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Teenagers to write for weekly’s young readers’ edition

A weekly newspaper is giving the next generation of writers a chance to shine by inviting them to contribute to a new supplement set to be published next year.

The Hampstead & Highgate Express, which brought out a successful launch edition of the Young Readers’ Edition in May, will print another pull-out written entirely by teenagers in January.

Roving reporters and budding community activists are being urged to write about what matters to them with issues including news and current affairs, teenage themes, culture or sport.

The newspaper has published an article by 16-year-old Daniel Wittenberg, editor of the Ham&High’s next Young Readers’ Edition, who is calling for submissions from other secondary school pupils.

“Mainstream journalism, it would be fair to say, is stuck in something of a mosh pit. Often struggling to move forwards but unable to go back, it’s like Christmas at Camden Market in here. That’s why we think it deserves another makeover, David Bowie-style,” he wrote on the Ham & High website.

Daniel Wittenberg is the editor of the Ham&High’s next Young Readers’ Edition

“We are again encouraging the youth of north London to write freely about the issues that matter to them most, at a time when our views are so often left unheard. Which is always a shame.

“We recognise the media as a crucial means of communication – particularly owing to our extensive use of social networks – but young people have so far been unable to embrace its power as a societal mouthpiece and the cement that binds our communities.

“It may be that 21st century technology has changed journalism forever, but we understand the young people behind the screens are those who will shape its future.”

Ham & High news editor Emma Youle said the newspaper is keen to provide opportunities for youngsters and Daniel has already impressed in his role as editor.

“We developed the idea alongside the Highgate Society (a voluntary organisation) and like us, they are keen to extend their reach and give more young people a voice,” she said.

“We want to hear what young people feel about their local community and how they want to shape its future.”

As well as writing the articles, youngsters will be invited into the newsroom to help put together the edition. The young readers’ pull-out will also have a digital editor who will use social media to promote it on its publication day.

Emma added that Daniel had already impressed on work experience and brought in a number of scoops, as well as securing an interview with Alastair Campbell.

The original edition, which came out in May, also caught the attention of national media when the then guest editor Josh Rosen was interviewed on BBC Radio London.