Journalism jobs and news from Holdthefrontpage.co.uk

February 2008 News

February 28, 2008

Sub-editors face redundancy under Archant Suffolk merger plan
Reporters "safe" but more than 20 jobs could go in Ispwich as management review production processes

Local newspaper strike abandoned as journalists settle for 3%
Acceptance of original pay offer conditional on better deal for new starters and new editorial quality working group

Online news media 'slow to respond' to citizen journalism - new report
Costs of moderation and varying quality of contributions among factors causing major news sites to struggle

Trinity Mirror cautious on 2008 as 'flat' 2007 profits are revealed
Company anticipates a 'satisfactory performance' despite weak start to 2008

Journal reporter finally gets answers after 22 weeks of questions
Faced with a wall of silence from factory at the centre of a massive blaze, reporter kept on asking questions

Argus resolves Santa ban confusion after press follow-ups compound original error
Local school did not ban Santa - plus other resolved complaints from the PCC

Liverpool business mag portfolio launched with a fanfare
"LDP Business – With us, you're in business" - slogan launches new Trinity Mirror brands

News staff reunion planned to mark move to new offices
Archant Norfolk staff have been celebrating the opening of new offices and shop

Splash and double-page spread set out in early hours for Press coverage of quake
Senior staff called in to publish breaking news

Newsroom's earthquake omen confirms time of tremor
Newsroom clock at the Grantham Journal smashed to the floor when the big tremor struck

February 27, 2008

Breaking earthquake story on local news website 'within five minutes'
Telegraph tracked down the actual epicentre and took picture of landowner in his field

News staff close to quake epicentre called in for major re-write of front-end
Web allows breaking news - and then first three pages are stripped to make way for the quake news

Post website attracts almost 2,000 quake-hungry visitors between 1am and 2am
Visitors from around the world went online to the Nottingham Evening Post within minutes of the tremors

Jobs under threat as newspaper faces losing government advertising
Guernsey Press hopes plans to ditch 166-year-old official notices will be rejected

Common sense prevails for media access to court papers
"Public access to judicial review papers must be equivalent to the access granted in private law suits"

Headlines that speak for themselves - and other press funnies
A spring collection of cuttings that made us say "eh?"

Media company presents editorial excellence awards to staff
Award scheme came about as a result of Iliffe's recent expansion through acquisition

Reporter retires after nearly half a century with the same paper
Derbyshire Times newsman hangs up his notepad after becoming paper's longest-serving reporter

February 26, 2008

Country's top sportswriters up for annual media awards
See the shortlist for the SJA's 2007 British Sports Journalism Awards

Cones hotline makes a comeback thanks to press campaign
Kentish Express tries to make the traffic flow more smoothly

New magazine titles for newspaper publisher
Archant launches two new lifestyle glossies for the capital

Reporter's wrangle with ambulance service over incitement accusation
Herald health correspondent in spat with Trust chiefs after his comments were removed from public website

Editor takes staff on the road for morning news conference
Business club gets the inside track on what makes Fenland paper tick

Argus boss in video grilling of Tory chief
New format "a first" for editor as he gets to grips with the Paxman technique

Return to Sender campaign launched after post office blow hits London
New battle as latest round of planned cuts is revealed

Nutty newspaper headline inspires new band
Hip-hop combo name themselves after famous headline from local paper

"Posh and Becks" targeted by vandals – and the world knows about it
Belfast Telegraph story goes global as Northern Ireland's new royal couple board up their home

February 25, 2008

Reporter fights judge's baby banning order to lift lid on amazing tale
Story of dead day-old baby almost goes untold after judge makes incorrect reporting restriction

Small upturn in sales a year on from broadsheet switch
The gamble paid off – Echo editor believes they were right to switch to tabloid

Journalism training bursary scheme now embraces digital age
Online course applicants can now apply for funding worth up to £10,000

Former press photographer and wedding snapper dies aged 67
Ken Upton worked for more than 30 years in regional press

Crawley News launches its own website
The site is being updated daily to bring Crawley residents the very latest news

February 22, 2008

10,000-circulation Midlands launch for Trinity Mirror's regionals division
New free weekly newspaper for Daventry will be "very local"

Newspaper watchdog locks horns with author over controversial complaints stats
PCC chief to address "untrue" figures in new book

