Twitter and breaking news – a match made in heaven, or hell?

A post by Herman Manson on Memeburn.com looks at the difficulties of juggling the need for immediacy online with well researched and accurate journalism.

People in the news business love breaking news. This is why we are arming more and more journalists with the equipment to live tweet and blog major news events. And it is entirely true that newspapers and news sites lag Twitter in breaking news. That is because it takes time to write anything longer than 140 characters, to get it fact-checked, and then, to publish/broadcast it to a wider world.

He focuses on the issue of what to do when an incorrect tweet gets blurted out into the cyberworld, and the danger of the ‘retweet’.

With Twitter able to deliver news quickly and to a potentially huge audience due to its viral nature, already-pressured newsrooms are under increasing pressure to get content out, and to get it out fast.

But few are asking what this is doing to journalistic ethics. For example, can media organisations and journalists delete inaccurate tweets that were posted without revealing they did so?

With journalists under pressure to be first online, Manson says he also worries quality journalism could be at risk, as reporters try to cut “thought-provoking voices into 140 character sound bytes, typed on the go”.

Read the full post here…

Similar posts:

• Twitter transgression almost claims another job in journalism
• Mumbai and Twitter: how the BBC dealt with Tweets and accuracy
• What can the new multimedia Twitter offer journalists?
• #VOJ10 – Twitter is just another outlet, says BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg
• Sky News launches breaking news Twitter channel

#followjourn: @alexblyth – freelance

#followjourn: Alex Blyth

Who? Freelance journalist, writer and training consultant.

Where? Alex has written for the Independent, Director, People Management, Media Week and others, and has published two books entitled How to grow your business for entrepreneurs and 365 Ways to Cut Costs. He has his own site at alexblyth.co.uk.

Contact? @alexblyth

Just as we like to supply you with fresh and innovative tips every day, we’re recommending journalists to follow online too. They might be from any sector of the industry: please send suggestions (you can nominate yourself) to judith or laura at journalism.co.uk; or to @journalismnews.

Similar posts:

• #FollowJourn: @seanhargrave/freelance journalist
• #followjourn: @lakey/editor-in-chief
• #followjourn: @TheRealJoeCox/news editor
• #followjourn: @chriscondron/head of digital strategy
• #FollowJourn: @alexwoodcreates/multimedia reporter

Debate over unpaid internships reignited by recent adverts

The debate over unpaid work experience and internships in journalism – how long you do them for, if you do them and whether they should be paid – isn’t a new one.

Industry groups and watchdogs want to see a more regulated work experience system within the industry, and more standardised pay and arrangements for working hours and expenses.

We share editors and employers ads for placements via Journalism.co.uk’s own forum and getting experience in the workplace can be a great opportunity and contact-building exercise for would-be journalists.

But the question of how much unpaid experience is too much and whether the industry is over-reliant on a stream of hungry graduates at a time of strapped resources has raised it’s head again this week with journalists and bloggers picking up on some ads for long-term, unpaid internships.

There’s a six-week placement with freelance journalist Tiffany Wright and a six-month internship with website www.hot-dinners.com. Both promise, and I’m sure for the right candidate would bring, hands-on experience and responsibility and a way to break into their respective sectors.

Of course, there a many other similar adverts and not all are as clear about whether or not successful candidates will get paid. The idea of unpaid internships with freelancers has sparked some interesting comments from freelancers Patrick Smith:

[I]f I was hiring for a trainee I’d want someone with the know-how and guts to set up their own freelance career/site/business rather than someone was that content to help someone else’s.

I could understand spending a few weeks with a leading, high-profile figure – a genuine world leader in their field perhaps – to learn some of the ropes and get some top advice but, with all due respect to Wright and her successful career, that doesn’t appear to be the case here.

And Sally Whittle:

[D]o I think a freelancer offering the opportunity to help her out for six weeks is any more evil or exploitative than the publishing company that advertised on Gorkana last week for an unpaid intern for a MINIMUM commitment of six months?

