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Words from the streets


One&Other is a lifestyle and culture title. Editor-in-chief


Vicky Parry says it aims to write about the ‘often under- represented sectors’ in York. “We are very much journalists on the street, live reporting;


picking up on stories pre-press release,” says Vicky. “Social media obviously helps us a lot with this approach. We are also strong advocators of Solutions Journalism, reporting on cause-based stuff and actively encouraging our audience to act on what they have just read about…I very much learnt my style on the job.


“There is a trend in modern journalism of a more


conversational, solution-based approach and gradually I adopted this and trained my writers to do the same. Sometimes I think my non-journalistic background is what has won us awards, it makes us stand out as we aren’t bound by conventions.” Meanwhile, YorkMix describes itself as ‘a mix of stuff about


York. Just like the city, it is diverse, lively, curious, contrary, a bit maddening at times and easy to get around’.


Where the work is


The BBC About 30 staff at Radio York, the local BBC radio station for North Yorkshire. The station has been broadcasting from its city centre studio on Bootham since 1983.


Newsquest About 20 staff. Newsquest York is the main newspaper employer in the city, based on Walmgate in the city centre. Its main title is The Press, a daily tabloid-style newspaper for the city first published in 1882 (formerly the Yorkshire Evening Press). Other titles include the Gazette & Herald, for the nearby areas of Malton and Ryedale, plus the York & Selby Star, a free


weekly compact paper which is delivered locally. It also has free glossy monthly lifestyle magazine Yorkshire Living.


Your Local Link Media Group Three full-time journalists, one journalism apprentice and two freelance journalists, who all work across the group’s print and online publications.


Minster FM Two journalists, one news editor and one breakfast journalist. Staff also run a web news page plus social media accounts. Minster FM is based in Dunnington, a village near York, and is part of the UKRD Group of radio stations.


Chris Titley, YorkMix editor, says the digital news magazine


is about what’s happening in York: “Our what’s on guide is very important – we like to look at what’s new in the city. We also have news stories and opinion stuff. There were lots of different things all over the web and we wanted to create a digital hub for the city.” Other sites include York On A Fork – local restaurant


reviews and foodie news. Chris, former features editor at The Press when it was


the Yorkshire Evening Press, adds that working as a journalist in York can be difficult unless you’re 100 per cent freelance but says that there are opportunities for writers looking to diversify. “Regional budgets have been cut back,” he says. “Sometimes


you have to look a bit further afield for writing opportunities. But with the downturn of traditional content there’s an upturn in the need for good quality content online – running social media for businesses, blogging, etc.”


C


reative and digital businesses are said to be the largest growth area of York’s economy. In fact, in 2014 York was designated a City of Media Arts by UNESCO, making it a member of the worldwide Creative Cities


Network. Away from work, York is also a great place to bring up a family.


“The schools are very good, there’s a good community feel


and it’s a very safe place to live,” says Chris. “It’s kind of like a big market town really. It’s a great quality of life and a very friendly place.” He adds that there’s a fantastic food and drink scene,


saying that while there have always been some really great pubs in York, there are now also great bars and really good restaurants. But the main drawback, many residents agree, is driving in


the city. “York is invariably choked with traffic, which makes getting in and out and round it very frustrating sometimes,” says Mandy. “And it can be over-run with tourists at the height of the summer. But it’s a beautiful old place, and I’m proud to live and work here.” Victoria adds that it’s very easy to get out into the


countryside. “North Yorkshire is just on the doorstep and I love being


able to get out and about on my bike or on foot,” she says. “Even from the city centre you can hop onto the path by the river and be surrounded by green fields in ten or twenty minutes. “I grew up about 20 miles away so I might be biased


but I don’t think there’s anywhere better for enjoying the outdoors. It is beautiful countryside but it’s not all chocolate- boxy tourist country – people live and work here.”


Victoria Prest, political reporter at The Press: “The city’s got some great pubs and independent cafes and restaurants and there’s plenty going on (not just the races!). Luckily, one of the best streets for independent coffee shops and good bars is also the street that houses The Press’s office.”


Mandy Appleyard, freelance journalist: “I’m a keen walker so I love to sneak off into the Howardian Hills for a hike when I have a free afternoon, and I also enjoy the coffee shops and small, quirky indie shops in York itself. We also have some cracking eateries in and around the city.”


Vicky Parry, editor-in-chief at One&Other Magazine: “York is beautiful, shrouded in history and culture and with a very high quality of life.”


Chris Titley, editor of YorkMix: “The Tour de France coming through York last year was great – it really helped with putting the place on the map.”


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