Tessa Clarke


1. What is your vision for The Journalist over the next five years? THE JOURNALIST will help advance the democratic value of press freedom.


This unites all NUJ members at


this critical time. From the culture wars and online press rules to challenging NUJ leaders and the new government, no topic is off limits. The magazine will be digitally


interactive . NUJ members can debate with each other on Zoom online talks, re-broadcast on Youtube, advertised widely on international social media, links published in THE JOURNALIST. NUJ members of all backgrounds


CRAIG GREENSLADE The magazine will become a talking point. More media workers will be attracted to its content and join the NUJ. NEW DIGITAL FORMAT: 1)The magazine’s front page will be a new “MEDIA NEWS,” on media issues of the day, plus photos and videos. The Editor’s letter becomes a separate “EDITOR’S COLUMN” on the right hand side. 2)Coverage of membership news should be under one heading – “INSIDE THE NUJ.” 3) Add a new “JOIN NOW” button on the top right hand corner 4) Add a “MEMBERS ONLY” section. 4. How do you see the role of The Journalist in covering the industrial activities of chapels, branches and councils? THE JOURNALIST is a key tool for members to instantly read, interact with each other and reflect on issues during industrial activities. Under the heading “THE


JOURNALIST: instant coverage, feedback and progress” I propose: MEMBERS ONLY: In a “MEMBERS


and views are encouraged to engage, even if they disagree.


Press freedom and free speech – if


not now, when? 2. How can The Journalist help promote greater membership participation in the union’s democratic structures? FREE TALK: To promote free discussion I will set up THE JOURNALIST Whatsapp groups for members to chat independent of NUJ leadership. Whatsapp groups include “New Online Laws”, “Get More Pay” and, “Press Freedom Right Now.” DEBATE PUBLICATION: THE


JOURNALIST will help inform the democratic debate about the NUJ. The magazine would publish and broadcast debates for and against setting up an English Executive Council, the UK region missing from the NUJ’s Geographic councils. And debate for and against setting up a Working Class Council in the NUJ’s Equalities councils. 3. In the context of changing readership demands what would be your strategy for improving the design and layout of the digital format of The Journalist AIM: THE JOURNALIST will widen readership beyond NUJ members.


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ONLY” section, THE JOURNALIST should have box summaries of the facts (eg Freelance Chapel voted 75% to strike). It should ask for volunteers to write up the arguments members consider within the NUJ’s forums. WHATSAPP GROUP: A new THE


JOURNALIST Whatsapp group INDUSTRIAL ACTION – for members only – can be used by members to chat “live” and seek support. 5. In line with the NUJ’s policy objectives how would you propose to increase the diversity of reporters, columnists and photographers contributing to The Journalist? As Editor, building on the existing diversity of contributors, I would: BROADEN COMMUNICATION - advertise opportunities for members to contribute to THE JOURNALIST in a wider range of forums including on the new THE JOURNALIST Whatsapp groups I propose. INCREASE VISIBILITY - add photographs of contributors beside bylines and encourage a video version


of their articles on social


media, to increase visibility of contributors. TRAIN CONTRIBUTORS - ensure a larger pool of contributors by training them in the new online media initiatives for THE JOURNALIST.


Phil Creighton


1. What is your vision for The Journalist over the next five years?


In an age where newsrooms are


shrinking and technology is blurring roles, it is vital the union has a strong publication to unpack issues and cheerlead or run a critical eye over new developments. It should fuse news, columns and features to help members with all aspects of modern journalism. It would be a shareable resource, offering primers on all aspects of journalism, and advice from experienced colleagues. It would champion the importance of press cards, seek to boost engagement between members and chapels, have wit and swagger and make people proud of the Union. For more, visit: philcreighton.uk 2. How can The Journalist help promote greater membership participation in the union’s democratic structures? It is bizarre that in the 30-plus years since the internet became part of our lives there is no dedicated for The Journalist on the NUJ website, when it is a link between member and chapel. The magazine is a key part of membership recruitment and should be showcasing how the union can help all who work in the sector. We should look at facilitating helpful discussions online, such as closed Facebook or WhatsApp groups. The magazine should inspire readers and answer questions. It should feature successful Union actions and engagements, from the small victories to the large ones. 3. In the context of changing readership demands what would be your strategy for improving the design and layout of the digital format of The Journalist The online version is hidden at the bottom of the NUJ website homepage, it is not in the website menu and needs rectifying. The


JUDITH CREIGHTON format should be either A5 or A4 to make it easier to print at home. The union should be championing print; if The Journalist was A5 it could be posted at Royal Mail letter rate. Links in the online version should be clickable, and the magazine should have a separate website. The Journalist should be a voice that reacts to breaking developments while presenting a thought provoking read for those passionate about all forms of journalism. 4. How do you see the role of The Journalist in covering the industrial activities of chapels, branches and councils? The Journalist currently does not have a section dedicated to the union’s activities. Each chapel, branch and council should be encouraged to blow its own trumpet with updates on meetings, action days, new members, talks, retirements, anniversaries and fundraising. By sharing regular news be it in the magazine or on the website, including NUJ campaigns and Parliamentary endeavours, we can help members stay informed and inspired. It is possible to launch tailored email newsletters highlighting stories and features relevant to branches, chapels and disciplines. This will help encourage participation and pride across the union. 5. In line with the NUJ’s policy objectives how would you propose to increase the diversity of reporters, columnists and photographers contributing to The Journalist? I am deaf, so have an innate understanding of how hard it is to be a disabled journalist, and how technology can help. I have always encouraged diverse newsrooms. Enhancing representation starts at grassroots level: chapels, branches and councils will know of people who should be contributing to The Journalist. The recent series of Doctor Who shows how this can work: cast and crew came from many backgrounds without anyone batting an eyelid. We all have experiences and knowledge we can share. Working together, the Union can be fully representative of all its members, for the benefit of us all.


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