news hub
“The ills of the industry nationwide are reflected here such as falling print circulation and job cutbacks. NUJ membership has historically been low, unfortunately. “It’s a wonderful environment in which to work and 30
years has seen considerable investment in Cornwall to breathe exciting new life into our economy as a foodie haven, for example, and a centre for learning. But despite the sunshine reputation and glossy views of Poldark, Cornwall has long had real economic challenges and the media has of course been part of that. “Perhaps the current campaign to win more support for the journalism on which our society depends will bring more investment West?” Also based in Truro is Cornwall Today, a monthly lifestyle glossy magazine owned by Local World. Other magazines in the county include Cornwall Life and Cornwall Living. Cornwall Today editor Kirstie Newton says: “Living in
Cornwall is every bit as wonderful as you’d imagine, I wouldn’t swap it for anything. There are so many fantastic things going on, it’s a cultural mecca – loads of really creative people come here to be inspired by their surroundings, so there are plenty of festivals, musicians, theatre groups, etc. One of the best things about my job is getting to know what’s happening first; on the other hand, I wind up regretting that I don’t have enough time to do it all! “The bad bits? Public transport is patchy and time-
Where the work is
Local World: Around 100 employees in Cornwall. The company produces a number of titles from its Truro office. This includes weekly newspaper The Cornish Guardian, founded in 1901 – it has several editions, including Newquay, Wadebridge/ Padstow and Bodmin. The West Briton, which was established in 1810, covers mid-Cornwall, including Truro. Monthly lifestyle magazine Cornwall Today is also based at the Truro office. Elsewhere, the
company has a small office in Penzance, in
South Cornwall, with reporters who work on The Cornishman newspaper. A reporter for daily newspaper The Western Morning News is also based in the Penzance office. Sub editing for the Cornishman takes place in Truro.
BBC: About 40 employees in Truro, including TV, radio and digital staff. The BBC produces around 100 hours of Radio Cornwall output weekly plus reporting on Cornwall for BBC Cornwall and BBC Spotlight, the regional TV news programme for the South
consuming, meaning you have to drive most places. Truro is gridlocked in a morning – thank goodness I walk – and the summer isn’t a good time to drive or park anywhere, especially if you’re going to a tourist hotspot. “Plus, Cornwall’s a big county. I get invited to a lot of
social events, usually on Thursday or Friday evenings. They generally involve a drive, meaning I can’t just drop in for a quick drink, especially not alcohol. “And house prices – the gap between Plymouth and Truro is eye-watering; indeed, Truro is expensive even in Cornwall. It’s a great place to live but I have nightmares about the mortgage.”
G
raham adds that property prices are second only to London and the southeast. “I’ve been in Cornwall 35 years and I really
love it,” he adds. “But there are real challenges in terms of finding work and keeping it –
especially work that pays reasonably well. “The wages at the Cornish Guardian are shockingly low. When I was younger and the children were at home, I couldn’t have afforded to work there. Anyone thinking of moving to Cornwall to work as a journalist should think about what is the least they could afford to live on.” Other issues can also make work challenging. Travel journalist Julia Buckley, who recently returned to
her native Cornwall after years working in London, says: “The worst thing about working in Cornwall – by far – is the variable internet connection in rural areas. It can vary wildly by village and even by house. Mine is so bad that it’s usually impossible to do any real browsing. If I have to get work done quickly, I have to drive five miles to the nearest town. Emily adds: “There are many little dips in Cornwall where
you can’t get a phone signal, so if you’re trying to send photos off in a hurry and you’re in one of those areas and there’s no Wi-Fi access – usually the coastal areas – it can be a problem.” But both agree that the advantages of Cornish living far
outweigh any disadvantages. While Cornwall is packed with traffic in summer, Emily
says it’s different out of season: “The beaches are quiet and the sunsets and sunrises can be stunning over an empty beach with the waves crashing beyond. I was born and bred here and the Cornish influence is in my work. People and characters are my main interest. The world’s number one spy novelist John le Carre (AKA David Cornwell) is one of the wonderful Cornish residents I’ve photographed.” For Julia, it’s the quality of life. “I have a view of open fields from my desk.I have to take a lot of breaks due to health issues and going for a walk round the garden is infinitely more pleasant than a walk round the block. Most days, I try to fit in a walk on the beach too. “The landscape is the best part about being here – I didn’t realise how big a difference being in such a beautiful place could make.”
Words from the streets
Sue Kittow, journalist and author: “I can fit work round the activities we really love. We can be on the water in 20 minutes, walk my dog along the coastal footpath and surf, all within a short drive. Work can usually be done early mornings or evenings.”
Kirstie Newton, Cornwall Today editor: “The scenery is simply spectacular. Even in landlocked Truro, I am close to the north and south coasts and can be at the beach at the drop of a hat…this is a regular occurrence.”
Emily Whitfield, photographer: “I needed to travel and live in other places to truly appreciate Cornwall. It’s my home, my passion; the love for its landscape, people, the artists and craftsmen, the language, the wildlife and great outdoors keeps me spellbound.”
Graham Smith, Cornish Guardian reporter: “It’s a real foodie area. Nathan Outlaw at Port Isaac, Rick Stein in Padstow, Jamie Oliver at Newquay… you can’t move for celebrity chefs!”
theJournalist | 11
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28