As a journalism student, I worked at Literary Review magazine for four weeks for free. I got some experience and a few contacts, but I think working with a jobbing freelancer and arranging interviews and setting up calls might actually have taught me more than I learned sitting in an office doing typing for Auberon Waugh.

The debate isn’t going to go away any time soon – for those seeking more advice on paid vs unpaid placements, the Guardian’s careers section is running a Q&A from 1-4pm today on just that topic.

Similar posts:

• The unpaid internships debate: a clarification on our stance
• Wannabe Hacks go in search of 50 best journalism placements
• Internships are a mix of exploitation and privilege, says Ross Perlin
• Tips for freelance journalists on National Freelancers’ Day
• Journalism: an aspiration solely for the elite?

Democracy site MySociety to receive $575,000 from US investment firm

Democracy website MySociety has announced it will receive a $575,000 donation from US-based Omidyar Network, an investment firm who aim to support organisations of provide opportunities for people to improve their lives.

The money will be used to help develop MySociety and its online community.

Founder and director Tom Steinberg says the grants will benefit both the business and its users:

We’re really delighted because these grants help us do two things we really need to – share our knowledge and skills more widely, and improve our ability to run ourselves as a mature organization, better able than before to look after our legal and financial affairs on the one hand, and our community and users on the other.

Read the full post here…

Similar posts:

• MySociety ‘retreat’ places up for auction on eBay
• Knight Foundation gives $3.14m to local media projects
• Adam Westbrook’s guides and an antidote to media navel-gazing
• Huffington Post: HuffPost launches ‘social news’
• Hansard Society’s MPs Online report

Press freedom group surveys journalists’ treatment by G20 police

Journalists who felt their freedom of expression was “compromised” by police at the recent Toronto G20 summit have been asked to share their experiences.

A survey is being carried out by Canadian Journalists for Free Expression in order to compile a public report.

This follows reports that four journalists have filed complaints to the police about their treatment.

The survey asks a series of questions, covering what the individual was doing at the summit, interactions with security officials and treatment by police.

The full post here…

Similar posts:

• Vancouver Sun: Four journalists file complaints over G20 arrests
• Steve Buttry: ‘Avoiding ethical conflicts in small towns’
• dot.Rory: ‘When blogging meets policing’
• MediaGuardian: ‘Can the police and the media trust each other?’
• Video: ITV correspondent John Ray arrested covering Beijing Olympics

Max Raymond: Reflections of a journalism graduate

Max Raymond, a recent journalism graduate from the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, gives a full and frank post-mortem of his journalism course. Practical over theoretical was positive, says Raymond, but a lack of communication about awards and relevant events for the students less so.

Full post at this link…

It’s an interesting read if you’ve just been through a journalism training course or degree – what were your experiences? Let us know the highs and lows of your course in the comments below.

Similar posts:

• Nieman Journalism Lab: Globe and Mail on setting up a news wiki
• Times of India: Protests in journalism department over ‘commercialisation of education’
• Guardian Careers: Diary of a budding journalist
• Guardian: Government launches inquiry into work experience exploitation during recession
• Ed Walker: Legal challenges in the online newsroom

Thirty-seven new media, editorial and communications vacancies this week on Journalism.co.uk

These are the latest editorial, PR and media job opportunities from this week on Journalism.co.uk’s jobs board:

Search manager
Metro is looking for a search manager to join its digital team. Key purpose: To increase search referral traffic to Metro.co.uk and oversee the social media strategy. Exploit opportunities for maximum commercial gain.
Salary: DoE
Metro
London, England
>>more

European editor
Real Deals, Europe’s leading private equity news and analysis service, is looking for an ambitious individual to expand its presence in Continental Europe.
Salary: commensurate with experience
Real Deals
London, England
>>more

Features editor
Citywire seeks a features editor for New Model Adviser®, our award winning flagship weekly magazine for professional financial planners.
Salary: DoE
Citywire Financial Publishers Ltd
London, England
>>more

