Details of BBC funding cuts leaked ahead of spending review

A formal announcement is expected to be made later today in George Osbourne’s comprehensive spending review outlining the changes the government has made to BBC funding. But details of the plans have already been widely reported: the BBC itself reports that the broadcaster is set to have its licence fee frozen for the next six years, will have to take on the cost of its World Service and fund the Welsh language channel S4C.

Last month Journalism.co.uk reported that the World Service, which is currently funded by the Foreign Office, was understood to be facing ‘significant cuts’ as part of the review.

News that the corporation would have to pay for the World Service was met with concern yesterday from the National Union of Journalists, which claimed Macedonian, Serbian, Vietnamese and Moldovan language services could close, or be “drastically cut” as a result.

The union also said it also fears job losses at the BBC World Service newsroom in London, the Turkish TV service, the Central Asian and Bengali services, the Spanish American service and the Arabic service. Job cuts could also impact on up to 350 jobs at the BBC Monitoring Service in Caversham, the union added. In a release from the NUJ, general secretary Jeremy Dear said:

The World Service is a vital source of quality journalism; people all over the world rely on the BBC to tell them the truth in times of crisis. If the Government slashes these essential services they will land a blow on objective news reporting and undermine Britain’s international reputation.

According to a report from the Telegraph the BBC has also “extracted a commitment from the BBC to spend less on its website”.

For more information on how news organisations will be covering the spending review today, see this post from Journalism.co.uk.

Similar posts:

• #jpod: NUJ stages protest against BBC World Service cutbacks
• ‘Hope will be denied to millions of our listeners’: World Service staff protest against cuts
• OMC09: Levies for aggregators?
• BBC unions prepare staff for strike action
• NUJ Release: NUJ condemns more job cuts at Trinity Mirror regionals

Martin Moore: News organisations missed an opportunity in Chile

As predicted, the debate on the media coverage of the chile miners’ rescue continues this week. Yesterday, Media Standards Trust director Martin Moore expressed his disappointment at what he saw as a missed opportunity for news organisations to change the way they do foreign news.

At a time when most news outlets are having to cut costs, this would have been a prime opportunity for them to look at “doing foreign reporting on the cheap”, he said. But instead we heard that the BBC, for example, had spent more than £100,000 on its coverage and will now have to make cuts in the budgets for covering other events.

This was also, for the most part, conservative journalism that hugged close to audience expectations and demand. Much of the mainstream coverage wouldn’t have looked out of place a couple of decades ago. There were close knit professional teams (in the BBC’s case 26 people strong), doing much talking to camera, with frequent two-ways updating the audience.

Where were the local reporters? Where were the voices of the Chilean people? Where were the collaborations with other news organisations and with NGOs? Where was the creative use of all the content that was being streamed from the mine and elsewhere? The result? News organisations have less money to spend on stuff that needs more explanation.

See Moore’s full post here…

Similar posts:

• BBC: Why we kept silent on the Chandler case
• What format for the political leaders’ TV debates?
• Innovations in Journalism – Opinion Tracker
• #news2011: Editors urged to focus on ‘conversation’ and ‘try everything’
• Election 2.0: ‘The internet is not national, it’s not local, it’s everywhere’ says Google’s DJ Collins

Covering the cuts: how the media is reacting to the spending review

First of all, a gauntlet, laid down by Steve Schifferes, Professor of Financial Journalism at City University London. Says Schifferes:

News coverage of the spending review and Budget has been too focused on presenting the government’s viewpoint that large and rapid reductions in public spending are both inevitable and desirable.

This example of group think has been exacerbated by the lack of an effective opposition, with Labour hobbled by its long-drawn out leadership campaign. The coverage of this spending review will be a test for the media as well as the government, in showing whether they can cut through the rhetoric and the confusing welter of figures to come up with the real story of the cuts and their effects on ordinary people.

So how are the big online news sites in the UK handling the cuts’ coverage?

Going live

BBC News Online editor Steve Herrmann says the site’s main focus will be on live coverage with two video streams: a special Andrew Neill programme and BBC Parliament.

