Journalism jobs and news from Holdthefrontpage.co.uk

January 2008 News

January 31, 2008

Winners named in 2007 EDF Energy East of England Media Awards
Triple victory for East Anglian Daily Times as print and broadcast journalists celebrate their success

Council identifies new role after reporter breaks exclusive on underage drinking
FoI probe at local hospital revealed shocking figures for teenage drink and drug abuse

Inaccurate article complaint after cyclist dies
Guardian apologises for family's distress - plus more complaints resolved by the Press Complaints Commission

News agency chief drops in to address journalism students
Award-winning press man discusses his experiences at his old training centre

Kent media to gather for annual awards ceremony
Prestigious scheme celebrates two decades of recognising journalists' achievements

January 30, 2008

Reporter wins court battle to name teenage vandal
Gazette news man backed by council and police as paper exposes graffiti yob

Eurovision-crazy chief reporter gets set to be big in Baku
Journalist admits he's "hopelessly captivated" as he prepares for Azerbaijan trip

Kent Messenger claims world scoop with £53m robbery accused
Canteen coffee secures "first interview" with cleared defendant

Mail users to set the agenda and provide content for regional news website
New online relationship between the Hull Daily Mail and its readers could be rolled out across whole Northcliffe group

Long-serving Advertiser man steps down after 31 years as editor
Journalist began his career as a cub reporter in 1969 and saw the paper through major technological change

Reporter will battle bulge to lose 56lbs before wedding day
Trainee sets his sights on looking his best for nuptial photos

Newspaper business team hits the airwaves on new radio show
Daily Post reporters sign up to 24-hour talk station for business programme

Newspaper watchdog wants to meet the public
The Press Complaints Commission is holding a free open day next month

Pressure group claims inquest proposal could impose secrecy
A campaign group is claiming that the Home Secretary will have "extraordinary powers" to order that inquests should be held in secret

Observer appeal beats charity target by £3,500
Chichester Observer helps dreams come true for seriously and terminally-ill children

January 29, 2008

Newspaper at centre of bomb hoax plot after journalist received explosive warning
Man who plotted terror campaign against supermarket sent letter to district office

Birmingham Mail launches it own website to extend newspaper's brand
Launch is the latest stage of a major overhaul of the websites of Trinity Mirror's regional titles

End of an era as Scottish newspaper leaves home of seven decades
Herald staff bid farewell to offices in former mill

New football magazine looking for financial support
Sports freelancer's new project is off the ground but needs a boost

Law update: Readers' letters and follow-ups 'could be privileged'
The traditional letters page could attract special defence in libel cases

Sports editor bows out after over 30 years in local newspapers
Gazette and Reporter man blows final whistle on long sports reporting career

Former reporter and columnist dies after cancer fight
Southport Visiter's Nancé Greaves started with paper aged just 17 and covered life in the town through column

January 28, 2008

Sports journalism under microscope at media industry forum
BBC sports editor Mihir Bose to be guest panellist at digital news event

Is newsroom integration working? Major players to debate issues
Plus PPA handbook is published, oatcake protest from The sentinel - and more news in brief

Reporter's farewell bash raises cash for monument
Veteran of 42 years chooses cash instead of gifts for retirement - and gives it all away

New category helps Cordner 2008 awards to move with the times
The Cordner North East Press Awards mark their 30th year of activity in 2008 with a refreshed line-up

First run sells out for Echo celebration of the local coastline
Book from the Bournemouth Daily Echo and Dorset Echo proved so popular it sold out in days

January 25, 2008

Newspaper's scoop plays vital role in crown court case
Ex-reporter "called Advertiser from Spain" to explain fair trial fears

Latest offer in Newsquest centre's pay dispute is thrown out by paper's staff
Meeting voted 18-1 against accepting the three per cent pay increase

Politicians back newspaper's call for open justice over Asbo youth
Court banned The Argus from naming teenager, after previously agreeing his identity could be published

Newspaper campaigners visit No 10 to fight post office closures
The Press has sent a delegation to Downing Street to present a petition to Gordon Brown

Archant news man helps talking paper celebrate major milestone
Deputy editor has been a volunteer converting newspaper stories into audio

