1. What, for aspiring journalists, is the easiest route into the industry?

Unfortunately most publications look for graduates, so the easiest route is to goto university and apply to a graduate trainee scheme.

Alternatively go to University, do any degree, and then do an NCTJ in journalism, and then send out 200 CVs and covering letters to any publication from papers to style magazines, asking for work experience or getting involved.

In all of this employers will be looking for examples of yourcommitment and enthusiasm to journalism. So at school do your work experience with a paper/magazine. I did the school magazine, then did work experience at the Sun, aged 15. 

Also if you’re at university you MUST be writing for the student magazine. You should also be writing for websites – all of this will most probably be for free. However if an employer is presented with two identical CVs, and one of the candidates has been writing for the school magazine, university magazine and writing for websites too, that’s an example of commitment and I know who I would be employing out of the two.

Also while you’re at university, use every holiday to gain relevant work experience, in some sort of media environment. Whether a website, magazine or paper. It all adds up.

2. When writing an article what should one always be mindful of?

Two things. Audience and accuracy. Who is your audience? Do they have the understanding of a subject that you have. It’s very easy to assume your readers know what you’re talking about. Assume the opposite, they know nothing. Ask your friends, or colleagues, whether they know about band x, or comedian y. A quick straw poll reveals how much the lay public know about what you know loads about.

And if your story isn’t accurate in terms of facts, it’s not worth the paper it’s written on. If you are inaccurate you lose your readers trust. Which can be fatal. Check , check and check again. And check against reputable sources (such as BBC, CNN, or  a trusted site, NOT WIKIPEDIA, or an obscure music website).

3. How can aspiring journalist’s practice journalism on a day-to-day basis?

Read, read, read, read, read, read. Read anything and everything whether books, magazines, newspapers. You will absorb different writing styles and words, regardless. And this will eventually come out in your own words.

Read a different paper everyday to see how different papers address their audiences differently. The sun is very different to the Daily Mail which is different to the Guardian. This will give you a handle or understanding of how to communicate and relay to your audience…

Also do crosswords. Journalism is about vocabulary. To this day I write down every word that I come across in papers and books, that I do not know. I then look them up and write down the word and definition, and learn them. Expand your vocabulary.

4.  Is plain speech essential, and how should teenagers practice it?

KISS – keep it short and simple is the golden rule of journalism. 

Start with the basics do not try and over complicate. When you have the basics, and can relay information clearly and concisely, then try more complicated ideas and stories.

Always work to a plan. It makes stories more coherent and clear.

5. What about university? Do you believe in specific journalism   degrees, broader English degrees or no degree at all?

I would suggest doing a degree. But do anything it doesn’t have to be media, journalism or English.

 

However I would suggest if you’re seriously, seriously considering a career in journalism to do something with a multi-media element – understanding of the Internet and its future is key. The internet is the BIGGEST magazine or paper in the world and is the future. So if you’re doing a media-related course make sure it has elements relating to web design and filming, as well as words.

6. If you could give three top tips that you adhere to everyday in yourjournalism what would they be?

a) You can come across a story anywhere. While getting a pint of milk or buying a record. So keep your eyes and ears open at all times. Be switched on and aware – 24/7.

b) Read as much as you can. Newspapers are good – they keep you up on current affairs – useful for references – and also prove a good source of stories. 

A news journalist would read all the papers, everyday – that would be the first thing that they do every morning.

c) Talk to people. Whether on the phone or face to face. Be prepared to approach anyone, introduce yourself and have a chat. No one will be rude or turn you away. And if you do it face to face you immediately have a human connection with that person, and they will give you the interview/story over a journalist that has emailed them. Everyone has a story to tell. Don’t judge people. Talk to them and you will be surprised by what they tell you.