Journalist is a bit bewildered!

pammytree

Hey guys

This might seem like a bit of a ramble but i'm hoping you may be able to help me.
I've just come back from Liverpool where I was studying an NCTJ Journalism course, got some freelancing work in the Star when I got back so thought I had landed on my feet but so far with the recession and all that its all kind of dried up!

When I was in Liverpool everyone was so helpful and would give you a dig out with jobs coming up etc. but to be honest I can't believe how cut throat it is here in Dublin- don't get me wrong i'm no shrinking violet but I haven't been able to even get work experience, its all just closed doors.

What does anyone suggest i do? I don't want to give up on the reporting dream so should I keep trying to work for free in the hope it'll get my foot in the door? What is everyone else doing? Would love some insight!

Cheers xx

jdivision

Hi Pammy, welcome back to Dublin. With the recession, most media have axed their freelance budget in order to retain as many of their permanent staff as possible. As a result, editors are being far less open to pitches etc than they were last year. The indo staff are taking a pay cut, the times is laying people off. The others will be doing either/or by year end. As a general observation, with things so bad people are far less inclined to talk in regards to stories because bad news seems to have put a lot of potential sources to ground. Personally speaking, there's been sources of mine who've talked to me for 8 years and won't take calls now. Don't work for nothing though, get a story and pitch. At least you're getting your name out there. There might still be shift work in place like RTE interactive.

Pen1987

Pitching is what it is all about.



Doesn't mean you'll get anywhere with it though.

What is the Irish equiv. of the NCTJ papers you have?

I've pitched to every mainstream newspaper in my area in the last two months, two stories from around 20 pitches. I'm so happy I'm still in college. Not a penny going spare for a freelance in this city. Good bless those who were permanent-freelance staff.

Were you in college in Liverpool? I'd go back if you were getting solid freelance work there.

pammytree

Basically in order to get a job on any newspaper in the uk you need to have the NCTJ qualification. (The national council for trained journalists)

It's certainly a lot more straightforward over there because most papers generally take you in as a trainee and then you must go on to sit the next level called the NCE for more money, but unfortunately its all a bit tight over there too.

The NCTJ is like having a degree over here but you can do it it in a year instead of 3, it's like on the job training!

Cheers for all the advice. i'll certainly keep pitching and hope for the best. My only downfall is I never had to freelance pitch so to speak in Liverpool because I was in the office all the time so it's a bit of a culture shock not being a staff writer! Wish me luck guys and good luck to all those poor freelancers out there like me, if I get any good contacts I'll let you know