Star reporter turned to boxing to boost self-confidence
A lucky escape in a bar brawl saw a change of fitness for Sheffield newsman

Journalism union facing financial crisis
NUJ sees downturn in membership but also highlights success in annual report

It's NOT the end of the pier show as weekly breaks 'secret sale' news to town
Seaside newspaper is claiming a scoop on one of the biggest news stories for years

Royals pull-out as Post's Keepy Uppy helps bid for football safety
Fans set to hold poster aloft in support of relegation dogfight club

February 21, 2008

Late press run to cover guilty verdict in prostitute murder trial
Evening Star replates front page to carry all-important verdict in Suffolk murders

Darling schmoozes north-east press after Northern Rock decision
Chancellor phones northern titles after announcement on bank's future

Editor hits back after senior police officer slams suicide coverage
"Misguided attack" by South Wales police chief as press watchdog monitors events

Oxford Times moves with the times
Broadsheet weekly switches to tabloid but "values remain the same"

Reporter Mark becomes Fatboy Slim
Award-winning journalist Mark Nicholls is celebrating after shedding almost one fifth of his body weight

Would-be hacks to benefit from new online knowledge base
Regional press man asks: "Do you want to beajournalist.co.uk?"

Bury Times appoints first female editor
Digital development editor takes on new challenge

Chance for newspaper readers to become a virtual judge and jury online
Exclusive interactive courtroom scenarios launched in conjunction with Crown Prosecution Service

Local Newspaper Week to be blogged by regional press
Progress of their campaigns to be kept up-to-date online

February 20, 2008

Police blame for media on suicides is itself "irresponsible" – editors' chief
Society of Editors director Bob Satchwell has again had to defend media coverage of tragedies

Newspaper creates dedicated multilingual blog for Polish ex-pats
Polish interpreter to update new dedicated online forum for 5,000-strong community

Future journalists meet industry trainers for first student council
"Hugely useful exercise" as training council seeks views of courses and colleges

Prestigious campaigning journalism award now open for entries
Annual prize dedicated to Paul Foot's memory is accepting entries

PA snapper takes top prize at Ireland awards
Niall Carson comes out on top, plus new web agreement for Berkshire Media Group and other news in brief

Former editor and passionate conservationist dies aged 88
John Page spent 22 in charge and later earned MBE for wildlife work

February 19, 2008

Newspaper editor fights on after letter to striking binmen reveals home address
Mail editor vows not to be intimidated after claims he is in cahoots with council

Reporter tracks down local connection at university shooting
Facebook and friendship brings Telegraph man the inside track on American tragedy

Former Evening Post man Ivory has died, aged 84
Bill joined as a reporter and later became news editor and assistant editor

Journalism students grill training chiefs in landmark meeting
New council gives journalism students their say on key training issues

Romeo reporter enjoys Valentine's date to raise cancer charity cash
Advertiser newsman is offered to female readers and collects £350 for new hospice

February 18, 2008

Tributes paid as former journalist is claimed by cancer, aged 45
"Although we knew she would not have a long life, we thought she'd have a good few years" - father

Forget Neighbours going to Five – 'McCanns are the real soap'
Jon Mair looks at the "real soap opera" of Clarence and the McCanns

News chiefs to take on 120km 'ultra' marathon
Herald execs will battle desert heat for charity challenge

Former newspaper exec and NCTJ chief dies suddenly on holiday
Examiner man worked his way up to MD and was awarded OBE

Neil's Stink Squad mission is to stamp out the stench
Journal sets out to solve the mystery of the High Street stink

London press veteran returns to his roots at 80
Former South London Press hack returns to his old stomping ground after nearly 60 years

Press photographer injured in football ground dugout
Ipswich Town player crashes into snapper, 300 readers back Telegraph campaign and more news in brief

Welsh language newspaper scrapped after funding announcement
Y Byd is no more as publisher looks for new projects

February 15, 2008

New editor for Scottish islands weekly
Paul Riddell moves north from The Scotsman to take over hometown paper

New journalism studies grant worth nearly £10,000 up for grabs
Guardian owners offer new bursary scheme at Leeds college

Resort's weekly leads national press to two great tales
"Local newspapers will always be a news source at the heart of its community" - editor

A master craftsman lost – tribute to a newspaper man who died at 77
Editor remembers former Western Telegraph journalist Vernon Scott

'Proudly I pasted my cuttings book': Learning to be a London journalist, Part III
What were the stories that preoccupied a local paper in days gone by?

