MAGAZINE OF THE NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS

WWW.NUJ.ORG.UK | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2021

The hidden face of bullying ...and how the union can help Contents

Main feature 14 No place for abuse at work What can be done about bullying News t last there’s an end in sight to the 03 Fighting for Freedom of Information pandemic and while the return to normal life may take some time, Call to put pressure on the Government at least hope is definitely on the 04 HMRC failed freelances, say MPs horizon. Urgent explanations called for ACoronavirus has had a devastating impact on those who lost their lives, jobs and education and 05 Cli mbdown after photographer’s arrest who have suffered psychologically from the lockdowns. Police held journalist in a cell for hours The pandemic has swept through our industry as advertising 06 Irish media needs extra cash dried up and newspapers made cutbacks and closed titles. NUJ lobbies media commission To assess the fall-out on the ground, we start a new series looking at the state of the media throughout the regions of the “UK, Ireland and continental Europe. We start with Glasgow. Features The NUJ continues to push its news recovery plan – a 10 Spotlight on Glasgow programme of action, including a tax on the large tech How journalism is faring in the city companies – to help bolster the industry and strengthen it for the future. The plan has had a lot of good reaction in the 12 Climate changers? UK and Ireland and a recent NUJ Welsh meeting on the issue Should the media be doing more featured the actor and activist Michael Sheen. We have a report 16 Quick on the draw on that on Page 8. Looking back to 1895 We also look at the persistent problem of bullying in the workplace and how perpetrators can sometimes disguise their actions, and importantly what the union can do to help victims Regulars get justice. Our letters pages feature concern about The Journalist 21 Technology continuing to be digital only. Do let us know what you think 24 Obituaries about this and other issues. The magazine and the union 25 And finally... welcome members’ feedback.

Christine Buckley Editor @mschrisbuckley

Editor NUJ Arts [email protected] 72 Acton Street Page Design London WC1X 9NB Surgerycreations.com [email protected] 20 [email protected] www.nuj.org.uk Advertising Tel: 020 7843 3700 Ray Melanie Richards Manchester office Tel: 07494975239 [email protected] Snoddy [email protected] Glasgow office Page 19 Print [email protected] Warners Cover picture Letters and www.warners.co.uk Dublin office [email protected] John Devolle Distribution Steve Bell GB Mail ISSN: 0022-5541 Page 22-23 www.gb-mail.co.uk ” theJournalist 02 | news Join the fight for a genuine inbrief... BBC WORLD NEWS BANNED BY CHINA Freedom of Information service China has banned BBC World News from broadcasting in the country. THE NUJ is urging journalists letter was signed by the The move follows Ofcom’s decision NUJ in the UK to submit “Subject editors of The Times, the to revoke the broadcast licence of Access Requests”, in order to Telegraph, the Financial the China Global Television establish just how the Times, the Guardian, and the Network. China’s State Film TV and government is centrally Mirror among others. We want government Radio Administration, said BBC managing Freedom of Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ World News reports did not meet Information (FoI) applications general secretary, said:“At the to be less secretive, ‘the requirement that news should from the media. The union is core of all public interest not more be truthful and fair’ and not ‘harm also keen to find out what journalism is the urge to China’s national interests’. information Whitehall is search out information, shine holding on journalists and light in dark corners, “ Michelle Stanistreet their requests scrutinise and hold power to NUJ general secretary GOVERNMENT BACKS Media reports have account. The media industry DOWN ON EXIT PAY highlighted the existence of a is united in backing a The Government has revoked the clearing house based at the Access Requests to the same campaign to expand the right Restriction of Public Sector Exit Cabinet Office that is government departments as to information and secure Payments Regulations 2020, which managing and coordinating they have previously greater transparency in public imposed a cap of £95,000 on exit FoI requests from across submitted their FoI requests. life. We want government to payments including at the BBC. The government. The NUJ is The NUJ’s call comes after be less secretive, not more.” NUJ was part of a legal challenge concerned that this amounts an openDemocracy public Download the NUJ against the implementation of the to illegitimate monitoring letter, signed by the NUJ and template letter to submit a regulations, saying it compromised and risks journalists being put other media industry leaders, subject access request. equal pay settlements and on a ‘blacklist’. demanding MPs urgently Access guidance on a undermined collective terms. The union is asking investigate the government’s Subject Access Request from journalists to submit Subject current approach to FOI. The the Information NUJ LAUNCHES REVAMPED WEBSITE Delegate meeting is set for late May The NUJ has relaunched its website to make it more user friendly, THE POSTPONED NUJ delegate programme of work, was due to be aspect of facilitating voting as it isn’t informative and interactive. It has meeting will take place online in the held in Southport in April last year but yet clear when large in-person been redesigned and features new third week of May with decision had to be postponed because of the meetings will be allowed to go ahead. pages and an online joining facility. making concentrated on Friday 21st coronavirus pandemic. The delegate meeting will be The large database of members’ and Saturday 22nd. Most unions are currently grappling supplemented by other online events details has also been overhauled. The biennial delegate meeting, with the logistics of holding and training sessions staged in the www.nuj.org.uk which sets the union’s policies and conferences online including the crucial week starting May 17.

Fresh threats in Confusion over Northern Ireland cross border work UK NUJ members living in continental THE UNION has renewed calls targeting journalists come to identify and punish those amid a dangerously hostile Europe are facing huge uncertainty about who threaten journalists in climate in Northern Ireland their ability to work across borders. No Northern Ireland. for the media, and they also provision was made for cross-border working The latest call comes in imply that previous police and individual countries are expected to make response to graffiti appearing action has been insufficient. their own rules but many members have across East Belfast which Seamus Dooley, Irish had no information. The union has threatened Sunday World secretary, said: “This been lobbying on the issue and the recent journalist Patricia Devlin. The menacing graffiti is the national executive council called for name of the reporter was behaviour of thugs who are an accelerated campaign for agreements sprayed onto the wall in at trying to intimidate a specific to allow UK and EU media workers to least two locations and was journalist, but they are also move freely for work.. accompanied by the image of trying to send a warning a crosshair of a gun. message to other media Repeated death threats workers.”

theJournalist | 03 news HMRC should explain why it failed to support freelances, say MPs THE PUBLIC Accounts Committee has called on HM Revenue Pamela Morton, NUJ national freelance organiser, said: and Customs (HMRC) to urgently explain why some freelances “Throughout the pandemic, the trade union movement has – estimated to number three million – have had no access to had to keep pushing the UK government to provide the government support during the coronavirus pandemic. financial support the self-employed need and the government A report by the committee of MPs said that, while HMRC has consistently failed to address why millions of taxpayers Quirks in the tax had provided £80 billion to support businesses and workers have not received any support. since the first lockdown in March last year, some people had “There was no justification for these system have left not received anything even individuals to be purposely excluded whole groups of though they are unable to work. in the way they continue to be – It said: “Quirks in the tax many simply for the way they have “taxpayers without system have left whole groups of been taxed. the financial support taxpayers without the financial “There is also no justification for support offered to others through the delay in announcing what the offered to others the COVID-19 pandemic – some of fourth grant of the Self-Employment the workforce has ‘not had a Income Support Scheme will be. The third through the pandemic penny’ even though lockdowns and tier restrictions mean grant covers only up to the end of January and with the UK still some cannot work at all – while some large companies that in lockdown, the self-employed need proper support and the Public Accounts have taken taxpayer support have continued to pay out details announced urgently.” Committee dividends and high executive salaries.” The NUJ launched its Fair Deal 4 Freelances campaign last The committee said HMRC should, within six weeks of the year. It calls for a charter of freelance rights that includes: the report’s publication on January 20, provide an explanation of right to have a written contract with fair terms and conditions; why it cannot help those freelances and other groups that have prompt payment and equal treatment at work in terms of been excluded from receiving any support, and set out steps it health and safety; and the right to holiday pay, parental leave could take to overcome those obstacles. and allowances and a pension. It also says that freelances The NUJ has been campaigning for the ‘forgotten freelances’ should have the right to resist companies forcing them on to since anomalies in support packages began to emerge last spring. pay as you earn taxation.

have reliably served their footprint based on high Montgomery buys JPI Media communities and supported quality, unique content.” JPI MEDIA, which published National World paid £10.2 published more than 100 UK local businesses, in some Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ The Scotsman, the Yorkshire million and said it would regional newspaper titles cases for centuries, and general secretary, said the Post, the Falkirk Herald and provide £6.5 million in and associated websites. never more than in the sale ended “the uncertainty Belfast’s The News Letter and working capital to JPI. The company was sold in last year. that has hovered over the about 200 regional papers David Montgomery, November 2015 to Reach plc “National World will company’s future for some and associated websites in National World’s executive in a £220 million deal. uphold this tradition and years.” She said David the UK, was bought by David chairman and a former He said: “JPI ‘s historic implement modern Montgomery had made a Montgomery’s business national newspaper editor, publishing brands represent technology to grow the welcome commitment to National World early this year. founded Local World, which the best in journalism and business across a wider expanding the company.

Scan here if you care about journalism.

04 | theJournalist news Police back down after inbrief... NEIL MCINTOSH IS SCOTSMAN EDITOR detaining photographer Neil McIntosh has been appointed editor of The Scotsman. He moves THE UNION has called for an investigation my family. I cannot thank them enough and for to the paper from BBC Online where into the action of Kent police following the working with Bindmans to ensure I received he was managing editor. He has arrest and subsequent release of the best legal support possible. also worked on the Wall Street photographer Andy Aitchison. He had been “Their advocacy as well as support have Journal and The Guardian. covering a protest at Napier Barracks been immense – to have a question put It is of great concern Glasgow-born McIntosh started his in Folkestone. to a minister about my arrest in the career on The Scotsman and the NUJ member Andy (pictured) House of Commons just blew me when police arrest Edinburgh Evening News. was held in a cell for seven away.” photographers for hours despite attending the “Kate Goold, partner at simply doing their job demonstration to publicise the Bindmans, said: “It is of great “ NEW EUROPEAN IS treatment of asylum seekers concern when the police arrest and has a chilling BOUGHT BY FOUNDER as a member of the press. journalists and photographers for The New European has been His arrest caused huge simply doing their job and has a effect on press bought from Archant by its founder concern in members of the union chilling effect on press freedom. and former editor Matt Kelly with and the News Media Association. Public interest journalists are essential to freedom investment from former Financial Questions were asked in the House of our democracy to document and publicise Times editor Lionel Barber and Commons of culture secretary Oliver Dowden, events as they unfold, especially during the Kate Goold ex-New York Times chief executive and Andy was offered support by his local MP Covid lockdown when the public cannot witness Bindmans Mark Thompson. Kelly launched the Damian Collins. such protests themselves. Remain newspaper in 2016 and Following the outcry, Kent police said there “Through the support of the NUJ, we were was its editor for three years. was no evidence to charge him and returned able to act swiftly to ensure that Mr Aitchison his phone and camera memory card. had no further action taken and his phone Andy said: “The NUJ has been fantastic with and memory card returned without the police FT STARTS ONLINE their support [at] a very tricky time for me and viewing this confidential journalistic material.” CLIMATE SECTION The Financial Times has launched a climate change section on its with a change in its attitude digital platforms in response to Iconic cuts more jobs and hours towards union recognition. growing demand from readers. ICONIC Newspapers, the Irish consultation with the NUJ or Editors of Iconic’s regional Seamus Dooley, NUJ Irish Climate Capital features stories publisher controlled by UK staff representatives. titles issued a letter to secretary, wrote to the about climate change. It offers businessman Malcolm At least 13 editorial staff readers calling for support of editors, saying that both sides subscribers a community and virtual Denmark, has cut more jobs have been laid off, with at the newspaper print sector. wanted a strong future for events programme, and provides and reduced working hours. least 20 more having their The union urged the printed newspapers and they information on emerging risks and The move was announced hours and pay cut by 20 company to match its call for should meet to discuss their opportunities for business. to staff without prior per cent. Irish government support aspirations and differences. Climate changers? Page 12

