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Christine Buckley Editor @mschrisbuckley


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02 | theJournalist Main feature


14 Freelances turn to work outside the media More than half have other jobs


A News


s 2025 draws to an end our thoughts turn to a new year and hopes for the future. We can only wish for more positive news for journalism


after 2025 saw rounds of job cuts fuelled by a growing use of AI and turmoil at the BBC for a number of reasons. This edition’s cover story focuses on


the rising need for journalists to take on other work to make ends meet, with over half of freelances now saying they also work outside journalism. Many say they take on the side hustles to remain working in the media. As the year ended, we were delighted to win the TUC’s union


journal of the year for a second time. The judges’ comments couldn’t have been more complimentary so that was gratifying. Sadly though, at a time of financial challenges for the union,


the national executive has reduced the magazine’s budget by 21 per cent. That isn’t easy to absorb so there will be some changes. We can no longer afford print for each edition even though the numbers receiving print are modest. We must also make a slight reduction in the pagination. The aim is to alternate print availability with digital only. This


way we can keep the number of editions at six per year which I think is important. I hope you will continue to enjoy and support your magazine. And I wish you happy holidays and a positive, prosperous 2026.


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ISSN: 0022-5541 ”


Cover Howard McWilliam


03 Union urges BBC to be transparent


‘Serious concern’ among members


04 Irish ministers back press pass access


Journalists banned from conference


05 Government to act on transparency Move follows Reform ‘boycott’


06 Tough year for NUJ finances Challenges ahead, Irish delegates told


On media


The BBC must have a journalist in charge


Page 07


Forgotten pioneers get their voices back


Page 18 Arts


And finally...


Spare a thought for cartoonists Page 23


Access all the latest NUJ news and views by scanning the QR code here or by visiting www.nuj.org.uk


Features


08 Uncertain future for court reporting But it’s ‘the best job on the paper’


10 Boost your Income! Why not hold masterclasses


12 Quarterly tax returns headache New digital regime ‘won’t be easy’


13 NUJ and Me Former police officer and nurse Andrew Crooke


Regulars


16 On our patch 19 Steve Bell 20 Obituaries


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