A former newspaper executive who has seen the redundancy process from both sides of the fence is aiming to help journalists prepare for the threat of losing their jobs.
Before last Christmas, Dan Mason was managing editor of Newsquest’s North and East London division, and was involved in proposals to cut 12 jobs across his patch.
Then early in the New Year, Dan himself was made redundant, prompting him to launch his own company offering media consultancy services, as well as starting up a journalism blog.
Now he has set out on his blog what he says are the five things journalists should do now – before they face the threat of redundancy.
Dan, who is also a former editor of the Birmingham Post and the Coventry Telegraph, says the key to dealing with potential job loss is to be prepared for it and to stay positive.
“Redundancy is never easy. I’ve seen both sides of the story. But don’t forget, it’s a beginning, not an ending,” he says.
His five-point plan is:
Dan was editor of the Coventry Evening Telegraph from 1993 to 1998 when he became managing director.
He became publisher/editor of the Birmingham Post in December 1999, leaving in 2003 before subsequently joining Newsquest.
Comments
Clive Andersson (19/03/2009 09:38:51)
What he fogot to say was learn Mandarin and tractor management and move to Singapore
mark (19/03/2009 11:23:26)
Was this also the same guy nicknamed ‘Desperate Dan’ after firing all the subs in North London and getting reporters to write directly on the page! How we laughed when we heard he had got the bullet.
HLS (19/03/2009 11:50:40)
Well what on earth would we have done without this invaluable advice? Set up a new job? First thought is – where exactly? Life-props – can tell he’s running a consultancy – not sure my hubby wants to be known as a life prop. But will probably be spending more time with my life prop than ever before but not out of choice. Yes, network like hell – in anything other than journalism.
Golam Murtaza (19/03/2009 13:00:13)
“Make sure your finances are in order”.
Well, it would be a little easier to do that if we humble local reporters were actually paid a half decent wage in return for the hours we put in. Did you have a decent salary as a newspaper exec Dan?
cadmus (19/03/2009 13:58:28)
If you want to see how Newsquest owners are leading by example check this little lot out!:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/randy-turner/gannett-executives-receiv_b_176435.html
Willy von B (21/03/2009 11:30:33)
Take advice over job-hunting before redundancy. If they found out, any HR bod worth their salt would have your settlement from you before you could say “Dan Mason”.
Larry Spear (23/03/2009 17:02:12)
I know I have my life-prop in place- shes in the kitchen making me beans.
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