We’ll be aiming to reflect the latest of these live entries on other parts of the site too, including the front page, to give a sense of how the detail of the story is unfolding – a technique we developed and first used for our live election coverage earlier this year. Beyond that we’ll be summarising the key elements of the story with graphics to show the extent of the cuts to various areas, and integrating our correspondents’ expert analysis throughout, all brought together on a Special Report page at www.bbc.co.uk/spendingreview

Channel 4 News will be streaming the statement from Chancellor George Osborne live on its website and offering immediate reactions from its experts via their on-site blogs. But the site is also planning a series of infographics that will be used during the speech to better explain what the cuts mean for the public.

Skynews.com will also carry a livestream of Osborne’s speech.  Shortly after there will be an interactive guide to the cuts, showing how much each department’s spending will be cut over the next four years and highlighting key spending changes by government department.

The Telegraph has a comprehensive liveblog of minute-by-minute news relating to the cuts. What’s great about this liveblog is it’s also linking out to other news coverage, as well as Telegraph.co.uk coverage elsewhere, including a DIY guide for UK households wanting to introduce their own money-saving measures.

Interactive games and putting the public in the picture

The BBC has a simple but effective video wall of short clips from members of the public explaining what they would save and cut.

Top of the graphics is the Guardian’s colourful chart of UK public spending since 1948, where you can see today’s spending as a percentage of GDP.

The BBC, Guardian and Channel 4 have all produced some interactive games allowing you to pick and choose what you would cut and see the impact that this would have on overall savings:

BBC

The Guardian

Channel 4 News

How are you covering the cuts? Let us know in the comments below.

Similar posts:

• ITV creates online channel for Notting Hill Carnival
• Nashua Telegraph experimenting with Qik
• #ge2010: How to follow election day online
• Guardian: Royal Channel to cover wedding from all angles
• Obama’s first 100 days: how the web is covering it

#followjourn: @Stu_N – Stuart Nathan/science and technology writer

Who? Stuart Nathan, “science and technology writer, word consumer, pun addict, food wrangler, snappy dresser, sarky git”.

Where? Stu’s Journal

Twitter? @Stu_N

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 laura at journalism.co.uk; or to @journalismnews.

Similar posts:

• #FollowJourn: @JaneBradley88/trainee journalist
• #followjourn: @marccooper01 – Marc Cooper
• #followjourn: @willcooper – Will Cooper/news editor
• #followjourn: @annmroz – Ann Mroz/editor
• #followjourn: @hendopolis – Neil Henderson/home duty editor

#Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk – news production plugin

This open source WordPress plugin called the Assignment Desk aims to bring the community into the story production process and also help with the management of the distribution and pitching of assignments. Tipster: Rachel McAthy.

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 – how to cross-post Google+ posts to a WordPress blog
• #Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk – pitching business ideas
• #Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk – third-party posts on a WordPress blog
• #Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk – brand your tweets using a WordPress plugin
• #Tip of the day from Journalism.co.uk – phone and tablet tricks for blogging from the field

Twenty-six new media vacancies and job opportunities for journalists on Journalism.co.uk

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

Production editor
We are looking for a highly experienced and competent production editor – with a proven record in managing workflow within tight timeframes and to rigid deadlines – to work across an expanding portfolio of accounts (UK and International).
Salary: DoE
Global Listings
London, England
>>more

Lecturer/senior lecturer in journalism
We are seeking to appoint an experienced academic as either a lecturer or senior lecturer in journalism. You will contribute to the development of provision of postgraduate programmes.
Salary: £30,747-£37,839
University of Bedfordshire
Luton, England
>>more

News journalist
If you are a deadline-orientated journalist interested in consumer and business trends, LS:N Global needs you. LS:N Global provides information, insight and inspiration for our members from around the world.
Salary: DoE
The Future Laboratory
London, England
>>more

Journalist
Christianity is a popular and influential monthly magazine, which aims to inform, challenge, resource and encourage its 30,000+ readers. As a journalist you will play a key role in supporting the editor to produce this high quality publication.
Salary: £8,400-£11,600
Christianity Magazine
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

