by declaring "phone hacking " may well had been a widely-used tool by all newspapers, it will certainly be controversial!

It was a few months ago that I wrote a report on the Newspaper hacking story, delving into all the facts and rumours spinning their way across bulletins and pages. It was published on my former college website, and is well worth a read (if I may say so), if you need a brush up on what's really going on!*

*apologies if there are any outdated sources/ facts in my article - with so many developments it's hard to keep up!

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If you have not been glued to the various news sites over the last month, you may be wondering what the words ‘hacking’, ‘tapping’ and ‘Rupert Murdoch’ all have in common. And why suddenly there is a gap on the shelf next to the Sunday Mirror when you go to buy your Sunday paper? Well here is a guide to one of the biggest stories that has rocked the start of the summer in its simplest form.

A man named Rupert:So, a man named Rupert Murdoch, an Australian at the grand old age of 80, and his company, News Corporation own a company called News International, which owns The Times, The Sunday Times, The Sun, and the now defunct News of the World. Lost already? Think of him as an octopus who has his long, somewhat deadly tentacles in some of the UK’s, not to mention the worlds best media companies (Fox Network, The Wall Street Journal and publisher Harper Collins to name a few). He also owns a controlling 39% share in BSkyB, the TV giant, which until recently he planned to fully control.

The Scandal:
Despite condemnation of his conglomerate controlling many a company, his own reputation and ideology has come into immense criticism in the last few months as it has come to attention of the full extent of the ‘Phone Hacking’ scandal. The scandal actually happened in 2006/7, when a first enquiry was set up by the Metropolitan Police, which concluded little evidence available and closed the case. The scandal involves a man called Glen Mulcaire, a private investigator working for the News of the World to uncover stories through a process called Phone Hacking. It basically means the investigator can access the voicemails and phone calls of various different people, which have amassed into politicians, the Royal Family, celebrities, PR guru’s, and perhaps the most shocking, victims and families of those killed in events like the 7/7 bombings. Mulcaire, and the former Royal Correspondent Clive Goodman, have already served sentences for their roles, but since the latest outbreak of scandals and headlines, more and more names are being called to the ‘witness stand’.

So who is involved now?

Well, really there are five separate parties involved. They include:

1. News International & News Corporation - Perhaps the most complicated party, News International have ultimately been the main source for blame since the scandal broke out again. The News of the World, the paper who had been publishing the phone-hacking stories, was at the forefront of the blame - and has subsequently been shut down by News Corporation bosses. News International then CEO, Rebekah Brooks, has subsequently resigned from her post - despite the praises and fight put up by the Murdoch’s. She was alleged to have known about the hacking as CEO, which she has denied. Both Brooks, Murdoch and his son, James Murdoch - CEO of News Corporation in Europe, have all denied involvement and been fighting their innocence in parliament in front of MP’s - despite growing anger from a range of celebrities, politicians and the greater British public.

2. The Government - The Conservative Party have been criticised for their role in the scandal. Former News of the World editor Andy Coulson, who was at the centre of the scandal when editor but denied any involvement in the illegal activity, was employed by the Conservatives as their ‘spin doctor’, a decision which David Cameron, Prime Minister, has now admitted as wrong and a ‘misjudgement’ on his behalf, although not fully apologising! So apart from employing the wrong bloke, the Conservatives, and to some extent other political parties, have been condemned by other media outlets for their cosy relationship with News Corporation and the Murdoch’s, and for ‘turning a blind eye’ over the scandal.

3. The Metropolitan Police - Another complicating factor is the Met Police’s role in the scandal. In the original review of the scandal, the Met were the ones who decided there was no case on phone hacking - which has subsequently been founded wrong. Apparently the police were too keen for secret payouts and money in their pocket to worry about issuing a sense of justice, and two senior officers and commissioners have subsequently quit their posts in response to the condemnation from the media, government and public.

4. The Press - Undoubtedly, this hasn’t come at a worse time for the newspaper industry. With declining profits and the rise of the internet, anymore problems could be considered a ticking time bomb for the industry - which is possibly why the effects of the phone hacking could prove a mighty blow for the industry. Already, the scandal has led to other papers, including The Sun (owned by, yes you guessed it, Rupert Murdoch), The Mirror and the Daily Mail being linked to the scandal - and with the power of companies providing revenue for the newspapers, who ultimately played the biggest factor in the closure of the News of the World, could another newspaper fall in the near future? In addition, an even bigger issue is the matter of self-regulation. The papers ultimately look after themselves, providing them with the freedom they wish for - another factor now under scrutiny. The PCC, the Press Complaints Commission, who should have been watching over the News of the World and other companies to that matter, did not do their job and, like News International/ Corporation, are under immense scrutiny and a possible closure in the upcoming enquiry.

5. The Victims - The biggest party who really are just innocent victims in this shocking story and perhaps the people the press and media organisations forget about. Sienna Miller, Andy Gray, Gordon Brown, Milly Dowler, Prince William, families of those who died in the 7/7 bombings and hundreds of others who have all fallen fowl to the hacking and publication of their personal and intimate details which should not have been published. Despite the lawsuits, the money settlements and A4 apologies printed, they are still the ones innocently exploited for the sake of a few dirty tabloid articles and money in the pockets of guilty editors.

So what happens now?

Well one thing for sure, this is not going to go away quietly. The upcoming enquiry and review of the case into the company, the editors, the police and the reporters; hastily arranged by an under-pressure PM last month in front of a glitzy press conference, is something that is not going to be over in a few weeks - in fact, I would predict the end of the year when we might get a result. It’s going to be complicated no doubt, and strenuous, and lots of finger pointing and blame are going to be passed between parties - but hopefully, if the enquiry works, the results will not only provide the victims with a sense of justice, but put a stop to the illegal undertakings of News International and help provide a positive outcome for the Newspaper Industry.
As for News Corporation and the Murdoch’s, I expect a rather turbulent few months for him. With his bid for control at BSkyB now vanished to thin air, and with his 39% stake also under scrutiny, along with his assets in other companies and in other countries, not to mention his families stance and condemnation, the Mr Nasty media title has a new master at the helm (apologies to Simon Cowell). Although the public do not really love to hate him, I believe it is a simple hate thing - judging by the recent ‘Pie in the Face’ incident that resulted in laughs and jeers, not criticism from the public. Could be worse - could be cold porridge instead, by the way things are going!

And the government? Well the sooner this case disappears, the sooner the smile returns to David Cameron’s face. His role in it all seems to be one that in the next few weeks, we will get to know a little bit more about - and you never know, we might see another departure in the papers.

(Pictures Courtesy of Wikipedia)