January 24, 2008

Recruitment drive rallies Welsh membership of the NUJ
Recognition the next step as principality is only area of UK to see membership grow

Tributes flood in as ex-showbiz editor dies aged 59
Journalist was captured and tortured in his early career before settling down to cover TV and the arts

Give-away copies of local newspapers to be included in new ABC totals
ABC says move was a result of industry pressure to reflect the variety of distribution channels

First entries arrive for 'dictionary of journalism'
Check out the latest candidates for a translation from journalese

February date for new Liverpool business mag
Launch will include an online social networking forum for the Merseyside business community

Westminster journalists gear up for annual meet
New chairman of The Newspaper Conference is set to take up his post

Brussels and Africa trips on offer in student journalism contest
'Access to Asylum' theme for writing competition

Irish publisher hits out at report on Welsh language paper
"No guarantee of success" claim could stifle progress, according to Lá Nua man

January 23, 2008

Further action announced for strike-hit newspaper
Six more days of industrial action planned for Milton Keynes Citizen

Weekly newspaper series sets 100 per cent accuracy target
Campaign calls on readers to step forward and tell the editor if it's not quite right

Masthead goes green as Scotsman aims to make a difference
Serious issue prompts unusual move as paper makes environmental pledge

Reporter steps back in time to recall early career in book
News agency copy boy worked at Reuters and The Sun before setting pen to paper in retirement

New recruit joins fast-growing public relations agency
Former Echo writer teams up with former boss to meet business demand

January 22, 2008

Open win for Press & Journal photographer
Garcia pic brings £1,500 award for amateur golfer who's a professional photographer

Wanted woman caught after photo published in newspaper
Crown Court warrant is met within hours of suspect's face appearing in press

Five major charities benefit from newspaper's year of giving
Year of Giving Trust divides Journal-generated £400,000 between worthy causes

News editor scoops company-wide award
Person of the Year award for Archant's David Powles - plus all the other editorial winners

Keegan supplement grows as King Kev fever grips Newcastle
Chronicle goes United-crazy with 48-page pull-out to mark the return of the 'messiah'

Sex on plane tops 'most viewed' list on Gazette website
Plus: new investigative reporter at the Evening Times, the McCann debate - and more news in brief

New battle for award-winning leukaemia blogger
Bad news for internet journalist as docs reveal illness might be returning

Teen's ID ban imposed after name had already appeared in print
Magistrates perform u-turn on naming of 15-year-old Asbo boy

January 21, 2008

News agency closes its doors after 15 years in business
One of Scotland's best known agencies falls victim to changing industry

Regional newspaper editor heads up new sports training programme
Training council launches new certificate for would-be sports reporters

Reporter takes modelling lessons for newspaper feature
South London journalist strikes a pose on the catwalk

Former broadsheet deputy editor joins university team
Michael Williams takes up part-time lecturing post; new editor for lifestyle magazine and other news in brief

Retired newspaper man loses battle with cancer
Former regional and national journalist dies at 62

Newspapers can now enter annual award scheme
Circulation and promotions awards open to regional newspapers for the first time

January 18, 2008

Deadline pushed back as weekly brings murder trial verdict to readers
Fresh splash and pictures as front end of paper is torn out for court result

New national body to hear student views on journalism training
Aim is to give students a greater say about courses, qualifications and policy

Newspaper banned from printing ASBO teen's photo for his own protection
Order made by court is "convoluted, difficult to understand and unlawful" - lawyer

Free Press triumphs at annual Scottish newspaper awards
Click through for the full list of winners and runners-up from Highlands & Islands

Sat nav gets editor lost on his way to technology talk
Plus: Bank chief joins Scott Trust, sports editor becomes darts champ - and more news in brief

Journalist's archive set to be preserved for future generations
Journalist and historian left vast archive of valuable writing and research

Major conference staged by newspaper aims to reduce death toll
MPs, business leaders and safety experts network to boost Telegraph campaign

January 17, 2008

15,000 print run for Keegan special edition of the Chronicle
Newcastle paper hails the relevance of local newspapers after footy boss's sensational return