Lyra McKee General secretary election training bursary opens Applications are invited for the Lyra McKee may be held in the summer Investigative Journalism Training Bursary Scheme, run by the NUJ members may be asked in the summer to vote for a Centre for Investigative Journalism. The scheme was established general secretary to lead the union. two years ago in memory of journalist Lyra McKee who was shot The union is planning to post ballot papers to members dead while reporting on a disturbance in Derry in April 2019. The in early June if there is more than one candidate for the job. six-month bursary is intended to provide training and mentoring Michelle Stanistreet has been the NUJ general secretary for the for people from underprivileged backgrounds. It was past 10 years and has been unopposed in the last two elections. inspired by working-class Lyra’s determination to The general secretary’s position is subject to election every become an investigative journalist despite personal five years. disability and the need to care for her disabled Announcements about the election are being sent to branches mother. The scheme is open to anyone over and will be posted on the union’s website later in February; the 18 and the application deadline closing date for applications is noon on May 3. If there is more is midnight on April 4; than one candidate, the union’s ruling national executive council see www.tcij.org will shortlist applicants. Job advert, page 26 and also see www.nuj.org.uk

theJournalist | 05 news Union calls for promotion and cash for Irish public service media THE IRISH government needs to boost funding for public commission that the advent of video-enabled, smart and service media across all forms of media and models of mobile devices has been exploited by tech giants at the ownership, the NUJ has urged in its submission to the Irish expense of public service broadcasting. Future of the Media Commission. The submission said the shift in advertising had exposed the It also needs to create ways to promote public service vulnerability, in particular of RTÉ, and The need to fund journalism - including setting up a media brought into sharp focus the need for foundation, the union said. immediate reform of the licence fee system. public service From Health Crisis to Good News The NUJ noted that the coronavirus A recovery plan for the news industry by the NUJ The fee evasion rate is currently 13 per cent. broadcasting was pandemic had exacerbated damaging The union said the need to fund public changes in media consumption and cuts in service broadcasting properly was becoming “becoming all the more the media industry that have occurred over all the more acute because of the acute because of fake the past decade. proliferation of fake news and targeted The NUJ highlighted its news industry disinformation and misinformation on news and targeted recovery plan – From Health Crisis to Good social media. News – to the commission. This was drafted From Health Crisis to Good News disinformation as the pandemic gripped the economy advocates providing public service content

www.nuj.org.uk last spring. The plan is intended to secure through a variety of media outlets. To that Not Just Business: NUJ the recovery of an industry hit by falling sales end, the NUJ is campaigning for local submission to the Irish and advertising revenues triggered by news outlets to be recognised as community commission lockdowns and to bolster the media for a more robust future. assets. Cooperatives and joint initiatives are often models for The union complained to the commission that multinational small community or interest-based publications and should be tech companies were continually allowed to evade legal, moral eligible for funding. and financial responsibility while they dominated public media The union said that while its primary focus was on content, space and as the public service media shrank internationally. access to high-speed broadband needed to be improved. One of the NUJ’s news recovery plan’s main proposals is a tax on tech giants that would be ploughed into building up Journalism: Not Just Business https://www.nuj.org. regional and some national media. The union told the uk/where/ireland/

over the last 30 years but Journalists’ death toll increases to 60 also in 2020 make it clear to all that there is no room LAST year 60 journalists same levels as in 1990 when This year’s list features the harassment campaign to for complacency. were killed compared with the organisation first started harrowing death of Russian silence her. As she burned, “Instead, they are an 49 in 2019, according to the collating the number of journalist Irina Slavina. she blamed the authorities urgent call to redouble our International Federation of killings and deaths of The editor of Koza Press as bearing responsibility for efforts to mobilise for Journalists (IFJ). journalists and media staff. set herself on fire in the city her action. greater protection of IFJ records show that the The reports show peaks in of Nizhny Novgorod to Anthony Bellanger, IFJ journalists and commitment current number of killings of the mid-1990s and protest against the general secretary, said: “The to the safe practice media professionals is at the mid-2000s. intimidation and trends in our publications of journalism.”

Assange remains in jail during appeal

JULIAN ASSANGE, the Wikileaks founder, has Belmarsh prison, where he has been for nearly

been denied bail pending the appeal by the two years. PA IMAGES / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO US government against the decision in The judge said that Assange “still has an January not to extradite him to the US from incentive to abscond”, highlighting the several the UK for espionage for publishing hundreds years he spent in hiding in the Ecuadorian of thousands of US classified documents. embassy when he was facing different charges Judge Vanessa Baraitser refused to in Sweden. give Assange bail after she blocked his An attorney for the US government said that deportation because of his risk of suicide. other countries, including Mexico, had offered He remains in London’s high-security Assange asylum.

06 | theJournalist news BBC pays £1 million in legal inbrief... DC THOMSON MAKES £180M PRE-TAX LOSS fees to fight equality cases DC Thomson, the Dundee-based publisher of the Press and Journal, THE BBC has paid more than £1 million to The NUJ supported Samira in a successful the Sunday Post and the Courier, external barristers and solicitors to work on high-profile equal pay tribunal, which made a pre-tax loss of £180 million tribunal claims brought by staff in equal pay determined that her work presenting BBC’s in the year ending March 2020 after and race discrimination cases. Newswatch programme was equal to that of the early lockdown reduced the The figure was disclosed in a letter to Jeremy Vine on Points of View, despite It’s a shocking value of investments. The company the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport him being paid six times more. The also wrote down by £79.5 million the Committee, which was sent after union also supported Carie, who sum to have spent value of its papers and magazines the committee pressed Tim resigned from her position as on defending the and its Wild & Wolf retail business. Davie, the corporation’s director China editor in January 2018 general, for the information. because she was paid less than “indefensible. The NUJ Originally, the BBC had said it men in similar roles. She was has often urged the GB NEWS LOOKS FOR was not able to give a total cost for given a full apology and back pay. DIGITAL ‘DISRUPTORS’ external legal fees for equal pay or Sarah Montague (pictured), a BBC to stop wasting Andrew Neil’s GB News has race-related claims brought by its staff. former presenter of Radio 4’s Today advertised 140 jobs, calling for The BBC was unable to put a figure on the programme and now of the World at One, said money on lawyers ‘disruptors and innovators’ to costs of using in-house lawyers on such cases in January she had won a £400,000 settlement ‘reshape television and digital but acknowledged that more than 2,000 and an apology over unequal treatment. news’. It has been speculated the Michelle Stanistreet hours were spent on them. The figures do not Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, new channel will be right-wing and NUJ general secretary cover costs of ongoing tribunal claims. said: “It’s a shocking sum to have spent on similar to Fox in the US. Neil, who The BBC has faced a large number of equal defending the indefensible. There have been chairs GB News, said it would target pay claims following action from former China many occasions when the NUJ has urged the ‘the vast number of British people editor Carrie Gracie, presenter Samira Ahmed BBC to stop wasting money on lawyers and who feel underserved and unheard

PA IMAGES / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO STOCK / ALAMY IMAGES PA and others. sort things out sensibly with individuals.” by their media’.

HENDERSON LEAVES THE MIRROR STABLE BBC future unclear with fee, say auditors Paul Henderson is leaving his role THE BBC faces an uncertain The spending watchdog licences for viewers aged BBC’s charter renewal in as editor of the Sunday Mirror and future because it relies said the corporation had over 75 years. December 2027. Sunday People. He has edited the heavily on the licence fee as postponed making difficult The NAO’s findings come Richard Sharp, the titles as deputy to editor-in-chief its audience share decisions about future amid criticism from senior corporation’s incoming chair, Alison Phillips. Henderson decided plummets, the National income streams and was Conservatives of the BBC said last month the fee ‘may to leave his job last year as part of Audit Office (NAO) has using some of its reserves to and its reliance on the be worth reassessing’ as July’s business overhaul but his concluded. cover the cost of free licence fee ahead of the part of a review. departure was not announced until December.

Walmsley talks pictures Bridget Rowe dies NUJ photographer John tinyurl.com/y3f8pcx5. from coronavirus Walmsley is giving a talk John is a lifelong freelance Bridget Rowe, former Sunday Mirror and Sunday People about his work and career documentary photographer editor, died in January after contracting Covid-19 in hospital. to the Royal Photographic and union member. She was admitted to hospital following brain seizures Society. His pictures can be seen at and died just over two weeks later. Rowe began on The event, Engagement, the National Portrait Gallery, which is free and open to Tate Britain Library, the magazines including 19, Look Now and Woman’s everyone, is on Thursday April National Art Library at the World before becoming assistant editor of The 29 at 6.15pm. Book at https:// V&A, the V&A Museum of Sun, editor of the News of the World’s magazine Childhood and the Sunday, editor of Woman’s Own and TV Times Bibliothèque Nationale editor. In 1991, she became editor of the de France. His work will also Sunday Mirror and, in 1994, moved to soon be shown at the Library The People. In 1997, she became managing

JOHN WALMSLEY of the University of California, director of both papers. San Diego, the Archive of the MIRRORPIX University of Edinburgh and Dunquin, Co Kerry, 1967 the Liverpool Museum.