Six-month shorthand success for journalism student
Student celebrates passing 120wpm benchmark on his birthday

Newspaper takes trip down memory lane to mark major football match
Evening Express reprints edition from landmark sporting victory in football club's history

February 14, 2008

South Wales Echo names its editor
Acting editor Mike Hill confirmed in role

Reporter's notes confiscated during trial
Apology due after usher takes notebook to keep a record of journalist's shorthand

Newspaper celebrates two-year fight for free roads
Public backed Courier campaign to remove last remaining toll charges in Scotland

Rise in celebrity snaps at press photography awards
More than 300 pictures submitted in just one of the categories at Scottish photo celebration

Journalism graduates invited to 20th anniversary reunion
Trip down memory lane in Scottish capital for students of Napier University

'Work your proper hours' plea to journalists
Plus: Reuters action, Laurence Stern Fellowship chance, the first 'How-Do' awards - and more news in brief

A boy among men: Learning to be a London journalist, Part II
A gas fire, tables with ancient typewriters and the smell of stale tobacco smoke...

Reporters bid to re-establish annual press ball
Union members reinvigorating county tradition after two decades

Newspaper wraparound used for housing trust's annual report
Authority benefits from 122,000 recipients of weekly paper to put across its message

February 13, 2008

Drunken mother named in cruelty case after appeal by Mercury
"Magistrates should not be imposing orders willy-nilly" - editor

Second-guessing contempt, and fanciful libel – "love it!"
Contempt laws are still raising interesting questions for the media

The way we were: Learning to be a London journalist
There's nothing quite like the thrill of your first job on a local paper

Sheffield graduate lifts prestigious Cudlipp journalism award
Plus: ID of defendant to remain secret, sensitive inquests debate - and more news in brief

Boxers unite with newspaper campaign to combat bullying
Trainers, charity and MP all back Star's new fight against bullies

February 12, 2008

Evening Post among trio to apologise for breaking Newlove trial reporting restriction
Judge decides against referring one of the cases to the Attorney General

Multimedia roles created as newsroom moves into digital age
Integrated newsroom heralds new opportunities at south Wales papers

Post & Times boss to step down
Editor with 40 years as local journalist and author to become columnist at Midlands title

Front page story fear for journalist sidelined by road crash
Weekly newspaper man worries about deadline after breaking both legs

Society of Editors director backs media coverage of suicide spate
Bob Satchwell defends under-fire press in wake of latest death

Editor gears up for new-look newspaper website launch
Post chief heralds "great opportunity" for online coverage

New city-centre home for Chronicle reporters
Editor looks forward to new start after ten years at edge-of-city site

February 11, 2008

Security notice issued to press agency in Army officer exposure case
Agency boss receives first DA-Notice after captain caught on camera with trousers down

Home fixture as new sports editor leaves the Spanish sun
Hull Daily Mail signs up new sports supremo after 16 years in Spanish capital

Northcliffe Media enjoys record January online
56 per cent growth in unique visitors year-on-year brings almost 3m to web network

York Press scoop becomes 'most read' after world's press follows it up
Paper's exclusive beat online stories about Britney

E-learning innovator named new media prof at Bournemouth uni
Internationally acclaimed academic joins Centre for Excellence in Media Practice

Scotsman article prompts launch of 'anti-buzzword' campaign
Corporate buzzwords breed "terrible cynicism" about the political process - claim

February 08, 2008

Mail campaign sees thousands fall silent for anniversary of trawler tragedy
Triple Trawler Tragedy "not consigned to history" as reporter's idea results in major commemoration

Newspaper publisher pays freelancer nearly £3,000 in out-of-court settlement
Sub-editor wins holiday pay battle after being told he was no longer required

Sister Surrey titles convert to tabloid
Weeklies to drop three-section broadsheet in favour of full-colour compact edition

Love is in the air for reporter in Valentine auction
Hospice cash raised as Berkshire's singletons bid for date with Advertiser hack

Former reporter's online contacts book goes global
Directory of experts for interview now branching out into international media

