working life Getting ahead


Vary what you do and focus on pay Prepare to diversify in both content and who you work for, says freelance journalist Norman Miller. “Find and focus on better-


paying outlets – even more important in an era when so many outlets are offering pitiful rates,” he says.


Network As well as the Brighton and


Sussex NUJ branch (which has 270 members), the city has a lot of groups and co-working spaces where freelances can share skills and opportunities.


Makes sure you can afford to live here Compared to many places,


the cost of living is steep. “Housing is through the roof,” says PR Natasha Wiseman. Brian Williams, NUJ branch secretary for Brighton and Sussex, says: “It’s pretty tough for journalists in Brighton because the salaries generally paid are not Fleet Street salaries.”


Go local Frank le Duc, who launched www.brightonandhovenews. org, says there are opportunities for journalists to serve their home town. “It’s not easy, and you probably won’t get rich, but it feels worthwhile and it’s great fun if you enjoy being a journalist.”


Caroline Sullivan is a freelance music journalist for


The Guardian and Metro and lost work when all live gigs were cancelled. “I made up for it by doing obituaries,” she says. With obit editors wanting to replenish their stock, it turned into a handy new niche. “It’s amazing the things that research throws up about people that you’ve never read before,” she says. Sullivan moved to Brighton from London in 2012 and she


has never regretted it. For her, the only drawback is having to leave a gig in London early to catch the last train back to Brighton.


Freelance journalist Norman Miller also lost work in the


travel and food and drink sectors. He turned to writing business features and says outlets like BBC.com that cover a diverse range of topics were “a lifesaver”. He has now taken a full-time role as senior press officer at the University of Brighton.


One area where work has not dried up is the water industry.


Natasha Wiseman is the former editor of trade magazine Water & Waste Water Treatment and she moved to Brighton from Bolton eight years ago. The first thing she did was join the local NUJ branch and made some contacts who are still friends today. In 2014, she set herself up as a freelance PR consultant.


“I could see from the quality of some press releases coming


across my desk as an editor that there was an opportunity to do a better job,” she says. Within a year, she was earning more doing PR than she was as an editor. Wiseman says the best thing about Brighton is the positive mindset. “People want to collaborate and see the potential in things,” she says. She now runs a small PR agency – WiseOnWater – and is


“It’s quirky and fun but also a big place with a lot going on. It provides every itch that a local journalist wants to scratch.” Jody Doherty-Cove, The Argus


“There’s a lack of cynicism among people here that makes you think you can do anything.” Natasha Wiseman, WiseOnWater


“It’s a mini London with less of the aggravation and hassle.” Caroline Sullivan, freelance journalist


“I grew up here and couldn’t wait to get away. And when I did, I couldn’t wait to get back.” Frank le Duc, www. brightonandhove news.org


about to launch an independent, public-facing positive news platform in September called Make Water Famous. “It’s a growth area,” she says. “There’s no shortage of


information, technology, science, environment, public health, arts and culture – wherever water touches people’s lives, there’s a story to tell.” BBC Radio Sussex has a base in Brighton, employing around 20 staff. As well as commercial radio station Capital Brighton, there are the independent, not-for-profit Radio Reverb, Brighton and Hove Community Radio, and Platform B.


Paul Sawtell, broadcast journalist for BBC Radio Sussex, has


lived and worked in the city for more than 15 years and recalls BBC reporters working out of 10 district offices across Sussex and Surrey when he first joined in 1998. “Gradually these all disappeared,” he says. “We have two political reporters though, one for Sussex and another for Surrey, who can attend meetings and scrutinise local authorities.” Although the pandemic restrictions meant no guests, Sawtell and a band of colleagues worked in the office throughout the pandemic. “It kept me sane,” he says. JPI Media’s newspaper The Brighton & Hove Independent suspended its print edition during the pandemic and has relaunched as the Brighton Indy. Alongside Sussex Life magazine, Brighton’s independent


titles include Latest (property, entertainment and city guide), Absolute magazine and BN1 Magazine. So, apart from keeping an eye on the washing line, what


advice would Doherty-Cove give? “If you’re young, move to the centre, if you’re older move a bit further out. And make sure you’ve got enough pens and notepads because you’ll soon run out.”


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