Informed 07 Update


Supporting journalists with Te King’s Trust


Get into Journalism programme provides pathway to boost diversity in newsrooms A new initiative between Reach plc and Te King’s Trust has enabled a dozen 18-30 year olds keen to embark on a career in the industry get their first foot on the journalistic ladder. Te ‘Get into Journalism’ four-week training programme provided candidates from underprivileged or underrepresented backgrounds access to industry experts, masterclasses and a chance to write stories published in print. “I am keen to be a journalist to shed light on stories


and hold institutions to account”, said Aakifah Gani, who completed her work experience at MyLondon. Te NUJ has welcomed the initiative and hopes it will continue as a much- needed pathway for passionate future journalists. Te union has frequently raised the need for such schemes as a route into journalism and an alternative pathway that can boost real diversity in newsrooms. At the end of the programme, all candidates were able to apply for entry level roles in Reach newsrooms and complete a content creation apprenticeship. It’s time


Timon Schneider / Alamy Stock Photo


more publishers consider their roles in encouraging those who could shape our industry in future.


LDRS in need of ‘urgent reform’


Te NUJ is calling for urgent reform of the BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporter Scheme aſter a summit of LDRs revealed concerns the initiative is being exploited. Under the terms of the scheme, the BBC funds reporters, who are allocated to UK news organisations. However, some LDRs said employers use them to plug gaps in international and national reporting, also revealing inconsistent rates of pay and being asked to do more stories than agreed. Chris Morley, Northern & Midlands Senior Organiser, said: “Our members feel the BBC is not doing enough to keep its contractual obligations adhered to.” Te BBC has since revealed it is looking into the funding


model and how LDRs are paid.


NAIC annual summit Artificial intelligence and pay were key topics at the Newspapers and Agencies Industrial Council’s annual summit in Birmingham on 9 November. Treats and opportunities posed by technology were discussed, along with building chapels and pay campaigns. Speakers from companies including Reach, Newsquest, PA, the FT and the Guardian addressed delegates, along with officials from the GMB union who spoke about the unionisation campaign at Amazon’s Coventry fulfilment centre. Steve Bird, NAIC summit chair, praised reps and said the successful “union recognition campaign at


PA and industrial action at Springer formed the backdrop for an inspiring and enlightening meeting.”


Fighting fair for freelances Freelances are well accustomed to concerted campaigning efforts on pay and this year proved no different. Following extensive union negotiations, an agreed deal at Te Guardian provided 2.5% increases in October for both freelances and casuals, with another increase of the same amount due in April 2025. Andy Smith, NUJ organiser, reported increases to rates including stock photography, illustration and crosswords – all without rises for several years. A good example of what can be achieved through solidarity; the Guardian chapel had


previously rejected offers that offered no increase to casual worker contracts.


IPT hearing In October, the NUJ was represented at Investigatory Powers Tribunal hearings considering PSNI covert surveillance into journalists Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey to identify confidential journalistic sources. Following a disclosure by former Durham Constabulary investigator Darren Ellis, Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, submited an affidavit making clear no payment had ever been made to Grahame Morris MP for his role as chair of the NUJ Parliamentary Group. Te union strongly refuted any suggestion by Ellis to the contrary.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12