theJournalist | 07 local news

News Network, administered by Cardiff University. “I want to support, celebrate, expand and connect these local networks in a more powerful way and possibly set up a pan-Wales entity that grassroots journalism can feed into,” he said. Morgan Jones told the meeting that he believed the problem was not one of demand for local news but of supply. “What we have seen is a big reduction in the number of journalists as we fail to replace the old advertising sales model with something that works as well online,” he said. “Number one is to move away from journalism being a business and a Reviving the Welsh media way to make money. It’s a public service, as essential as a bin collection or running water. It’s something that a What do the NUJ’s general secretary, a leading actor, community needs.” Elliot, who has worked as a journalist a journalist and academic, and many union members in Wales for 30 years, echoed the point David Nicholson about demand for local news and offered have in common? finds out some salutary figures from ITV Wales. “Fifty per cent more people were olutions to the failing and outlines the problems and Clockwise from top left: watching Wales at Six this September media industry in challenges but, most importantly, it Michelle; Louise Elliot; Michael than they were in 2019 and online our Wales were discussed offers practical solutions,” she said. Sheen; Dr Ifan Morgan Jones; coverage is reaching 31 million video S by the union’s Welsh “This debate is part of the engagement and Lee Waters. views on Facebook and 20 million executive council and to build support for meaningful page views on the ITV Wales website,” NUJ Training Wales at an online intervention and change in Wales.” she said. meeting they organised late last year. Sheen works closely with NUJ Welsh Elliot used the analogy of traditional The country is unique in the UK executive council member Dr Rae media being like a black taxi with because it doesn’t have a national daily Howells on local news provision digital media akin to Uber: “Both are newspaper. Most bought titles are in Wales. Recording of the doing the same thing, but delivering in English newspapers with no specific “When I was growing up in Port NUJ Town Hall different ways.” Welsh news coverage. Talbot in the 1970s, there were five meeting Waters pointed to the central NUJ general secretary Michelle local newspapers with over 20 http://bit.ly/ dilemma between Sheen’s point Stanistreet was joined by: actor and reporters,” Sheen said. NUJtownHallMeeting about monetising hyperlocal news political activist Michael Sheen; Dr Ifan He recalled how as a boy, if he had sites and Jones’s about journalism as Morgan Jones, a lecturer at Bangor scored a goal, he would race to get the Summary of the a public service. University, who is the editor of online weekly paper as it always included the Welsh Media “It’s certainly true that people are news service Nation.Cymru; names of all scorers in the local leagues. Recovery Plan interested in local news, but they are broadcaster and ITV Cymru Wales “Now there is one newspaper, which http://bit.ly/Summary not interested in paying for it,” he said. programme and digital editor Louise has one part-time journalist based 10 OfWalesRecoveryPlan “I think that’s really what this Elliot; and Welsh Government miles away in Swansea,” he noted. discussion needs to be about – it’s about deputy minister for He said that a key point was NUJ briefing on the finding a way towards a business model.” economy and transport Lee not when newspapers closed impact of Covid-19 Waters said he was looking at ideas Waters, a former down but when local news on the Welsh media for a Senedd wire service to provide broadcaster. was reported by journalists http://bit.ly/NUJSelect some scrutiny and coverage of the Stanistreet introduced who were not embedded in CommitteeBriefing Welsh parliament. the Welsh version of the that community. He also told the meeting of the union’s news recovery plan, Sheen praised several Welsh From health crisis possible end of statutory public notices From Health Crisis to Good hyperlocal news sites such as to good news: NUJ in Wales and how the money spent News, and set out how the the Caerphilly Observer, news recovery plan could be used to support journalism in Covid-19 pandemic was Wrexham.Com, http://bit.ly/ a different way: “We know that’s hitting an already Nation.Cymru NUJnewsRecoveryPlan coming in 2023 so we have a couple of devastated and Cwmbran years to think about what replaces it.” journalism scene Life as well as Independent The union is considering all the ideas in Wales. the UK-wide Community News discussed and will draw them together “Our recovery Independent Network in a revised media recovery plan

STILLS PRESS / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO STOCK PRESS / ALAMY STILLS plan identifies Community http://bit.ly/aboutICNN for Wales.

08 | theJournalist viewpoint

Ipso failed on coverage of my Anisha’s death

Accident video use was a gross intrusion, says Mandy Garner.

t 2am on February 20 I thought the process would be fairly grief’ of the Ipso editors’ code. I found last year, two police straightforward. Instead, I was subjected one, again involving the Mail and again officers knocked on to months of exchanges with the Mail, involving video. This time, however, A our door. They had who tried to justify their actions. Every the Mail did not attempt to justify it. come to inform us that exchange reduced me to tears. I told Ipso several times that the our 20-year-old daughter Anisha had Apparently, the Mail’s motive was to whole process had been very been killed in a hit-and-run incident. bring forward witnesses. This was distressing. When I first mentioned this, By midday the next day, the despite the fact that there were many they asked if I wanted to drop the case. Mailonline had published CCTV footage witnesses and, of course, CCTV footage. At the end, they asked if I might like of the incident purchased from a local The police were involved and an to train them on how to improve the store under the headline ‘EXCLUSIVE: independent police investigation is process. The only thing that would Shocking moment young woman is going on – but that headline is clearly improve it is if they actually stood up killed by speeding hit-and-run driver not about bringing witnesses forward. for press standards. Instead, their escaping police – as she is flung 20 feet Why publish so quickly? If witnesses ruling means the Mail – and perhaps into the air and lands in front of were required, surely that is something others – will do the same thing again. horrified onlookers at London bus stop’. we, Anisha’s family, would have Indeed, the Mail cited a previous ruling The video played automatically if supported. Why not ask us? to back up their case. you clicked on the story. Two of my The main thrust of the Mail’s I doubt many other people would brothers saw that story. One of them defence, however, was to throw the put in a complaint to Ipso under rang the Mail to complain. The video blame onto someone else. They said clause 4. It’s not what you want to do was removed two days after it was they had given the police time to warn when you are grieving and Ipso told me posted, presumably after it had us the video was going up. In fact, the few people had done this. But it’s received all the clicks required. police had told them not to put it up because I am a journalist that I think it Although my brother had not given and, when the Mail said they were matters. We can and must do better. his full name when he called, the Mail going to anyway, the police had asked I have asked the Mail Online how managed to trace him because he had at least to be given time to let us know. many clicks they got on the story with put a note on some flowers next to The Mail gave the police one hour. the video compared to how many they where Anisha died. They rang him back I maintain that we were not warned. I got without it in there. They won’t say, and asked if he wanted to say would have remembered. The Mail says but it must make some form of something about Anisha. The video we were. This is despite the fact that, commercial sense because it doesn’t footage was clearly not enough. They warning or no warning, they would have Ipso added that the make any other kind of sense. wanted an interview too. posted it anyway. They also claimed to video was ‘grainy’ The police told me they had been on Despite our overwhelming shock and have edited the video ‘sensitively’ so it the scene of accidents where people grief, I decided to file a complaint to stopped just before the actual impact. so you would not who were filming the last moments of Ipso because I felt this was clearly a Although none of this had anything know who it was. My a victim on their phones complained breach of any kind of press standards. to do with my complaint about “ when told to show a bit of respect. To me, it was fairly evident that the Mail clickbait, it was enough for Ipso to brothers all knew Surely, clickbait press reports only was exploiting my daughter’s death for dismiss the claim. Ipso added that the encourage this? clickbait and that this was a clear case video was ‘grainy’ so you would not who it was, as would of intrusion into private grief. know who it was. My brothers all knew my children Mandy Garner is managing editor My children could have seen that who it was. My children would know of workingmums.co.uk and was video. Images stick in the mind much who it was. I checked how many cases previously features editor at the more than words. It was wrong and I had been successful in the last five Times Higher Education and a senior didn’t want it to happen to anyone else. years under ‘clause 4 – intrusion into broadcast journalist at the BBC ” theJournalist | 09 opportunities Glasgow

The NUJ strongly condemned the attacks. What is life like for journalists Cruickshank moved to Glasgow from New York in 2001 in Scotland’s biggest city? and started The Digger after becoming frustrated by crime coverage in nationals. “I picked a difficult road to go down,” he says. “I wish there aterproof jackets, bespoke bridalwear, golf, were more independent journalists out there fighting to guns and gangland shootings – aside from uncover what people don’t want uncovered. Alex Salmond and indyref2, these are just “Look at how many crime reporters there are in Scotland W some of the subjects you could be covering if – almost none. The police and the council don’t want you moved to Glasgow. Widely regarded as independent crime reporters because they’re stepping on the centre of the Scottish media, the city has a longstanding their patch. Crime in Glasgow is far worse than people know. Spotlight on... Spotlight history of strong newspapers and great opportunities for I’m still writing about the same gangs 16-17 years on. If all the journalists. papers, broadcasters and BBC channels turned their attention One of the largest publishers is the Newsquest-owned to it, these gangs would be gone in six months.” Herald & Times Group, owner of The Herald (founded in Another Glasgow journalist specialising in crime stories 1783), the Sunday Herald and the Glasgow Times. It launched is Norman Silvester, who has worked on newspapers for The National, which supports Scottish independence, in 2014, 40 years. He carried out a recent investigation into the and its magazine division includes The Scottish Farmer and Glasgow brothers behind Scotland’s biggest crime gang, and TGO (The Great Outdoors). an exposé on human trafficking. He was named Journalist The city is home to the Daily Record, the Sunday Mail and of the Year and Reporter of the Year in the 2020 Scottish Scottish Business Insider (published by Reach). The Sunday Press Awards for his investigation into the death of remand Post (DC Thomson) has an office there, as does The Scotsman prisoner Allan Marshall. and Scotland on Sunday (JPI Media) – along with Scottish Silvester started on the Sunday Post in 1979 and left the editions of UK nationals including the Scottish Sun, the Sunday Mail after 25 years last March to ‘pursue’ freelance Scottish Daily Express, Daily Star of Scotland, Scottish Daily journalism. Mail and The Times Scotland. “Glasgow is quite a good city to do crime reporting,” Glasgow has also given rise to a number of independent he says. “Maybe it’s the Glasgow stereotype – like being a titles, including crime weekly The Digger, which sees itself as crime reporter in Chicago. A lot of the Glasgow operators ‘a thorn in the side of the establishment’. have a national and international connection, so The Digger sold 100 copies when it was launched in 2004 it’s interesting.” and is now the most popular crime magazine in Glasgow. He says there is a huge market for crime stories, alongside Publisher James Cruickshank says there are opportunities the fascination for fiction such as The Sopranos and Line of for journalists who want to break big stories, but they can Duty. “People love real-life crime even more,” he says. come at a price. At The Herald, health correspondent Helen McArdle Cruickshank had a petrol bomb thrown at his car says work has never been busier: “It’s a huge privilege to outside his home last October and said around 30 shops be in a role like this in the middle of a once in a generation had been targeted by suspected gangland figures and pandemic event. It’s been fascinating.” told to stop selling the magazine or remove it from display. McArdle started as a trainee reporter on the Sunday Herald

10 | theJournalist opportunities

PR agencies and others independent/hyperlocal who can multitask, are Finding work wanting images to media scene, which includes multiskilled and can think a accompany press releases. The Ferret, Source, Bella little bit differently.” Crime stories “Papers are looking for “There’s a lot of opportunity Caledonia, Glasgow West End Journalist Norman Silvester quality rather than quantity.” for creativity and lots of Today and the Clydesider. Ian Entry Level says there is a market for stories to be told,” she says. Marland, editor and publisher The Herald’s Helen McArdle real-life crime stories, Photography of Glasgow West End Today, says: “Opportunities at including about historical Photographer Elaine Independents says: “Opportunities still newspapers and broadcasters figures and unsolved murders: Livingstone has worked for Glasgow has a growing remain for journalists are there if you’re talented.”