Investment writer
Citywire’s website for consumer investors seeks an investment writer to join its fast paced, highly focused and busy online team.
Salary: £30-32k
Citywire Financial Publishers Ltd
London, England
>>more

Feaures editor
An opportunity has opened up to join an expanding magazine and website covering one of the most dynamic and growing industries, covering everything from digital music and publishing to online advertising and iPhone apps.
Salary: DoE
Centaur Communications Ltd
London, England
>>more

Editor – Digital Broadcast Middle East
ITP Business is looking for an editor for Digital Broadcast Middle East, a monthly B2B magazine for those involved in the business of delivering and managing media content for television, cinema, radio, mobile and online distribution in the digital age.
Salary: DoE
ITP Business
Dubai, UAE, Middle East
>>more

Editor – Caterer Middle East
ITP Business is looking for an editor for Caterer Middle East, a monthly B2B magazine for chefs, food and beverage directors, and restaurant managers in the GCC.
Salary: DoE
ITP Business
Dubai, UAE, Middle East
>>more

News reporter
New Civil Engineer (NCE) magazine has a great opportunity for an enthusiastic, hungry news reporter to join its award winning team. The post is ideally suited to for someone looking to make their name and see their stories picked up by the nationals.
Salary: Competitive
Emap Ltd
London, England
>>more

Editor
The Evangelical Alliance is seeking an experienced and talented Editor to edit its media products across online, printed and broadcast media. These include idea magazine, one of the best known Christian magazines in the UK.
Salary: £32K p.a. + non-contributory pension
Evangelical Alliance
London, England
>>more

Advocacy press officer
The Evangelical Alliance is seeking a highly experienced press officer to work across the UK as a member of its advocacy team.
Salary: £28,850 p.a. + non-contributory pension
Evangelical Alliance
London, England
>>more

News and site editor, SearchDataManagement.co.uk
This is an great opportunity to write and edit for a new website – SearchDataManagement.co.uk – for IT pros. We have a proven track record in the US and are investing many resources to make our UK sites successful. Apply today!
Salary: DoE
TechTarget
London, England
>>more

Sub-editor
Working in a friendly in-house Production Team in West London, the successful candidate will be required to subedit and proofread copy for our legal handbooks and journals.
Salary: £18K-£22K
Law Business Research Ltd
London, England
>>more

Production editor
Our UK based office is looking for a Production Editor to join the Editorial team. Providing benefits, healthcare, private pension and many more. Please take the time to look at our posting.
Salary: Mid £20Ks
PennWell
Waltham Abbey, England
>>more

PR executives – all levels
Results PR, is on the look-out for dynamic and creative people to join the team.
Salary: DoE
Results PR
London, England
>>more

Digital account executive
Results PR, is seeking to appoint a digital account executive to join its dynamic and creative team.
Salary: £18K+ DoE
Results PR
London, England
>>more

Writer
A writer with a strong interest in financial markets, economics and geopolitics and excellent news instincts is needed for CNBC.
Salary: DoE
CNBC
London, England
>>more

Researcher
Adfero seeks enthusiastic, talented and news-savvy individuals to join its research team. Requirements: should have graduate-level experience; some news, reporting or relevant media experience
Salary: £17K
Adfero
London, England
>>more

News reporter
Health Service Journal and Nursing Times are seeking an ambitious reporter to join their award-winning news team.
Salary: DoE
Health Service Journal and Nursing Times
London, England
>>more

Food editor – Time Out GCC
ITP is looking for an experienced food editor to join Time Out Dubai’s talented team. Ideal candidates will be educated to degree level and already work as a food editor in the media.
Salary: DoE
ITP Publishing Group
Dubai, UAE, Middle East
>>more

Section editor – Time Out Dubai
ITP is looking for a highly creative, organised and experienced section editor to join its flagship weekly title, Time Out Dubai.The position has a strong emphasis on sport, and ideal candidates will have some sports desk experience.
Salary: DoE
ITP Publishing Group
Dubai, UAE, Middle East
>>more

