I recorded this at the Society of Editors conference in November, so forgive my tardiness. This is Donald Martin, a representative of UK training organisation NCTJ talking about the results of a survey they and partners PTC, BJTC and Skillset conducted into employer and university perceptions of skills needed by journalists:
The UK’s three leading journalism training bodies have finally announced that they are to work together as part of a new ‘Joint journalism training council’.
It’s early days yet, but the statement doesn’t make encouraging reading for anyone with an interest in the potential of online journalism as a separate medium: the three “new skills and awareness that are and will be required of journalists aiming to work in multi platform news organisations” include:
“b. Developing ideas for repurposing and adding to print or broadcast news material for use on websites including the use of links, background material, writing for the website, the basics of search engine optimisation and use of basic content management systems. [my emphasis]
“c. Using video and audio equipment to produce content for websites and other platforms and publishing it.”
In other words, treating the website as a place to shovel – and possibly add to – content produced for another medium.
The statement does go on to say “It is recognised that this is not an exhaustive list”, but it’s not a promising start.
Traditional forms of media, such as print and television, are in decline as far as circulation and audience ratings are concerned. There is no consensus as to whether the cause is a greater variety of information sources, or whether the few that hold the power over large parts of the media sector are consolidating their influence. This debate will also question how the sector is responding to this challenge, seen as some would argue that the industry as a whole is not suffering, particularly in light of the meteoric rise of the internet as a source of information.
Other panellists include NCTJ chairman and former Independent on Sunday editor Kim Fletcher; broadcaster and professor Ivor Gaber; and TV producer Muddassar Ahmed.
If you want to shout abuse at me, say hello, or just lurk, the talk runs 3:00pm-4:30pm (Monday 21st), at the University of Warwick Arts Centre – Cinema. As far as I can tell entrance is free.
Likewise, if you think there are any points you’d like me to make based on the above blurb, post them to the comments please!
What news employers want and what they get – research on the journalism skills gap