What in 2008 and says the main change has been the focus on they say: writers from this city have fantastic stories to tell.” multimedia skills, clicks and page view targets. So what is Glasgow like as a place to live? “Driving traffic onto websites is a huge priority now,” Helen McArdle, As well as having an international airport and rail links to she says. “Understanding what works online is much health London, Edinburgh and the Highlands, the city is brimming more important.” correspondent, with culture – arts, music, theatre, galleries, a vibrant One of her biggest stories was the revelation that NHS The Herald restaurant scene and independent shops. Tayside had transferred £2.7m of charity money into its “The cost of living is “There’s an area of Glasgow to suit every taste,” says McArdle. general spending budget to fund a back-office computer pretty good (property is Finnieston has undergone major transformation over the past system after running out of money. The chief executive and a bit cheaper than in 10 years and Dennistoun in the East End was ranked the eighth chairman resigned and McArdle won an award at the British Edinburgh), so you can ‘coolest neighbourhood in the world’ in 2020 by Time Out. Journalism Awards 2018. get more bang for your The community spirit inspired photographer Elaine Glasgow is also home to the Peebles Media Group, which buck even on a Livingstone to do the Glasgow Lives In Lockdown project produces B2B and consumer titles including the Scottish journalist’s salary” for digital news site Glasgow Live. Livingstone, who grew up Grocer, Tie the Knot Scotland, Homes & Interiors Scotland in the city’s East End, used a laser to measure a two-metre and Project Plant, which covers demolition, cranes and site Elaine distance between herself and the sitters to highlight the dumpers. There is also The List and golf magazine Bunkered. Livingstone, impact restrictions have had on vulnerable people. In terms of broadcasting, BBC Scotland and Scottish ITV photographer Founder of hyperlocal Greater Govanhill Rhiannon Davies network STV are based at Pacific Quay, along with “Glasgow has everything grew up in Derbyshire and moved to the city in 2016 to do a BBC Radio Scotland; The Hub at Pacific Quay attracts a creative you need but is not master’s degree in media, communication and international community. Commercial radio stations include Clyde 1 and overwhelming. It’s journalism at the University of Glasgow. Clyde 2 (Bauer Media Group) and Real Radio Scotland. friendly, confident and “I saw a gap between the way that Govanhill was often Marelle Wilson, assistant producer at STV News at Six, grew deservedly proud, but covered in the media and the reality of living here,” she says. up in Glasgow and says it is a great place to work. “It’s a very down to earth and has a “Govanhill is one of the most ethnically diverse areas of welcoming city and a real melting pot – people who live here good sense of humour” Scotland, with at least 88 languages being spoken on these have a very strong Glaswegian identity.” streets. The first issue has articles written by people from Wilson has covered stories including the 2014 Rhiannon Davies, 12 different nationalities.” Commonwealth Games, the fire at the Glasgow School of Art, founder, Greater Despite the closures, cuts and redundancies, the feeling the Clutha helicopter crash and the Queen Street bin lorry crash. Govanhill among Glasgow’s journalists is largely one of optimism. “With the delayed COP26 climate conference coming to “There are opportunities McArdle says that demand for news has never been greater Glasgow in 2021, the eyes of the world will be on the city, so to try something and the prospect of indyref2 would be another huge driver. there will be plenty to cover,” she says. “The 2020 Booker different and for new “I’d definitely recommend Glasgow,” she says. “The world of Prize winner Shuggie Bain, about life in 1980s Glasgow, models of journalism Scottish journalism is quite a small one but, in my opinion, a written by Glasgow-born author Douglas Stuart, proves that to flourish” friendly one and one with a very good sense of humour.”

theJournalist | 11 environmental reporting Climate changers? The media could do more to help protect survey found that 58 per cent of 3,598 respondents believed the paper should actively campaign about climate change. the environment, says Alex Morss At The Sun, a full site search failed to find the terms ‘eco’, ‘environment’ or ‘planet’, but there was a section on ‘climate lthough attention is focused on the change and the environment’. I found two recent climate stories. coronavirus pandemic, we should not forget The Daily Mirror gave little prominence to the environment the other crisis we are fighting – climate and on my visit, and the Daily Express had gone 20 days without A ecological breakdown. any environment news in a ‘Nature’ section which, in the past, Is the media doing enough regarding its has been populated by pets, with no obvious sign of roles and responsibilities in leading and challenging power sustainability stories. via journalism, educating the public and influencing Express Newspapers is owned by Reach, which is Britain’s behaviour? And is it looking in the mirror at what it does? largest newspaper, magazine and digital publisher, whose To find out, I canvassed journalists, media organisations 150-plus titles and 80-plus websites are read by 45 million and academics for their opinions. I also carried out a random people in the UK each month. The company had launched a search of a wide range of UK national and regional newspaper #Do1Thing campaign in 2019 to engage readers and staff in and magazine publishers’ digital output to identify their saving the planet, but staff said this had gone somewhat limp internal and external efforts and policies on the environment amid Covid and redundancies. and also their investments. The BBC, ITV, Channel 4, UKTV, Sky and Netflix Both scientists and journalists are saying that, more than programmes follow Bafta’s wearealbert.org guidance on ever, they need the resources that have been stripped away auditing their sustainability in training and production. for years to create a diverse, well-funded media with sufficient I reviewed a sample of staff handbooks and found one book numbers of trained staff to address environmental issues. publisher’s 90-plus page guidance failed to mention any My search highlighted mixed results on media-stated goals environmental policy; this was also the case in a 20-page regarding environmental policies and corporate policy for a trade magazine and for a 50-page handbook for a environmental responsibility. Editorial output similarly financial publisher. A 40-page handbook for a religious varied in terms of its quality and quantity and the amount of publisher included one line committing the company ‘to be resources channeled into environmental coverage. good stewards of our environment’. There was nothing in a Many titles had no dedicated section for environmental 58% travel magazine staff handbook either. A 32-page code of reporting; some included it in science while others, including conduct for one big broadcaster stated only that ‘each of us the BBC, The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph and some titles in of Guardian must perform our jobs in a safe and environmentally the Mail group, had dedicated teams and sections, and set readers say the responsible manner’. Some companies were not prepared to detailed environmental goals. The FT had climate as a banner open their policies up to public scrutiny. section but not the environment. The Times’ web banner did paper should A Reach journalist commened: “There has not been any not give prominence to science or the environment. campaign about training on science and environment, no specialist editors. The Guardian’s 130 million readers were told how much The websites are all about hits. Having dedicated carbon they burned reading every digital article. A reader climate change environment reporters would be a good commitment.”

critical mass, we could Among them are little evidence on how Global news for the planet grow it, which is exactly Reuters, Bloomberg, people respond to news COVERING Climate Now Hertsgaard, an pressure on governments what’s happened over Agence France Presse, stories as citizens, voters (CCN) was founded in the environmental and corporations. the past 18 months.” The Guardian, the and consumers, he says, US in 2019. Its executive journalist, says it was “A critical mass of CCN has 460 partners, Daily Mirror, CBS News, However, he adds director Mark Hertsgaard feared that, without journalists knew our including news agencies, NBC News, PBS that people around said the driving force was changes within the profession was failing on broadcasters, national NewsHour, Vice, Al the world want more that what “we knew media, “there simply this story and they newspapers and Jazeera, Times climate coverage, of the climate crisis and wouldn’t be sufficient wanted to do better. magazines, with a of India, El Pais and especially local stories its solutions had to public awareness and “We thought if we combined audience of Asahi Shimbun, and on how problems improve, fast.’ therefore political could highlight this roughly 2 billion people. There seems to be can be tackled.

12 | theJournalist environmental reporting Climate changers?

Newsquest, which publishes more than 200 regional titles communication at the University of Gloucestershire, says: “I and whose websites are visited by 30 million people a month, study the bugs no one loves – spiders, flying ants, wasps – and gives full details of its environmental policy. every year it is the same merry-go-round of nonsense in the This variation in commitment seems to reflect wider popular media. Spiders are invading our homes, wasps are society. The Guardian reported on a 2019 study of almost There’s been ruining summer, even harmless jellyfish are forming hostile 3,000 publicly listed companies that found fewer than one in armadas. five (18 per cent) had disclosed plans that were in line with no training on “It is an uphill struggle against the surefire clickbait story of the targets in the Paris climate agreement. “ dangerous wildlife. When people are bombarded with simple However, some are leading the charge. Wolfgang Blau, a science and messages confirming their pre-existing biases, those aspects research fellow at the Reuters Institute for the Study of environment, of nature that aren’t cute and cuddly end up being Journalism at the University of Oxford, is working with demonised and despised. It may be actively harmful.” experts globally to create training programmes to support no specialist He adds that the media’s coverage of trophy hunting, led journalists to cover climate competently. by celebrities and campaigners, could prove harmful to the He said: “While covering climate change requires basic editors. The conservation of species and habitats over millions of acres. scientific knowledge, climate change is far more than a He argues that trophy hunting can preserve natural habitats. science story or a topic only for the politics or the business websites are all There may be some hope for the funding of environmental desk. The climate crisis is changing tourism, culture, about hits and climate change reporting. A House of Lords architecture, medicine, transportation, agriculture, food and communications and digital committee report, Breaking even sports. News? The Future of UK Journalism, has called for urgent “Today’s climate journalism has similarities with the action and a new digital markets unit to be set up to help technology journalism of the early 2000s, when a few digital fund the UK media and this is expected to be launched in experts in each newsroom tried to cover the transformative April 2021. With luck, any extra resources may find their way effects of the internet on all areas of society. The accelerating to environmental coverage. climate emergency requires a similar upskilling of newsrooms now.” There is evidence that knowledge gaps in the media are affecting conservation too. Endangered bats have been ” persecuted in some countries due to “reaction born out of misplaced fear” and misinformation because of the origin of Covid-19, says Lisa Worledge, head of conservation at the Bat Conservation Trust. Following several culls of the Mauritian fruit bat in 2019, research fellow Ewan Macdonald at the University of Oxford checked 700 claims in 90 news articles and found only five per cent relied solely on verifiable facts . He said that most contained false information. He is researching how the less cuddly species get a much harder time in the media: “Many people have a preference for large, charismatic and often rare species such as tigers, lions and elephants. However, it is equally important to protect the myriad small, obscure species that garner less attention but are fundamental to ecosystem functioning.” Adam Hart, author and professor of science