Ban on naming gay security guard overturned by reporter
News agency hack battles barristers to lift reporting restriction

Awards handed out by Iliffe as expanded group rewards editorial staff
Midlands and southern titles collect company-wide gongs

Multi-format reporting contributes to Liverpool culture success
City's daily titles pulled out all the stops to deliver multimedia coverage of Euro event launch

North-west reporter says goodbye after 42-year career
Former printer retrained as reporter to serve Cumbrian community

Scathing editorial after Post is gagged by legal process
Teenage flasher remains anonymous; Argus video sparks investigation and more news in brief

Sales jump by 1,500 with bulk purchase of Observer special edition
Local school boosts sales figures after daily features pupil-penned newsletter

Press club dinner welcomes TV chef as guest speaker
Antony Worrall Thompson will entertain Midlands press club

Newspaper plea raises thousands for the elderly
North-west community rallies to give £17,000 for a warmer winter

January 16, 2008

Open verdict on journalist found dead at foot of cliffs
Victim of 200ft fall was known to have financial, relationship and work problems

Three day strike at Citizen over pay, as hacks complain of copy churn
NUJ members opt for stoppage as journalists hit out at work culture

Record number of complaints handled by press watchdog
Surge in complaints down to "growing confidence among the public"

Trio of senior journalists set task of guiding PA principles
Former national newspaper editors join new Press Association Trust

Plant-a-tree project scores success for memorial website
Trees can be bought as lasting memory for lost loved ones via new website

Editor joins independent review of 30-year rule
Paul Dacre to look at old edict, plus a new aquisition for Trinity Mirror and more news in briefs

Press contact with bereaved brings insight into campaign to cut road deaths
Hereford Times launches bid to cut fatalities on local roads

January 15, 2008

Non-stop local press coverage for high profile murder trial
Regional dailies shape up to give multimedia updates in eight-week prostitutes trial

Viability of proposed new Welsh daily newspaper questioned by report
Welsh Language Board consulted on whether subscription daily could be sustained

Former regional editor Ron Hunt has died, aged 77
Major figure was editor of weeklies and daily newspapers - and a key editorial trainer

Plea for female journalists for newspaper review show
Cable news channel on the look out for new TV panellists

Cash and a day at the races up for grabs in equine journalism awards
Popular scheme open to creative writers with a passion for horse racing

Newspaper's £1m appeal aims to help kids through confusion of bereavement
Worcester News launches major appeal with daily features, web pages - and a plea for help

January 14, 2008

Gastric band editor loses three stone in three months
Kent journalist undergoes major medical procedure for press feature - and uncovers serious liver condition

Newspaper switches to tabloid after more than a century as broadsheet
New look weekly edition already proves a big hit with readers

Traumatic effects on journalists explored at conference
New research shows many journalists don't seek help for emotional stress

Herald signs city's top cop as a blogger
Readers contact chief superintendent online over important issues

Free Press names campaign after council leader
Successful fight for fair car parking charges

January 11, 2008

Citizen's journalists could strike over pay
Vote for industrial action as union pursues "modest" wage claim

Shrine to dead girls to be pulled down after backlash on newspaper website
'Harsh' comments submitted by readers force family hand on crash tribute

Former Echo journalist witness to civil unrest in Kenya
Journalist who now works in politics tells of braving daily threat of violence

Ex-hack seeks contributions to practical guide for trainees
News man wants to balance theory with practice to help newsroom newcomers

Information published from writ 'was out of date', claims reader
Newspaper had sight of incorrect document for court story - plus more resolved complaints from the PCC

News editor plans 10,000ft plunge for charity
Daunting task to help raise £3m for new London hospice

Former reporter and 'true gentleman' dies
Gazette man started his career as a teenage copy boy

January 10, 2008

Blanket multimedia press coverage for city rape trial
Devon title prepares to embark on "most ambitious" multimedia project to date

Evening News reporter escapes missile attack in former Taliban town
One of first reporters into tricky territory witnesses Christmas Day mortar attack

Chief sub steps up to take charge at Scottish weekly
City weekly has new editor after retirement of previous boss

Star columnist becomes model in calendar shoot for news fans
Tongue-in-cheek effort for writer who wants to please his audience