Assistant producer – online media
Travelzoo (Europe) Ltd is the European subsidiary of Travelzoo Inc. (NASDAQ: TZOO), a global Internet media company. We are now searching for an Assistant Producer to join our UK production team.
Salary: DoE
Travelzoo (Europe) Ltd
London, England
>>more

Features writer
Global Trade Media offers a fast-paced and fun working environment, the opportunity to make a direct impact on our business, clear career progression and a number of company benefits.
Salary: £20K – £22K
Progressive Digital Media
London, England
>>more

News reporter/feature writer
WTiN, an international B2B publications company, is seeking a news reporter/feature writer to create exclusive and incisive copy. Online and print.
Salary: DoE
World Textile Information Network
West Yorkshire, England
>>more

Reporter
Derivatives Week is looking for a news reporter to cover the London and European over-the-counter derivative markets.
Salary: Competitive
Derivatives Week
London, England
>>more

Content writers
Adfero, a leading online news agency, is looking for talented and enthusiastic writers to join its DirectNews division in Manchester and Leeds.
Salary: £16K
Adfero
Manchester and Leeds, England
>>more

Writing/marketing assistant
Yelp (www.yelp.co.uk) is the leading website where locals write reviews of their favourite neighbourhood businesses. We are looking to hire a few well-written, social and entrepreneurial Liverpool residents who know their city inside and out.
Salary: DOE
Yelp
Liverpool, England
>>more

Writing/marketing assistant
Yelp (www.yelp.co.uk) is the leading website where locals write reviews of their favourite neighbourhood businesses. We are looking to hire a few well-written, social and entrepreneurial Cardiff residents who know their city inside and out.
Salary: DOE
Yelp
Cardiff, Wales
>>more

Community manager
Full-time Yelp employee growing the community of active yelpers in your city. Working out of your home, you’ll lead Yelp’s success in your city & receive support/direction from Yelp HQ in San Francisco.
Salary: DOE
Yelp
Brighton, England
>>more

Community manager
Full time Yelp employee growing the community of active yelpers in your city. Working out of your home, you will lead success in your city with support from Yelp HQ in San Francisco.
Salary: DoE
Yelp
Bristol, England
>>more

Energy news editor
Dow Jones Newswires is seeking a knowledgeable editor to help run coverage of energy news by our team in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Salary: DoE
Dow Jones Newswires
London, England
>>more

Tech/manufacturing editors and writers
Caspian Publishing is looking for editors and writers (both full-time and freelance) with expertise in technology, manufacturing, science and engineering design for a major project.
Salary: commensurate with experience
Caspian Publishing
London, England
>>more

Sub-editor
We are looking for an experienced sub-editor with excellent attention to detail.
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Caspian3
London, England
>>more

Summer editorial intern
We are a small online media agency that owns and runs three successful websites in the financial services industry and we are looking for another great mind to lend us a hand in the fast-paced day-to-day running of the business from our Maida Vale hub.
Salary: Expenses Only
Bridging and Commercial Ltd
London, England
>>more

Editor
Successful publishing house seeks editor for part of their B2B magazine portfolio. As editor, you will work with the managing editor and assistant editor to plan and manage editorial content in a portfolio of linked business management titles.
Salary: £22K-£26K
Intelligent Media Solutions
London, England
>>more

Health and fitness writers
Writing for LIVESTRONG.com is a great way for health professionals to showcase their expertise and build their online brand with bylines and bios attached to each published piece.
Salary: $25-$35 USD per hour
LIVESTRONG.com
telecommute, All
>>more

Bilingual journalist (M/F) – Persian language
Reporting directly to the duty editors and heads of programme sections, and under the supervision of the head of Farsi service, you will write and mix your stories, in compliance with the editorial guidelines of the channel.
Salary: DoE
Euronews
Lyon, France
>>more