theJournalist | 13 bullying There’s no place for abuse at work

members saying that it has affected their mental and Bullying and harassment, whether overt or physical health.” subtle, damages health and careers. Ruth One member says her boss encouraged a ‘climate of fear’. “The boss would humiliate colleagues in meetings, badmouth Addicott finds out what can be done them in their absence – then be lovely to their face,” she says. “He pitted staff against each other. So there was no trust. He he photographers’ pit can be a brutal place at talked loudly and casually about firing staff, even naming and the best of times but, for one photojournalist shaming. I was constantly spoken over in meetings; projects I’d covering a demo in Westminster, things took worked on for weeks were taken away without explanation.” T a darker turn. She ended up working 19 hours a day and, when she Amid the chaos, a male photographer complained, was given an informal warning. standing behind her suddenly started pushing himself “My confidence was wrecked,” she says. “No one spoke up – against her more aggressively. so, when I did, I was made out to be ‘difficult’.” “I turned around and asked him to stop and he just HR suggested she quit and said the culture would not laughed,” she says. “The next moment he pushed his camera change, but she wanted the job. lens between my legs – it was so violent, I was terrified. I told “I was breaking down almost every day on my commute,” him to stop or I’d report him to security. He leaned into my she says. “I was feeling incredible sadness or nothing at all, and ear and said, ‘Welcome to the world of photojournalism’.” began to imagine ending my life. It’s hard for people who’ve It was not her first experience of harassment, but it did not been there to understand the mental damage that sort of make her question her safety. “There are way fewer female culture can inflict.” photographers than male in London and I think there’s a reason for that,” she says. Natasha Hirst, chair of the NUJ equality council, says bullying and harassment are more widespread than people Stand firm realise and often go unchallenged because people fear losing Tips on how to deal “Don’t doubt yourself,” says work. In an NUJ survey last year, 78 per cent of members with bullying one member. “I kept thinking agreed that “abuse and harassment have become normalised it was all in my head and and seen as part of the job” and 64 per cent had not reported Get another a record, cases are hard to maybe I was blowing it out of abuse to their employer. perspective stand up. Keep all emails. proportion. But bullying isn’t In 2018, the TUC revealed bullying was the second biggest Talk to a trusted colleague just physical abuse – it’s workplace issue after stress. Although women, black and or union rep as soon as Make a complaint emotional, manipulative, Asian employees and people with a disability are more at risk, possible. One of the biggest Talk to your rep about how undermining patterns it can affect anyone. mistakes people make is you should proceed. If the of behaviour. I doubt the While online attacks are a massive problem, bullying can ignoring it and thinking complaint is serious, use the people I worked for would occur in many forms, including constant criticism, having they are to blame. Talk formal process such as the ever see themselves as promotion blocked and responsibilities removed, being given to friends and family grievance procedure, or bullies – but the behaviours trivial tasks, setting a person up to fail by overloading them for support. bullying and harassment/ were textbook and they with work and setting impossible deadlines. dignity at work procedure. propped up that culture.” JOHN DEVOLLE An NUJ freelance survey in 2019 showed nearly 27 per cent Keep a record Be objective and try to of members had been subjected to bullying/harassment or ill Keep a detailed record of stay calm. “Time and again, Be realistic treatment. One member reported being sacked for being times, dates and witnesses I’ve been told by members A settlement may be pregnant. Demands for copyright, non-payment and rates as well as your feelings that they are astonished at preferable to a protracted being cut are common and people are being made to feel it is and response to situations. the change in attitude from legal battle. their own fault. If there is a phone call, their boss when there is a “I managed to secure a Pamela Morton, national organiser, freelance and Wales, summarise the conversation union rep in the room,” says partial victory but nothing says freelances are vulnerable because they are more isolated and, where possible, get Brighton branch secretary like what it should have and do not have employment protection. witness statements. Without Brian Williams. been,” says one member. “It can have a devastating impact,” says Pamela. “We’ve had

14 | theJournalist ALAN EVANS

bullying

After 18 months, she could stand no more and offered to Brian Williams, Brighton branch secretary, represents resign. She was immediately issued with a termination notice members where there is no chapel, often in books, magazines with no reason given. Fortunately, she had kept records and, or PR. He says the NUJ often has no idea bullying is taking after receiving support from the union, was offered a place until a member gets singled out for redundancy. “The substantial sum to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) Bullying can boss spends the first few months undermining the victim, – the only way she could secure a good reference. before deciding they are surplus to requirements and will “I don’t care about working for the big names or climbing be subtle and jump at a redundancy payment – even if it’s statutory.” the ladder any more, and I feel freer for it,” she says. “I have a “ While some journalists embark on a successful freelance job I enjoy, great management and a better life.” hard to prove. career, some lose so much confidence that they end up Paul Breeden, Bristol NUJ chair, says it is rare for an employer I’ve never had retiring or leaving the industry altogether. to accept that bullying has happened and members usually “It changes lives,” says the Bristol branch chair. “I can think end up achieving a settlement without admission of liability. a case where of people who will not work at the same level again.” “Often it can be subtle and hard to prove,” he says. “I’ve One member managed to resolve the situation herself after never had a case where it’s overt and people are really it’s overt – it’s being bombarded day and night with messages from her threatened – it’s more about insidious undermining, people employer. “I had panic attacks and became afraid to open my being belittled.” more about emails, I felt like everything was crushing me,” she says. One member says his boss presented as ‘very caring’. “He After attending an NUJ coaching and mentoring course, she tried to make out that he was my best friend and only cared insidious decided to get to know her boss better which helped her to about what he could do to support my mental health,” he says. undermining, manage her own reactions and diffuse tensions. “It was a constant, clear and sustained PR exercise to be So what more can be done to protect members? seen to be saying all the right things but, the moment there people being The NUJ has led a long-running campaign, encompassing was any attempt to explore what that could mean to support the Leveson inquiry testimony and the Rose review at the me, it was either refusal or mis-representation of the belittled BBC, and is working with the Federation of Entertainment employer’s corporate policy.” Unions and International Press Institute. He suffered insomnia and anxiety so severe that he could The Bristol branch chair calls for improved legislation and not eat. When he challenged his employer about his rights, higher penalties to deter employers and Pamela calls for his boss started “shouting and slamming tables” – always in fairer contracts and grievance procedures for freelances. private meetings where no one else was present. Some members feel that time restrictions (having to make “My boss was very skilful,” he says. “There were never any a claim within three months of employment ending or the conversations on email or in public where any of the stuff he problem occurring) pose a disadvantage and say Acas could was telling me that was clearly wrong could have been have a stronger role. One member calls for tougher actions referred to. The world is a sophisticated place now and ” on organisations that use NDAs and ‘wellness’ initiatives to bullying is sophisticated.” ‘plaster over bad culture’. His advice is to keep notes and contact the NUJ straight Ultimately, there seems to be a need for greater transparency away. “I have now left that team and that itself has been the and understanding of what bullying actually looks like. best healing process,” he says. “We need more people to back each other up and challenge His former boss, meanwhile, is still in place, inappropriate behaviour when they see it,” says Hirst. JOHN DEVOLLE

theJournalist | 15 In due course, the nightshirt definitely was printed in what a critic called ‘a jaundiced ochre’ and its wearer was promoted to become the star of Hogan’s Alley, as the series was named. Readers loved its comically violent escapades, its QUICK Dickensian depictions of urban slum life (in one cartoon, the Kid’s family get evicted from their home) and its inspirational slogans spelled out in large letters on the trademark nightwear. October 25 1896 was a great day for the Yellow Kid and for cartooning. Instead of being confined to a single, large frame, in “The Yellow Kid and his ON THE new phonograph”, he was given a sequence – a strip cartoon plus speech bubbles. Spoiler alert: the wise words emanating from the newfangled device turned out to come from a parrot inside it. So great was his popularity that a rival proprietor, William Randolph Hearst of the New York Journal (on whom Citizen Kane was based) DRAW made Outcault an offer, which he accepted, to bring the Yellow Kid over to his newspaper. Sketches of city urchins rapidly evolved into cartoons Pulitzer then bought the cartoonist back with more cash, whereupon Hearst made an even that publications fought over, says Jonathan Sale higher and finally successful bid. Pulitzer then moved to his plan B; he had lost the cartoonist but not the bitter battle in the he Yellow Kid, who featured in definitely blue. But hey – in those evocative gutter press over a guttersnipe. He still owned the first-ever newspaper strip, words uttered by Orson Welles in Citizen Kane: the copyright to Hogan’s Alley, so hired another was not at first yellow nor in a “Print the legend.” Which I have just done. In the artist to continue drawing the Yellow Kid for his T newspaper nor in a comic strip. same spirit, I can pass on another legend that New York World. (Do keep up!) For a while, there “The kid who started the comics” some say is only a myth: it was the Yellow Kid were two ochre urchins leaping around in the soon managed all that – in fact twice over – as he who inspired the use of the term ‘yellow two feuding papers. Outcault had the last chortle, appeared in two papers on opposite sides of the journalism’ as a shorthand way of referring to as he had retained the copyright to the actual same circulation war. the popular press. character – and hence the commercial rights. This downmarket forerunner of Charlie Brown was fathered by Richard F Outcault, a technical illustrator who, fascinated by the tough kids hanging about in New York’s slums, in The Falklands war 1895 began a series of humorous, detailed Cartooning makes a gave Bell some wonderful sketches for Truth magazine. Sometimes, these characters: talking included a small boy with his head shaved to sharp political point penguins, chatty sheep, discourage lice, ears at 90 degrees to his skull an albatross and Kipling and a ragged nightshirt. This child had initially a “I STILL treasure the The Journalist for which Thursday, then on the the dissident sailor. As walk-on – or loaf-on – part. rejection strip from he does The Owners. Monday I do strips for readers of The Journalist New York World proprietor Joseph Pulitzer (as the Beano, ” says “I start the week’s If the rest of the week.” will remember: “Murdoch in the prize) soon spotted the artist’s talents and cartoonist and NUJ strip not knowing where ‘If’ is in its 40th has been a constant signed him up. On February 17 1895, his paper member Steve Bell. the story is going to go,” satirical year. feature since my early reprinted from Truth a black-and-white single- As a kid, Steve was a he says. “The fax made a huge days – not in a good way.” panel sketch, after which Outcault’s lively work fan of the comic, but as a “I do the Monday difference. In the early A recent PG became a regular feature in the World. In May grown-up illustrator, his panel on the previous days, when I did six Wodehouse theme will the cartoon entitled “At the circus in Hogan’s offerings didn’t make it panels, I would bike run and run: “Somebody Alley”, with shabby children aping the antics of to those wacky pages. down to Brighton station sent me an email saying the big top, was glorified with colour printing. He had to console on Thursdays and send ‘Starmer reminds me of a According to legend, the lad owed his colour himself with Time them Red Star to The butler.’ I don’t want to and hence his name to the fact that Pulitzer’s Out, City Limits, the New Guardian in London. damage Starmer and he, new printing press had trouble with the yellow Statesman and now ‘If’ Then they would be ie Jeeves, comes off best. register and needed an image on which it could in The Guardian, where sent to the Manchester I can rip the shit out of experiment – such as the boy’s large nightshirt. he also does big political office, which handled ‘Wooster’!” That is, Boris The snag with this theory is that the garment in cartoons. Not to mention the feature pages. Johnson. Top hole, Steve! question was, in the first colour outing, STEVE BELL

