The Society of Editors says: The rise in digital technologies, media convergence and parliamentary and legal scrutiny has meant that what is taught in the classroom has drastically changed. With an increasing number of people using a digital platform to showcase their talents, a career in journalism has never been so appealing. However alongside this, the huge commercial pressures particularly on the regional press, traditionally the first port of call for journalism recruits, has meant it has never been so competitive.
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Editors
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Students
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Trainers
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.... In an ever-changing industry, trainers are under pressure to model their students to work effectively in the newsroom. With an increasing number of trainees applying for a shallower pool of traditional positions, editors are at pains to hire graduates that not only have the qualifications, but the personality to thrive in a media environment. Does accreditation matter? What do employers want to see in trainee reporters? Is 100wpm shorthand essential in seeking employment? Now more than ever is the industry set to change. Is there a need for ongoing training? There has never been a better time to ask the key questions.
SoE board member Simon Bucks, Associate editor of Sky News, chairs the society’s Training Committee. He said: “By surveying trainees, trainers and editors, we hope to gather a picture of every aspect of training across the board.
“From the qualifications to employment; we believe the results will provide a clearer picture of what skills are essential to prosper and flourish. As with anything - there’s always room for improvement. In collating the results trainees will hear from industry experts exactly what they are looking for when you walk through that door, accreditors can consider how flexible trainers consider their syllabus to be and editors will be provided with an overview of what differing institutes have to offer.
“With the Leveson Inquiry coming to a climax there has never been a more important time for the industry to demonstrate its commitment to high standards in journalism and those standards depend on top quality, precisely targeted training.”
All submissions will remain confidential but it is also an opportunity for people to give an honest and informative opinion of their observations and experience across the industry. The results will be announced at our annual conference in Belfast on 11-13 November and published at www.societyofeditors.org.