Sub-editor
ZDNet UK is looking for an enthusiastic sub-editor to join its busy editorial team. The ideal candidate will be a stickler for detail and passionate about words.
Salary: DoE
CBS Interactive
London, England
>>more

To sign up for free as a jobseeker, please go to http://www.journalism.co.uk/113/

To sign up as an advertiser, please go to http://www.journalism.co.uk/75/

Similar posts:

• Twenty-six new media, editorial and PR vacancies this week on Journalism.co.uk
• Twenty-two new media, communications and editorial vacancies on Journalism.co.uk
• Twenty-four great new media, communications, PR and journalism jobs this week on Journalism.co.uk
• Twenty-one new media, editorial, communications and PR jobs this week on Journalism.co.uk
• Twenty-six great new media, editorial, communications and PR vacancies this week on Journalism.co.uk

What do you want first, the good news or the good news?

A free newspaper launched today in Canada will aim to put a smile on its readers’ faces – by promising to only cover good news.

The publication, called Zoom NB, will be distributed in cafes and restaurants in Moncton.

Speaking to CBC News, publisher Daniel Mlodecki said the newspaper will focus on the local community, using images to tell many of the stories.

What we’re tying to focus on are the people in our community and the things they’re doing. We’re going to demonstrate that through photography. So we’re going to have big, bright colourful photos of people we know in town of things that are happening.

It is reported that 10,000 copies of the paper will be printed in the first run. Mlodecki says so far the feedback has been positive.

We’ve got a very vibrant first issue coming out, We’ve got great reaction from advertisers. We’ve actually sold more than we thought we would and have been frankly a little overwhelmed with it.

Despite strong competition from established Irving-owned publications in the same area, the publisher is confident that there is enough room for the two of them.

Read the full report here..

Similar posts:

• Gannett reorders its community publishing division
• Job cuts at the London Evening Standard?
• ABC continues to verify airline copies for national newspaper circulation audit
• MinOnline: GQ sells just 365 copies of iPad edition
• Tomorrow’s fish and chip paper? When today’s news is always news

#Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk – tools for mobile journalism

Mobile journalism: The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) has rounded up some great links on how to use mobile phones and smartphones for journalism. A great starting point for anyone’s mobile news strategy. Tipster: Laura Oliver.

To submit a tip to Journalism.co.uk, use this link – we will pay a fiver for the best ones published.

Similar posts:

• Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk
• #Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk – careers advice for budding journalists
• Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk – online tools for freelancers
• #Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk – spotting a news story
• #Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk – creating a Facebook page

Free online tools key to success, says US newspaper publisher

Greater audience involvement and free, online tools – this is all US-based newspaper publisher, Journal Register, claims it will need for the future.

The publisher hopes to revitalise the news gathering process by using only free tools available to anyone online; to edit, create, publish and distribute their news content.

The latest stage of the transformation, called the ‘Ben Franklin Project’, began on Independence Day, when all 18 of Journal Register’s daily publications, both online and in print, became open-source.

Writing on the project’s blog, Jon Cooper, vice-president of content, says the key was reinforcing the importance of user-driven projects.

The difference between how these stories are usually written and how they were written for today is the process. In many cases the stories reported as part of the BFP began with the audience. The people who are usually last in line were moved to the front of the process. Rather than just being able to read the finished product, the audience – through town hall meetings, social networking sites, direct requests via email and in person and more – was asked to help determine what the editorial staffs should cover.

This took the in-company collaboration to where it needs to be – collaboration between the audience and our organizations. To truly serve the communities in which we live and work we must be part of those communities. We must be connected to those communities. We must listen to those communities. And, we must be help accountable by those communities.

Tools already being used by the company include Google Docs, Flickr and WordPress, but the list is quickly growing.

Read the full post here…

Similar posts:

• #Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk – how to deal with email overload
• Lord Falconer’s plan to remove news from online archives during trials is unworkable
• #Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk – free collaboration tools for journalists
• #Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk – tools for beginner data journalists
• #news2011: Editors urged to focus on ‘conversation’ and ‘try everything’