training


“If you are looking at news outlets that are providing


stories, then we believe that a knowledge of public affairs is very important, if not vital,” he says. James Morrison, reader in journalism at Robert Gordon


University, Aberdeen, and author of the NCTJ’s recommended textbook for public affairs, says he and other NCTJ board members would be very concerned if large numbers of trainees did not study the subject or if it became non- compulsory for news journalists. Part of the problem, alongside changes in the industry, are the limited number of teaching hours available for NCTJ courses. “They are trying to get a quart in a pint pot,” he says. Yet the feeling remains that, after a year in which the EU referendum showed the danger of politicians not being fully challenged over their claims and soundbites, the demise of public affairs in journalism training may signal that the media is about to retreat further on serious political debate. Back in Southampton, it is a relief that Murray is not


present to hear a councillor claim that recycling rates are falling because fewer people are buying the Daily Echo and therefore need to dispose of the paper. As the meeting enters its fourth hour, councillors blame one another (and the government) for school exam results, the introduction of fortnightly refuse collections and even the state of some public toilets. Most of the students have gone home, and the six skateboarders in the public gallery look as if they would prefer to spend their afternoon doing something else. Eventually, four and a half hours after the meeting started,


councillors agree to defer any ban and hold further talks with the skateboarders. Most students opt for other stories. When I meet the students again nearly a week later, most are still mildly interested in the council but pleased they don’t have to attend meetings too frequently. One student accuses councillors of bearing “too many grudges”, while others are disappointed by the amount of party political bickering that went on. Should they wish to buy Morrison’s Essential Public Affairs for Journalists, they can at least read the edition that was published in March, reflecting the 2015 general election, the EU referendum and Theresa May’s arrival in 10 Downing Street.


The first edition of the book appeared in 2009 and it has been updated


every two years since. On the instructions of the NCTJ and publishers Oxford University Press, it has been cut by 10,000 words since 2015 but, admits Morrison, is just as much a “hostage to fortune” in terms of political change as before. In that respect, May’s decision to call an election this month did not exactly help. And how many would-be journalists are likely to buy the 2017 edition? “Public affairs is still terribly important,” he replies. “It’s always had the reputation as a ‘dry subject’, particularly at local level, but it’s the job of journalists to sift through the bureaucratic nonsense and present it to the public.”


Neil Merrick lectures in public affairs at Solent University ‘It is as relevant today as ever’


James Oxenham is in no doubt that public affairs should remain compulsory, saying it was one of the most important things he studied as part of his NCTJ diploma. “Although it didn’t seem


essential at the time and can be difficult to take in, it is as relevant today as it’s ever been,” says Oxenham, a reporter on the West Sussex County Times. “As a journalist, you end


up using what you’ve learnt on a daily basis without even thinking.” In a typical week, it is not unusual for him to


cover a council meeting or write about changes to social care, housing or bus routes. “When it comes to


everyday stories for local papers, such as planning issues, funding cuts and road problems, knowing which authority deals with what is extremely important,” he adds. “It saves a lot of time


and embarrassment, especially in the growing digital age where you need responses as soon as possible.” Oxenham already had


an A level in politics before


studying public affairs three years ago as part of an NCTJ diploma course at Highbury College near Portsmouth. In the past month or so,


he has written about a local NHS shake-up, changes to education funding, a planning application for more than 2,000 homes and the condition of roads in West Sussex. “To me, the subject is


extremely important and, although it can seem dull at times, I would highly recommend any aspiring journalist to study it,” he says.


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