John Herbert, Staffordshire University
Abstract
To survive, the regional newspapers in the UK have to be at the forefront of modern technology, with reporters being not just multi-skilled but competent at all aspects of the editorial and production processes.
This is the first point worth noting for those interested in the subject of journalism education for the modern local newspaper.
Point two is that work experience for journalism students is best done on local, small, suburban newspapers where they will get to do everything.
They will need to master QuarkXPress; know about law and ethics; know how to take photos; know how to get accurate names and addresses as well as quotes; know how to write a succinct caption; and know how to placate readers when they are angry and complaining.
Journalism education in Britain only started in 1908 with the first course in 1919, but then it stopped and did not restart until the 1970s. However, Britain has had a provincial press for more than 300 years, and it was that provincial press which provided on-the-job training for the journalists who later became the thunderers of the British national and colonial press overseas. By 1760, the local newspaper was firmly established as part of British provincial life. One hundred and thirty newspapers were being published, together with a number of literary magazines and periodicals.
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