16 | theJournalist Looking back to: 1895

Strange to relate, the Kid has been described The Yellow Kid(s) had lasted scarcely four years, as a casualty of a real as opposed to a press war a fraction of Buster Brown’s life, but was hailed – the Spanish-American war of 1898. First to be as ‘the first great newspaper comic character in spiked was Pulitzer’s version in his World, history’. He blazed a trail followed by Peanuts and like the delinquent boys above, at older readers. followed by his identical twin in Hearst’s Journal. a host of comic youngsters, many of them aimed, The first British newspaper strip, was Teddy Tail, In ‘R.F. Outcault’s the Yellow Kid’, Bill a child-friendly mouse that in 1915 scampered Blackbeard (great name for a chronicler of into the Daily Mail. In 1919, the Daily Mirror comics) states that the anti-Spanish responded with Pip, Squeak and Wilfred, a dog, feeling, which Hearst himself helped to a penguin and a rabbit and, in 1959, foster, included a hatred of yellow, one of The Perishers, with a dog and children. The the colours in the Spanish flag, and that Daily Express brought us Rupert, the famous went for the Yellow Kid too. bear, in 1920. Hearst found a non-yellow replacement ‘Quite unique and the most brilliant’ is how in the Journal in the shape of The the Flook strip was described during its time, Katzenjammer Kids, a sparkling new strip which was from 1949 to 1984. Lord Rothermere by a cartoonist who, like Outcault, walked of the Daily Mail wanted ‘a strip cartoon that out and took his strip elsewhere, leaving would amuse parents as well as children’, in someone else to carry on with the theme the words of my neighbour Wally Fawkes, alias at the original paper. The curse of the cartoonist Trog, who was told to deliver it. doppelgänger had struck again, with the EXPRESS NEWSPAPERS & DREAMWORKS DISTRIBUTION LTD Compton Mackenzie, Humphrey Lyttelton, same characters facing each other off in George Melly plus the Barrys Norman and Took, different strips in different papers. fed Wally with scripts and plots starring a little Outcault, who had kicked off all these boy named Rufus and Flook, a bear-like creature shenanigans both on and off the page, was with a small trunk. The pair wandered round now on the New York Herald, creating a 20th century society, sending up everyone from radical strip named Pore Li’l Mose, starring Harold Wilson (‘Mr Muckybrass’, the no-nonsense a seven-year-old black kid who lived alone prime minister) to the Royal Yacht Squadron with his monkey, bear and cat buddies. (who bought the original artwork for their The black theme did not work in 1902 New clubhouse). Particularly enjoyable for me was the York, so Outcault switched to a new strip sarky portrayal of my then boss, the brilliant, about a small, velvet-suited white boy bullying Jocelyn Stevens of Queen (later Harper’s named Buster Brown who, despite being & Queen). Despite its child-friendly drawings, upmarket, was up for violent mischief the themes became, Fawkes recalls, rather more which endeared him to generations. He tilted towards adults than youngsters. too had a doggy pal, as did a 1951 arrival, At one point, the new editor of the Mail had a Dennis the Menace. (Dennis-es, in fact: clear-out of lefties. David English told Fawkes there were two separate characters with that he wanted satire but it should be right- the same name, launched by chance on the wing satire. However, Trog kept trogging along same day, one in US papers and the other as before. Cartoonists, like the Yellow Kid, don’t here in the Beano.) necessarily do what they are told.

theJournalist | 17

Moved house or changed your email address?

Your Summer in Provence Make our 1830 stone country home your own as you explore the medieval village of Lorgues and nearby wineries, markets, cafes and shops. The house sleeps 8 comfortably and is set on private gated grounds with lush old-growth gardens, pool and pool house, BBQ, Wifi. Please let us know. You can update your membership See more at ProvenceRetreat.com or record on the website nuj.org.uk or contact us at [email protected] email [email protected]

Advertise in The Journalist To advertise contact: Nick Page Tax Consultants Financial advice for hacks from a hack We are an established firm based in the City, 01428Advertiseand 685319 qualified financial / 07789178802 adviser. Contactin Nigel Bolitho of BV Services, authorised specialising in handling the taxation and and regulatedEmail by the Financial accountancy affairs of freelance journalists. [email protected] ConductJournalist Services Authority. We have clients throughout the UK. Email: [email protected] We can help and advise on the new changes under Phone 01954 251521 Making Tax Digital including helping to set up the MTD compatible software and bookkeeping. Financial advice for hacks from a hack Our services include accounts preparation, and qualifiedTAX CONSULTANTS financial adviser. Contact tax reporting, business start-ups and advice on possible incorporation, payroll services, We areNigel an established Bolitho of firm BV Services, based in theauthorised City, specialising management accounts, bookkeeping and more. in handlingand theregulated taxation by and the accountancy Financial affairs of freelance journalists. Clients throughout the UK. Conduct Services Authority. For further details, contact us on For further details contact: 020 7606 9787 Email: [email protected] T 020 7606 9787 SOUTHWELLPhone 01954 TYRRELL 251521 & CO E [email protected]

TAX CONSULTANTS We are an established firm based in the City, specialising in handling the taxation and accountancy affairs of freelance journalists. Clients throughout the UK. For further details contact: 020 7606 9787 SOUTHWELL TYRRELL & CO on media

The terrible dilemma of Murdoch’s about turn

Shifting further right carries its own risks, says Raymond Snoddy

or some, Rupert behind both CNN and MSNBC. The new As Murdoch prepares to launch his Murdoch’s reputation ratings hierarchy is unlikely to change News UK TV this spring, could anything hadn’t much further any time soon. like Fox News or Sky News Australia F to fall after the phone In a sign of growing desperation in happen here? Probably not. We still hacking scandal and January, it pushed aside one of its more have, at least for now, a regulated system the ‘humblest day’ of his life. serious news programmes at 7pm and with requirements for impartiality. Now there still seems some way replaced it with Primetime, a show Sky News obeyed such rules during down to go as Murdoch comes under devoted to right-wing opinion or, as the years of Murdoch control and Fox attack in both the US and Australia. one commentator put it, “pumping out News, when it was broadcast in the UK, Although the other American a treadmill of lies and misinformation”. had little impact. networks helped, at least at the outset, Primetime has been thrashed in the News UK TV does, however, promise Rupert Murdoch and his Fox News did ratings night after night. that it will opinionated and to the right more than anyone else to create the Turmoil at Fox has continued with of centre in the hope of attracting phenomenon that was Donald J Trump. the axeing of the Lou Dobbs Tonight viewers put off by the BBC. In what was probably pure show, Fox Business Network’s highest- It is in a race to get to air before opportunism, Murdoch backed the rated programme. another right-of-centre TV channel – twice-impeached, worst president the Throughout January, Dobbs was GB News, chaired by Andrew Neil. US has ever had. Fox News supported supporting baseless conspiracy There is a danger they will try to Trump almost to the end, even getting theories about voting fraud while still out-Fox each other in a battle to attract rid of those responsible for the network admitting that no tangible evidence conservative viewers. calling Arizona for Biden – correctly had been found. Meanwhile, Murdoch may have but too soon for Fox viewers. In Australia, Murdoch’s Sky News become an increasingly controversial Murdoch made the cardinal error of Australia has broadcast increasingly figure but, so far at least, it is not ultimately backing a loser when his right-wing conspiracy theories on proving bad for business. modus operandi has always been based everything from Trump and the Despite the pandemic, in the quarter on picking political winners in the pandemic to the cause of Australia’s to the end of December, net income at hope of gaining favours in return. devastating forest fires. Murdoch’s News Corporation rose to So it was that when it has become When James Murdoch left $261 million from $103 million. clear to all but the conspiracy theorists News Corporation last year, citing In newspaper terms, in pushing that Trump had lost the election, the “disagreements over certain editorial towards digital subscriptions, Murdoch Murdoch empire did a rapid, if ragged, content”, it is believed the main has backed the right horse and, at about turn. issue was the ‘climate change Murdoch backed papers such as The Wall Street Journal This has now created a terrible if denial’ informing Sky News a loser when his and The Times, the growth in digital amusing dilemma. Suddenly Fox News Australia’s coverage. subscriptions has outpaced declines in isn’t right wing enough for its loyal More than 500,000 Australians have modus operandi has advertising revenue. viewers, who have been deserting the signed a petition calling for a royal always been based In terms of reputation, however, channel in droves. commission into the Murdoch media “ Murdoch has taken a nosedive. The millions who still think, without monopoly – a record. Its organiser, on picking political From backing Trump to at least any evidence, that Joe Biden ‘stole’ the former Australian prime minister acquiescing in the views of those who election have now pushed off to more Kevin Rudd, described the monopoly winners in the hope would deny the impact of climate extreme ‘news’ outlets such as as “a cancer on democracy”. of gaining favours change in Australia and elsewhere, Newsmax TV and OAN. There seems to be no political Rupert Murdoch has placed himself on After decades of being the most appetite for such a commission, which the wrong side of history. popular American news channel, Fox is unlikely to happen despite the huge Increasingly, that could turn toxic in has now slumped into third place public support. personal and, ultimately, business terms. ” theJournalist | 19

Mark Steel by Tim Lezard Another Arts favourite is planning to hit the road with an optimistic show entitled Every Little Thing’s Gonna Be Alright. Let’s hope he’s correct. https://marksteelinfo.com Books > The War Against the BBC by Patrick Barnwise and Peter York The BBC is in peril as never before, facing increasing competition, attacks artsTheatre and Music > Film > from political opponents and deep If 2020 was a bad year for the arts, Minamata funding cuts. This book is a powerful 2021 looks like it’s determined to Johnny Depp ‘(bottom left) stars as wake-up call that if the BBC is make up for lost time. war photographer Eugene Smith, who destroyed it will be almost impossible All listings are dependent on Covid, travels back to Japan where he to rebuild. of course, but London’s West End is documents the devastating effect of https://tinyurl.com/y2h79yhf hoping to return to normal (see mercury poisoning in coastal https://www.london-theatreland.co. communities. Rebel Women Between The Wars uk) and music wants to return us to On release from February. by Sarah Lonsdale profit and protest in the migration the last century with UK tours planned https://tinyurl.com/yxgrf7r8 This tome traces the struggles, industry, challenging readers to move by Lionel Richie, Bryan Adams, passions and achievements of beyond the questions of legal, moral Crowded House, the Beach Boys, Suzi Comedy > fearlessly determined women, and humanitarian obligations that Quatro, New Order, Paul Weller, Siobhan Phillips – Live including journalists Sheila Grant Duff, dominate national debate. Erasure, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and Unhinged Una Marson, Alison Settle and https://tinyurl.com/y6ldqwq8 Van Morrison, Guns N’ Roses, Queen Described as ‘the love child of Peter Edith Shackleton. and Chris De Burgh. Kay and Victoria Wood’, Siobhan https://tinyurl.com/wqzphdr Imagining Orwell in Three Phillips performs songs covering Continents by Julio Etchart subjects from becoming a first-time Scoop – a Life In Fleet Street by This beautiful photographic mum at 40, tantrum-throwing Terry Pattinson travelogue explores NUJ member toddlers and the frustrations of Former Daily Mirror industrial editor George Orwell’s journey of discovery mother-daughter relationships. Terry Pattinson reflects on his career, from his time as an imperial www.siobhanphillips.co.uk/gigs telling the inside story of many big policeman in Burma to his fight news events and celebrity encounters. against fascism. Excerpts of his Mark Thomas – 50 Things There’s even a chapter on fake news. writings and journals accompany the About Us He is selling signed copies for £15 to stunning images. Arts favourite Mark Thomas is hoping raise money for food banks and https://tinyurl.com/yyanahmh to be back with a new show, 50 Things homeless charity Slough Homeless About Us, combining his trademark Our Concern. Email him at The Free Speech Wars edited by mix of storytelling, stand-up and [email protected] or buy Charlotte Lydia Riley mischief to examine how we have an unsigned copy from Amazon. Who gets to exercise free speech? come to inhabit the divided wasteland https://tinyurl.com/yyxwj529 Focusing on universities and the that is the UK. He also has a book internet, this provocative book along the same lines. Asylum For Sale edited by Siobhan encourages readers to be suspicious Dates and venues will be confirmed McGurk and Adrienne Pine of the way the topic is framed in as soon as possible. Journalists are among the the media. https://markthomasinfo.co.uk contributors to this exploration of https://tinyurl.com/y5m7aoos