Manchester shootings mapped online
Plus: Trainee scoops byline after first day of course; picture editor's move, and more news in brief

Former regional press editor 'relishes' chance to pass on wisdom to students
Lancashire Life Editor Roger Borrell shares knowledge with Preston trainees

January 09, 2008

Tragic death signals lift in web traffic to read Herald coverage
Huge increase in traffic as readers looked for the latest on a massive breaking story

Shipman snapper set to relive police station visit
Evening News man recalls confrontation with mass murderer after reporter's tip-off

Regional press continues to push for information under FOI
See how news stories are being generated through questions to public bodies

New firms 'optimistic' on grabbing attention of young readers
Range of new media channels could be the key for newspapers getting youngsters on board

First online-only contest for Suffolk newspaper uses intervactive mapping
Google Maps technology was used so that voters could see exactly where each entrant lived

Press blogger looking to compile new 'journalese' dictionary
A collection of journalists' bad habits is being compiled by north-east newsdesk man

January 08, 2008

Editor's protest as hospital 'sanitises' deaths story for news agency release
Health trust's handling of publicity following the deaths of two new mums is questioned

Jobs threat as Newsquest title eyes overnight publishing
Bosses in consultation with staff over whether to make the move

Copy sent via txt msg helps newspaper beat deadline
Witness account of Pakistan unrest filed to Midlands paper first via e-mail and then on SMS

Newsquest reaches deal for multimedia content from PA
Agreement encompasses text, photos, video and interactive graphics

Electronic screens to replace billboards at Newsquest sales points
Plus new MD for Bath, some agriculture writing awards - and more news in brief

Student journalist could save £10,000 with new scholarship
One lucky journalism trainee could find themselves nearly £10,000 better off in three years time

January 07, 2008

Freelance journalist's book set to become American TV movie
Fox channel buys option on Decent Exposure, the debut novel by Sunday Mercury's Phillipa Ashley

Editor completes year-long 80-race running challenge
Jogging journalist completes daunting race mission - and plans a book on his challenge

Farewell faithful fax machine
Payphones, fax machines and typewriters. How journalists miss their favourite old technology ...not

Newspaper runs hunt coverage shot with head-mounted camera
Western Daily Press used webcam footage to give a closer view of traditional Boxing Day meets

Fast track journalism training course comes out on top
Sheffield College leads the list of the UK's top ten industry-accredited courses

January 04, 2008

EDF Energy East of England Media Awards shortlist is announced
More than 200 entries from print and broadcast media are whittled down to the final few

Sub-editor sets up own publishing firm to launch first novel
Former regional press man set up on his own to pen mid-life crisis book

Reporters turn superheroes to raise charity cash
Evening Post staff retain "a shred of dignity" by partially hiding their identities

Veteran newspaper reporter and author dies
Former Barry Herald editor went on to work for the Daily Mail and the BBC

Paper's campaign helps secure new billion-pound academy
The South Wales Echo launched a petition and printed coupons to win reader support

January 03, 2008

North West Evening Mail names its new editor
Move gives weeklies man his big chance to edit a regional daily

British journalists in the news as cop is shot dead in Bahamas office car park
Incident was a dramatic end to a dramatic year for The Tribune

Citizen boss gets editor-in-chief job
Appointment brings Gloucestershire Media's editorial structure into line with the other Northcliffe centres

News editor's New Year's Eve baby makes the news
New Year celebration of a different kind as Echo journalist gives birth

Student successes take up their first jobs in journalism
Graduates win jobs in global news organisations

January 02, 2008

Newspaper wages war on clampers after run-in with parking firm
Ealing Times sets up campaign when one of the company's staff was stung for £1,140

Shark pic man complains over paper's inaccuracy
Cornish title clears up confusion, plus more resolved complaints to the PCC

Cyclist brakes neck: Click through for a few more unusual press headlines...
Our contributors send in some funnies to brighten up the New Year treadmill

Newsquest exec wins company award
Plus: Archant appoints new director, information on defamation conference and more news in brief

Former Herald editor dies after short illness
Reporter worked his way through the ranks to become deputy editor then editor