Before I forget, I’ll tell you about my little journalistic
adventure last Friday. During the first term, we have been learning how to
construct professional articles in a News Writing module, run by the fantastic
journalist Rachel Sharp. It has been my favourite part of the course as it
gives you hands on experience of what it’s like to work in a newsroom to
deadlines. I’ve picked up so much knowledge and tips from Rachel. I’m sad the
module is over.
Last week, Rachel made it a live reporting day so everyone
in my class had to pick a place name out of the hat and produce a decent sized
(300-400) article by 4pm so we had six hours. You’d think it would’ve been
easy. Yes, if I got Uxbridge or Hillingdon but I didn’t. My ‘patch’ was
Harmondsworth, the only place I had never heard of. Turns out it’s a village in
the middle of nowhere (or so it seems) and it’s a 20 minute bus ride from
Brunel. Guess what? Nothing much happens. The first local I spoke to told me it
was “boring” and I really struggled to find a story.
After what seemed like hours looking around the quite
village and speaking to people who didn’t even live local so knew nothing, I
spotted a poster about a historic barn, which needed donations to survive. I
researched it briefly on my phone, took a picture and spoke to a local resident
who answered some questions. There was a number on the poster so back at the
Uni, I made the relevant calls which enabled me to write up a piece.
It was a stressful experience as I drew the short straw and
couldn’t find a lead for ages but it taught me not to give up. I got there in
the end.
I’ve got a News Writing exam in the morning so time for a
little bit of last minute revision.
Bye for now!
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