Tell people you want to be a journalist and you’re often met
with raised eyebrows and passing “oh…wow” comments- and not in a good way. Next
thing you know, they’re hiding their phones from sight in case you start
hacking in to them and reveal they’ve slept with their swimming coach, or
something. But that’s far from what journalism is actually about. On the one
hand, it’s about hours so long you feel like you might as well set up a tent in
the office, an endless supply of caffeine, and ruthless editing cuts. But it’s
also about meeting people from all walks of life, a constant buzzing atmosphere
and literally creating a story out of nothing.
This year, I participated in a News Academy summer school
for News UK and, without sounding too much like an X-Factor reject, was one of
the best experiences of my life. But there’s no use me telling you about how to
be a journalist. That would be like asking Victoria Beckham to give you advice
on plus size clothing. So, out of the kindness of my heart, I will share with
you some of the top tips of getting into the industry by some of the best
journalists in the biz:
Gemma Calvert of
Fabulous Magazine- tips on how to do a good interview
·
Research is key- make sure you gain a good
knowledge of the person you are interviewing
·
Note key details about your subject. For
example, if you are interviewing a celebrity- what are they wearing? What are
they eating? Do they come across as nervous or confident?
·
Never start off on the tough questions. Address
the topic, and then ask about their general opinion.
Mick Hume, Editor of
Spiked- how to write
·
Accuracy:
Write the facts and remember the five Ws- Who, What, When, Where and How. What
do you know about it? How do you know about it? Use reliable evidence to prove
this
·
Brevity-
Don’t use five words when two would suffice- be short and snappy
·
Clarity-
Tell them what you’re going to tell them, tell them, and then go back and tell
them again.
These are just a few of the journalists that spoke to The
News Academy last week, but I think the best advice about effectively getting a
foot in the door comes Editorial Director of The Sunday Times, Eleanor Mills:
·
Be brave and keep pestering- persistence is key
and is also recognised in the journalism industry.
·
Prepare to do what other people don’t want to
do- that’s the only way you’ll get to do what you really want to do.
As for me, all I can say is the
journalism industry is tough. There’s no doubt about it. But gain as much
experience as possible, get your work out there and never give up.
Love Georgia x