, Spotlight > However, no one has been The Dissident boasts a found guilty of his murder, wealth of footage that has prompting claims of an never been seen before Film aims for justice for Khashoggi international cover-up at the and gives unprecedented You’ve read the book – He entered the Saudi columns to criticise the highest levels of power. access to those closest to Jonathan Rugman’s The Embassy in Istanbul to Saudi royal family. the story. Killing in the Consulate – collect some paperwork in His death was described It is intended to help bring now see the film – Bryan October 2018 and was never by the Office of the United justice for Khashoggi while Fogel’s The Dissident. seen again. Nations High Commissioner supporting those seeking to This documentary thriller Khashoggi was a dissident for Human Rights as a share truth through tells the untold story of the journalist who frequently ‘premeditated extrajudicial journalism. murder of Jamal Khashoggi. used his Washington Post execution’. www.thedissident.com

20 | theJournalist technology TechDownload Nicholas Fearn on technology for journalists

byte size... FAST WI-FI THAT PRO AND MINI IPHONES GOES WHERE YOU DO If you work remotely or travel f you’re looking for a smartphone, frequently for work, D-Link’s Apple’s latest iPhones are worthy of DWR-933 4G LTE mobile router I your attention. The American tech will provide you with high- giant’s newest four phones are the speed wi-fi wherever you are. iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max. a 6.1-inch display. Both devices come in white, black, The router can provide speeds The biggest change of the iPhone 12 line-up is that blue, green and red. of 300mbps for up to 10 devices Apple has returned to the box design from earlier Meanwhile, the iPhone 12 Pro range has a triple- and there’s a SIM card tray handsets such the iPhone 4 and iPhone 5. All four camera system and a stainless steel finish. The so you can use any wireless smartphones sport 5G, A14 Bionic processors, face ID, standard iPhone 12 Pro has a 6.1-inch screen, while, provider. With a 3000mAh MagSafe technology for magnetic accessories and the Max boasts a 6.7-inch display. The Pro models are battery, it will provide a OLED displays with Super Retina XDR. available in silver, graphite, gold and Pacific blue. connection throughout the day. Apple has kitted out the 12 and 12 Mini with dual- The cheapest iPhone is the 12 Mini at £699, and the www.dlink.com/uk camera systems, but their screen sizes are different; 12 Pro retails at £999. the 12 Mini has a 5.4-inch screen and the 12 has www.apple.com/uk/iphone/ TEXT CHECKER IN A BROWSER Grammarly uses AI technology Portable power pack battery. Its makers say the LED lights show when your to highlight spelling, > device can deliver seven device is charged and how grammatical and punctuation he one thing tech through a busy day, and that’s whole charges, so you won’t much power is left in the errors. If you install Grammarly companies haven’t why getting a portable need to worry about your powerbank. The battery will on a web browser, it can check T cracked yet is charger is a good idea. phone dying. take 11.5 hours to recharge, so everything from emails to online battery life. We all know how The Juice Powerbank 7 It sports two USB A ports you can charge it overnight. documents. The free version will frustrating it is when our is a great option, boasting and a USB C port, allowing £34.99, www.juice.co.uk/ check spelling, grammar and smart devices don’t make it a humongous 20,000mAh you to charge three devices. shop/power/portable/ punctuation and the premium and business plans provide more advanced features. www.grammarly.com CHARGE ON A CLEAR DESK SPEED UP VIDEO MINI PRODUCTION MOVING f you’re an Apple fan, you probably own an iPhone, Apple Just like proofreading, editing STUDIO Watch and AirPods. When it comes to charging all of these videos can take time and effort. Roving camera rig I devices, they can quickly clutter Kamua is using AI to speed up Like many journalists, you may your desk. the process. The browser-based take a lot of photos and videos to With Charge Tree from tech accessories platform can automatically edit illustrate your stories. If so, you might find manufacturer STM, you can keep them videos so they are in a suitable the GorillaPod Rig from Joby useful. It all organised. format for social media, identify provides a mount for mics, lights and any This three-in-one wireless people and objects, as well as other accessories you would use with a DSLR. charging stand will charge your iPhone, add subtitles in more than 60 TheGorillaPod Rig, which has a ball and Apple Watch and Airpods at the same languages. According to the socket design, will support a single camera time. London-based tech firm, the and two accessories. Joby describes it as Your iPhone sits at the front, while app is intended to help media ‘flexible, portable and easy to use’, your Watch is placed at the top and professionals ‘dramatically so you’ll be able to take it everywhere your AirPods at the bottom. you go. Currently, the Rig reduce video and social media retails at £188.95. The device can also production times’. Both free and be used as a stand for streaming https://joby.com/uk-en/ paid-for versions are available. movies and video calling. www.kamua.com £69.95 Available through many retailers

theJournalist | 21 inbox

Email to: [email protected] ç Post to: Please keep The Journalist YourSay... 72 Acton Street, comments to London WC1X 9NB 350 words Tweet to: inviting letters, comments, tweets maximum @mschrisbuckley

H H H H H H£40 H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H the membership every time a new issue prize of the online Journalist is published. letter To increase the confusion, there are Print is our strongest link two regular emails – NUJ Branch having joined NUJ Informed –

DENIS CARRIER As honorary general treasurer during one of the NUJ’s previous bouts of containing much that would often have financial difficulty, I know from experience that any attempt to save money appeared in The Journalist. Are these generates opposition. Savings are sometimes essential, but even so the being developed as replacements? possibility of abandoning the print version of The Journalist worries me. Certainly, they are both sent out The fact that The Journalist has always arrived by post in members’ regularly – no need to check the homes is, I believe, as important as the content of the magazine. No one website for them. has ever had to remember to go to the NUJ website looking for it, or rely on It is almost as if the upper reaches of noticing a digital version alongside the flow of online marketing material the union wish to get rid of which, at busy times, is often just glanced at or ignored. A printed copy of The Journalist, so that a small number The Journalist sent to your home is the closest the NUJ can get to the of people could control exactly what personal touch. It is a link between the union and each member. information leaves the building. The union is not just an insurance company where customers pay their I recall being a delegate at an ADM premiums and then, unless they run into trouble and need to make a – Whitley Bay, I think – where a claim, may not even remember the name of the insurer. Part of the NUJ’s passionate debate ended with a strength relies on everyone, including those who never become activists, motion endorsing the direct election of regarding their membership and the work of the union as a bit more the editor of the Journalist to ensure an significant than that. independent channel of information for The cost of printing and distributing individually addressed copies of members and a forum for their views. The Journalist is an investment in reinforcing every member’s own I assume that the excuse for ending connection with the NUJ. For the money, the union gets a print magazine print publication is cost at a time when which, because it does not have to compete with the ceaseless pressure the NUJ is saving enormous amounts for people’s time from other online material, stands a chance of being of money because people don’t have to more thoroughly read. travel to attend meetings. In lockdown, My greatest worry is that the disappearance of the printed magazine where chapel members as well as would leave those members who are already least involved with the freelances are often working in union feeling even more distanced from it. isolation, The Journalist is an important Alan Pike connection with the union. Life member and former national executive council member Perhaps the union’s laudable efforts to help save threatened publications H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H could start with its own. Tom Lynch NUJ should show it still spend several tea breaks and lunches … an ulterior motive is Edinburgh Freelance Branch has faith in print media… reading the printed magazine. That suspected… I was disappointed to read that doesn’t bode well for advertisers, who I I am in some difficulty to work out the … a unique snapshot in the The Journalist is to remain a digital- note you need more of. status of The Journalist. The last history of words is lost… only publication for the time being It’s understandable the union must delegate meeting ruled that it should I look forward to the return of (news, December). make savings in the current climate. appear in print six times a year. It The Journalist in print soon. When Julia First, the publication was reduced But perhaps the NUJ could take a lead seems that this has already been Bell writes in her book Radical Attention from monthly to bi-monthly frequency, from another association I belong to. It discontinued – if members were about being “zombified by the and now you have removed what for asks members to opt in for print; informed, I certainly didn’t get machine” and the trap of many members will be their only otherwise, they get digital. That saves the email. “doomscrolling” she is alerting us to tangible communication with the NUJ. some costs and keeps everyone happy. To access The Journalist, we now have the need for choices in how we engage As it happens, I earn the bulk of my Reinstating the printed edition would to go to the NUJ website and see with the world. income writing for a website. Yet I also be a vote of confidence for members whether a new edition is displayed Print still offers a snapshot of events simply don’t find reading from a screen still making their living from print. If the down at the bottom of the home page. and, as Sven Birkerts suggests in the a relaxing experience, particularly union can’t demonstrate its faith in such I wonder how many NUJ members online Atlantic Monthly Unbound: when I’m stuck in front of one all day a medium, who can? regularly search the union’s website – a “A word on the page at some level writing. I skim quickly through the PDF Owen Ralph union that was interested in advertising partakes of – participates in – the of The Journalist, whereas I used to Manchester its services to members would email whole history of words on pages, plays

22 | theJournalist inbox

in that arena. Reading it, we accept another step on the cold road to certain implicit notions… The word on print extinction. the screen is not opaque, does not Peter Deeley dead-end; it is emergent, manifests Life member itself physically from a somewhere inaccessible to the reader.” Séamus Dooley, assistant general There is an unmatched pleasure in secretary, writes: opening an envelope, extracting the The reluctant decision to suspend the magazine, and engaging with the printing of The Journalist was a editor’s choice of what, at a particular response to the Covid-19 pandemic, moment, was worth its place in the which could not have been anticipated pages, unfiltered by the hubbub of by the delegate meeting. The decision below-the-line comments or to suspend printing for the current ill-mannered tweets. financial year is subject to review in the This is not some Luddite opposition to event of an improved financial situation. online communication from the NUJ, Faced with a crisis of unprecedented but a plea for continued variety in complexity, it was necessary to take conversation that includes print, online, immediate steps to ensure the financial acknowledge how hard they have been great fun – especially the evenings in podcasts, vlogging and whatever next viability of the union and the working for members under very the bar! emerges to catch our attention. maintenance of our services to difficult circumstances in this past year. I was seconded by my local branch, Paul Nettleton members. We are glad that we have We would be grateful if you could Derby and Burton, where I was equality Burgh-by-Sands, Cumbria been able to do so. pass on our thanks and very best officer. I went on to hold other posts in NUJ staff agreed to reduced working, wishes. We hope we have the chance the branch and be mother of chapel at … and it’s a step on the with a consequent reduction in pay, on to meet you all again in person soon. the Derby Evening Telegraph, where I road to print extinction the same basis. Sara Lewis trained and then went on to become a Since my retirement, the one link I The Journalist remains one of a Chair, Brussels Branch crime reporter. have retained with the world of us number of valued means by which we I later worked on newspapers in journalists (as opposed to The Press) communicate with members. Were you at NUJ equality Chester, Liverpool and North Wales, as was the regular arrival of event in 1980? well as in PR across the region, plus The Journalist. Thanks to hardworking Does anybody recognise herself in this running my own online news site. Imagine my dismay when it suddenly staff for salary sacrifice photo, taken in 1980, possibly October I’m now retired and an NUJ life stopped midway through last year. I NUJ Brussels branch has learned that or November, at an NUJ equality member. I hope that our efforts wondered if life members had suddenly the staff group at Headland House last course in Manchester? 40 years ago in highlighting and been struck from the list. Then I year agreed to a reduction of their I believe those attending were each challenging discrimination helped discovered belatedly (in December) working week to four days. sent a copy – I am third from right on others to progress in the newsroom, that it had ceased in print form. Members at the last branch meeting the back row. although I fear it’s still not a profession I’m sure it was for hard-headed wished to record their gratitude to the It was interesting and eye-opening that’s equal for all. reasons that the decision was made staff for the sacrifice they are making about other people’s experience of Sarah Batley to turn to digital only. Sadly, it is just on behalf of the union and to discrimination in the newsroom, and North Wales Coastal Branch

