Channel 4 News, the BBC and Liverpool Post were all represented at a special North West networking event co-hosted by the LJMU Journalism department and the John Schofield Trust.
Around 60 Journalism and Sports Journalism students and early career journalists packed into the Student Life Building to hear high-profile industry professionals offer tips on getting into the industry and discuss some of the issues facing the media today.
Clare Fallon, the North of England Correspondent for Channel 4 News, Abi Whistance, Editor of the Liverpool Post and Josh Parry, the BBC’s LGBT and Identity Reporter, rejected the idea that the only way to succeed in the business is by moving to London.
They flagged opportunities presented by the BBC and other broadcasters moving key programmes to the North West, as well as the growth in digital native local news operations, such as Mill Media.
They shared valuable advice such as the importance of authenticity and the fact that, despite rapid technological change, the most fundamental skill at the heart of journalism continues to be storytelling.
Polly Sharpe, senior lecturer and Programme Leader for MA Journalism said: “The John Schofield Trust asked us to hold this event because of our wider work in the field of EDI in journalism, and ongoing commitment to helping push for a truly inclusive journalism industry.
“We are determined to continue to work to ensure that each and every one of our students has an equal opportunity to break into journalism – regardless of their background.”
Howard Littler, the Chief Executive of the John Schofield Trust, said: “It’s been fantastic to see LJMU welcoming through its doors the best and the brightest of local journalistic talent, to help build the aspirations and grow the networks of student and early career journalists from diverse backgrounds.”
Main image above shows networking event panel members, from left to right: Josh Parry (BBC), Clare Fallon (Channel 4 News), Jonathan Paterson (Chair, John Schofield Trust), Abi Whistance (Editor, Liverpool Post). Photo by by Matt Thomas.