Ninety-five journalists killed in line of duty
New figures show high death toll; talking newspaper to close after three decades and more news in brief

February 07, 2008

Charity calls for end to press coverage of suicide spate
Fears over copycat incidents sparks plea for media black-out

Manchester journalist wins six-year fight against deportation
Fellow journalists fought for investigative reporter who fled to Britain after exposing corruption in Pakistan

Cold return to UK as reporter bids for triathlon glory
Journalist gears up for World Champs after switching to part-time reporting

Toffees boss Moyes cleared of FA charge thanks to Echo evidence
Football Association throw out charges after press quotes mix up

News editor's 10,000ft leap for hospice appeal cash
News Shopper's Helen Backway overcomes fear for first ever skydive

Grant offer could boost Welsh language daily
Plus: Splash opens up in Rome, Press Club Ball planned for autumn - and more news in brief

Staff and readers celebrate as Sheerness weekly reaches 150
Paper wants to mark anniversary with big push for charity

February 06, 2008

Northcliffe begins to reap rewards of online investment
Regional online revenues grow 90 per cent on previous year

Original copy helps Evening News relive Munich tragedy with readers
Online and TV effort plus a 48-page special boosts coverage as sports journalists who died are remembered alongside footballers

Strike action postponed at Johnston title
But union vows to fight on over continued pay dispute

Visiter apologises to major's widow
Southport weekly wrongly said she'd remarried, plus other resolved cases from the PCC

New community newspaper launched for York
First newspaper launch in 20 years will focus on upbeat side of life

Lifetime achievement award presented to Scottish journalist
Plus: Newsquest's 62m page impressions online, staff changes at New Nation and more news in brief

February 05, 2008

Former cop charged with leaking info to local journalist is named as man who bugged MP
Officer "raised concerns that the operation could breach rules"

Sale of Trinity titles could go before Competition Commission
Office of Fair Trading seeks reassurances over possible stifling of competition

'World's oldest columnist' has died at 101 after a short illness
Author, sex therapist and columnist Rose Hacker "spoke so much sense through all the noise"

News staff show their hearts of gold as charity haul is doubled by company
More than 70 Archant staff had their fundraising efforts matched at the end of last year

Courier beats the odds to deliver the day's news
Flash floods fail to stop wading delivery agent - see the picture here!

Plain English Campaign to lobby Health Secretary about doctors' gobbledygook
"Imagine being unable to understand details which have a direct effect on your own life and health" - campaign spokesman

Free Press reporter takes double prize at annual awards ceremony
Journalist of the year revealed at Highlands prize-giving

Cliff Richard interview among career highlights for Mail hack
North-west news man finishes work with nostalgic trip down memory lane

Newspaper readers invited to grill Prime Minister
Regional Sunday sets up exclusive Q&A with Gordon Brown

February 04, 2008

Extra picks up top prize for 'best news service'
Kent journalists gather for annual ceremony which also paid tribute to former competition judge

Latest cross-media audience analysis in focus at conference
Plus: Trinity Mirror 'gives something back', Agricultural writers' awards - and more regional press news in brief

Reporters hit the TV screen for film festival podcast
Newsroom becomes film studio for the day as festival founder shoots podcast

Sports editor marks 25 years at weekly with FA Cup tie celebration
Spurs legend and TV pundit Clive Allen presents journalist with a commemorative team shirt

Community campaigns to be celebrated during Local Newspaper Week
Editors encouraged to submit the best causes fought on behalf of their readers

February 01, 2008

Nine-month press fight to name paedophile is finally won
Journalist's request for open reporting is upheld by senior judge

Clampdown expected on newspaper sex ads as tough new guidance is drawn up
Industry talks with Government bring pledge to stem demand for trafficked women

Argus editor gets tough on insults and obscenities posted online under 'freedom of speech agenda'
Personal insults - most recently about a photo of a young mum attached to a story - have forced the editor's hand

'Notorious teenage thug' named after press overturns court order
"It's necessary and important that the public know who this particular young offender is" - reporter

Standing ovation for journalist honoured by his peers
Cambs Times editor Brian Asplin retires today after 43 years with the paper

See the winners celebrate at the EDF Energy East of England Media Awards
Pictures from yesterday's event for journalists at Whipsnade Zoo