STEVE BELL THE OWNERS

theJournalist | 23 obituaries

BOBBIE HARVEY

Mickey McPhillips David Lorimer Guy Thornton

Mickey McPhillips, who tragically took his own One of the real characters of Teesside journalism, Veteran NUJ activist Guy Thornton, who helped life at the end of November in his 55th year, proud Yorkshireman and former Evening organise the union in Europe, died suddenly on possessed multiple skills. Gazette chief reporter and news editor David January 20. Before entering journalism, he worked as a Lorimer has died after a long battle with chronic In 1994, I’d not been in Holland long before this carpenter. In that work he had been a perfectionist, obstructive pulmonary disease. garrulous Yorkshireman phoned out of the blue. making kitchens, grandfather clocks and pieces Born in 1945 and educated at Leeds Grammar He was trying to reach Dutch NUJers. His of furniture that are still used in his home area School, Lorimer – as he was known – formed a enthusiasm and energy were irresistible and, dare around Newtownbutler in Co Fermanagh. long association with the Green Howards, now I say, overbearing. Within months, he, I and As a photographer, he has left a huge archive part of the Yorkshire Regiment. He reported from Belinda Stratton had met and, with the help of Bob of photographs and videos. Most of these are of their tours of duty, including during the Troubles Norris, then the assistant general secretary, NUJ his home area, but he also left pictures of New in Northern Ireland and received a North East Netherlands was born. Then, the NUJ’s continental York. These included images of the firefighters Press Award for his coverage from Kosovo. He European council (CEC) was set up. Neither would who took part in the rescue efforts on 9/11. continued his links with the Green Howards after have happened, I believe, without Guy. Another of his abilities was research. He traced leaving the Gazette in 2001, visiting the battalion Born in Thornton-Le-Dale in North Yorkshire, the roots of Scott Fitzgerald in the Newtownbutler in Afghanistan in 2004 and Bosnia in 2006. Guy attended the University of Leeds, writing for area. The writer’s maternal grandfather, Philip General Lord Nick Houghton of Richmond the student paper alongside Paul Dacre, later McQuillan, had emigrated to America from there said: “All Green Howards will be saddened by the Daily Mail editor. He moved to Denmark before in the early 1840s. Mickey found a record of news of David Lorimer’s death. He was, for settling in Amsterdam to a life of freelance Fitzgerald’s great-grandfather and located family 50 years, a loyal and intimate supporter and writing about the Netherlands, politics and beer graves and the ruins of the family home. reporter of our regimental fortunes.” among other issues for outlets such as the New A few years ago, he showed Fitzgerald’s There have been many tributes from old Statesman, The Guardian and the BBC. He was a grand-daughter and grandson around the area. colleagues. Ex-Gazette chief photographer and keen member of the British Guild of Beer Writers Grand-daughter Eleanor Lanahan said: “Mickey former father of the chapel Dave Jamieson said: and the Dutch Foreign Press Association. A major was extremely generous with his time and he “He was a first-class reporter and a great NUJ press event in the Netherlands was not quite made our ancestors come alive.” stalwart who was always there when we had our complete until he arrived. He was steeped in the history of his home area, Gazette strikes.” Guy, the first Netherlands branch chair, would being the driving force behind Newtownbutler Martin Gould, another former Gazette father call me almost every week for 27 years with a History Society. On most days, he walked around of chapel (now working for the Daily Mail in New question about the NUJ or his beloved Leeds Galloon Island in Upper Lough Erne. Among its York), recalled on Facebook how Lorimer had United. He never missed a branch meeting, even attractions for him were the ruins of a monastery. sought him out after 30 years as he knew his chairing meetings from a rehabilitation centre He was committed to helping his community, time was nearly up and wanted to make contact after he was knocked off his bike by a tram and once saying: “The village of Newtownbutler before ‘stumps were drawn’. seriously injured. Nor did he ever miss a delegate means everything to me.” He was described as ‘a cracking journalist’ by meeting. The NUJ was, in many ways, his life. Personally, he held a deep Christian faith and another former Gazette colleague, Paul Frost, who When I thought it time to challenge him for happily accepted being ribbed about it. An said: “The inky trade has lost a great character and the post of chair, I was worried how he’d take it. outgoing individual, he had a gift for friendship. a wonderful raconteur.” He asked me if it would be better if he The lockdown had cut him off from people. He One of his proudest moments was being disappeared into the sunset. I insisted he had a lived with his elderly mother. Never physically presented with honorary membership of the lot more to offer. I’m glad he chose not to sulk. robust, he developed symptoms similar to those Green Howards and receiving a statuette from We had eight more years of Guy and his of Covid, and feared infecting her. Tragically, the the Green Howards Association during a knowledge and experience have been invaluable. pressures overwhelmed him. On the day after his regimental reunion in Middlesbrough in 2015. It seems strange he will no longer regale me death, his test result came back clear of Covid. David died peacefully at home in Redcar on for the umpteenth time about attending the Mickey is survived by his mother Peggy, sister December 2 and is survived by his wife Helen, 1966 World Cup Final. There were times, of Cora and brothers Richard, Eamonn, Jimmy children Victoria, James and Nicky, and course, when he drove me screaming round the and Tony. grandson Atlas. bend, but I loved him dearly and will miss him.

Anton McCabe Nic Mitchell Tony Sheldon

24 | theJournalist and finally...

It’s not all gloom and doom… is it?

Chris Proctor searches for a bit of optimism in the daily news

ometimes I look at the tube drivers and midwives. Local Anyway, the virus might mutate so the papers and think we volunteer corps have sprung up, vaccine wouldn’t work. It can only could do away with offering to pick up groceries and get worse. S the media and hand prescriptions and take dogs for walks. How are you feeling now, reader? out free depressants to And there was that marvellous story Even when editors get bad news the populace instead. We’d have the of a nurse at Birmingham’s Queen they’re not happy. There’s always room same results and save trees at the Elizabeth Hospital who bought a for more torment, like that story about same time. caravan so she could live in the teenagers who ‘trashed’ All Saints My partner Amanda scans the driveway of her 84-year-old mother’s Church in East Horndon, Essex, as they headlines each morning and hides house so she could stay close and avoid revelled in an illegal rave. Top story: the paper from me. She is pandering infecting her. Nine months she was plague, youth, rebellion and heresy. to the needs of an instinctive there until her mum got the vaccine. What the story didn’t mention was misery-avoider. The news is no place It’s a beautiful story that, that no religious service had been held for me these days. It starts bad and unfortunately, doesn’t cut the mustard in All Saints Church since 1970. It’s gets diabolic. when we’re faced with a devastating been used as a community centre for Don’t get me wrong. I am aware that new strain of coronavirus that is the past 50 years. And the devastating a global pandemic that devastates (potentially) warming up in Mongolia. damage came to a grand. family, social and economic relations is An endless diet of misery really On the positive side, it was good not a joyful phenomenon. But an doesn’t help in a country already beset news for church commissioners. endless chronicle of gloom only adds by plague. We’re all low, missing one Within a few days of the incident, to the all-pervading national despond. thing or another, and then we’re spoon people reacting to’ the ‘destroyed There are positive and encouraging fed dire warnings to sit alongside our church’ story had donated 10 times the stories out there but, in general, daily sad facts. cost of the repairs. they are deemed dull. They are Weakened, we’re drip-fed failures, So we start with the bad news of an not newsworthy. shortages and gatherings of the irresponsible gathering and then add Why is this? Do editors think all their unmasked. If you’re not on your way on more misery and devastation of readers are morose, pessimistic, bleak towards depression by now, you’re not our own making. As if things weren’t self-flagellants who enjoy nothing a well person. Every now and bad enough. more than a wallow in melancholy? Or We become more helpless as we see I’m not saying we should hide the do they have a point? and read stories of pending disasters then someone starts facts about the virus or censor bad Every now and then, someone starts we can do nothing about. When the a mag devoted to news to stiffen the nation’s upper lip. a mag that will be devoted to good government says intensive care beds Far from it. But constant dejection is news. Not fake good news like ‘City might run out in a fortnight, it doesn’t good news. It is a bad for us. centre explosion: good news for make people say: “Oh well, I’ll put off “ And it’s not the whole picture. It isn’t glaziers’. Real stories of everyday having the virus for a couple of marvellously balanced. For every illegal gathering heroism and altruism, human bonds months.” It’s not like it’s a decision. bright idea that there are a tens of thousands of decent, and generosity. It is a marvellously Then, we, the media, add to the caring brave people offering kinship, positive and bright idea that seldom problem. We get news that a vaccine seldom makes a friendliness and fraternity. People who makes a second edition. has been developed. second edition can inspire us. Even in these bleak times, there are Immediately, we seek out experts It would be good for us all if we gave tales of enormous courage shown by who doubt it will work, despair at them more coverage. The only underpaid shop workers, hospital how long it will take to produce and alternative I can see is handing out volunteers, organisers of food banks, bewail a potential needle shortage. free Prozac. ” theJournalist | 25 WORKING FOR POVERTY Can you trust WAGES your sources? Think tanks can be valuable sources of analysis and research. But some are more open about who funds them than others. We shine a light on the most and the least transparent.

Who Funds You? promotes funding transparency among UK think tanks and Help us fight for workers’ rights political campaigns. We ask War on Want tackles the root causes of poverty and fights organisations to publish for equality, justice and human rights across the world. their annual income and We need your support today. declare their major funders.

Please donate now: waronwant.org/tea 020 7324 5046 WhoFundsYou.org

D390C Registered charity no. 208724

true cost of tea ad large.indd 1 4/12/2011 10:53:35 AM

wfy-nuj-quarter.indd 1 12/02/2015 14:10 NUJ General Secretary Election 2021

The National Union of Journalists is The application form, including details of the terms inviting applications for the post of and conditions of employment, will be available from 23rd February 2021 and may be obtained from NUJ General Secretary. [email protected]. The post is subject to election by ballot of the The closing date for receipt of completed applications NUJ membership every five years. It is a full-time is noon, Monday 3rd May 2021. post based at the Union’s London Head Office working exclusively for the Union. The Union is You are advised to check that your membership details currently operating a 4-day week working pattern are up to date in order to avoid delays in receiving until the end of September 2021, when it will return a ballot paper. You can do this at the NUJ website to 5 days. www.nuj.org.uk or by contacting the membership department at [email protected].

Application Forms available from: [email protected]

Closing Date: Monday 3rd May 2021

26 | theJournalist