04


University Challenge


Te NUJ must find new ways to woo student journalists A


s prospective media students prepare for their first term, some members are puting the finishing touches


to their case for joining the union. Many branches hold regular gigs with those starting journalism courses, spreading the word about the NUJ and persuading students to sign up. Aſter all, it’s a bargain at £30/€34.50 for the duration of their course. Phil Sutcliffe, of London Freelance Branch, is a veteran, having spoken


Student info


Website page:


htps://www.nuj.org.uk/work/students/ Recruitment leaflet:


htps://www.nuj.org.uk/documents/nuj- student-leaflet-2018/


Work experience guidelines: htps://www.nuj.org.uk/documents/


exploiting-the-dream-your-guide-to-work- experience-and/


Reporting guidelines:


htps://www.nuj.org.uk/about/nuj- resources/nuj-guidelines/


is a typical response. We tell them that the whole point is to negotiate and prevent strikes – which are the union’s weapon of last resort. “We explain that being a NUJ member provides budding media and PR workers with a network of experienced professionals and opportunities, including training and events, career information and advice – and they will get the useful NUJ student press card. “As freelances we offer them advice on handling individual negotiations, geting the best


fees and conditions and explain copyright; stuff that tends to be omited from many courses.”


at events at a range of colleges and universities in the capital. He said: “Te depth of knowledge about trade unions varies but is mostly fairly shallow. ‘Unions are about strikes’


Student members also have access to NUJ material on the union’s website, such as information on work experience and internships, guidelines on reporting issues such as suicide, domestic violence or mental health, plus advice on protecting sources. However, this autumn will be


different. It will not be a mater of union recruiters turning up to freshers’ week or arranging meetings at colleges, such as the City University event last year when Phil and colleagues from London Freelance Branch joined about 150 students; it will be about seting up Zoom (or other) virtual events to entice student journalists. Volunteers should find a friendly journalism lecturer at their branch’s nearest university or make contact with the journalism department and send copies of the NUJ’s student recruitment leaflet. Suggest holding a meeting where branch members talk about the NUJ or a discussion on ethical journalism or creating a more diverse media industry. Another way to make contact is via the National Union of Students. Te NUJ and NUS have produced a student guide: htps://www.nuj. org.uk/documents/nuj-and-nus- student-media-guide-2015/ Why not hold a joint NUS/NUJ Zoom meeting on why it’s important to join a union and discuss issues such as equal pay? Te NUS press office on 07866 695010 can help. Seek out your local university student newspaper, magazine, radio station and on-campus TV studio. Tere may be an opportunity to give an interview, shoot some footage and be an on-air guest to answer students’ questions.


RECRUIT


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