Editor
This online publication will drill deeper into ecommerce and all aspects of online retail as a sister title to the main NMA brand. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of the online retail market and a firm grip of online journalism.
Salary: DoE
Centaur Communications Ltd
London, England
>>more

Editor
ITP is looking for a dynamic, organized and passionate Editor for Ahlan! Magazine – the biggest selling weekly celebrity magazine in Dubai.
Salary: DoE
ITP Publishing Group
Dubai Media City, Dubai
>>more

Travolution Editor
If Windows are more than something you look through, plug-ins more than just air freshners and you know tags don’t have a price but clicks have a cost, then we have an exciting opportunity for you.
Salary: Competitive
TWgroup
Central London, England
>>more

Production editor – Official Nintendo Magazine
Official Nintendo Magazine is the UK’s second best selling games magazine. With a clean, contemporary look and accessible fun editorial, and we are looking for a fantastic Production Editor to join the team.
Salary: Competitive + excellent benefits
Future Publishing Ltd
London, England
>>more

Production editor
Are you a production assistant looking to develop your career, or a talented sub-editor looking for a new challenge? Redline; the UK’s No.1 performance tuning magazine is looking for a production editor to join the team.
Salary: Competitive + excellent benefits
Future Publishing Ltd
Bath, England
>>more

Reporter – Construction Week
Construction Week needs a new reporter. Your job will be to keep on top of the news, make contacts and add that little bit extra to those everyday stories that make up the trade beat.
Salary: DoE
ITP Publishing Group
UAE (Dubai and Bahrain), Dubai
>>more

Features writer – Money Marketing
Money Marketing, an award winning weekly retail financial services newspaper, is recruiting a features writer.
Salary: DoE
Centaur Media
London, England
>>more

News and multimedia manager
Do you have the skills to develop Oxfam’s successful Media Unit into a multimedia powerhouse? Thousands of people already commit their time and talents to our campaigning, humanitarian and long-term development projects. Now we’re looking for yours.
Salary: £34,710 – £42,750 pa plus market supplement
Oxfam
Oxford, England
>>more

Staff writer – SHOP Magazine
SHOP is a shopping magazine that connects international luxury travellers with the most fabulous brands, products and places in key cities around the world. We are currently looking for a staff writer to join our rapidly expanding team.
Salary: DoE
Global Blue
Brentford, England
>>more

Editor – Construction Week
Construction Week needs a new editor. As a well-established and successful B2B title for the construction industry in the Middle East, the candidate will have to be ready to take on a big role.
Salary: DoE
ITP Publishing Group
Dubai Media City, Dubai
>>more

Deputy Editor – Meat Trades Journal
Meat Trades Journal, the leading magazine for the UK meat industry, is looking for a deputy editor.
Salary: DoE
William Reed Business Media
Crawley, England
>>more

Production editor
We are looking for a highly-organised production editor to manage the subbing and production of the AJ and its family of titles.
Salary: DoE
Emap Ltd
London, England
>>more

Online picture researcher
Working as part of the busy picture desk within the creative environment of the design team this six month contract role involves sourcing, storing and uploading images to be used online.
Salary: £20K-£28K
Which?
London, England
>>more

Editor – The Teacher
The NUT is seeking an experienced professional to take on the challenging role of editor of its magazine on a maternity cover basis, starting march 2011..
Salary: £47,820
National Union of Teachers (NUT)
London, England
>>more

Staff writer
Fundstrategy.co.uk, a leading website for investment advisers, is recruiting a staff writer.
Salary: DoE
Centaur Communications
London, England
>>more

Editor at large – Procycling
You will be an ambassador for the brand, maximising the quality of its public and trade relations. Also you will work with the editor to ensure all commissions are clear and detailed enough so that contributors are fully briefed.
Salary: Competitive
Future Publishing Ltd
Bath, England
>>more

Production editor – Mini
Are you a production assistant looking to develop your career, or a talented sub-editor looking for a new challenge?
Salary: Competitive
Future Publishing Ltd
Bath, England
>>more

Correspondent
AFPTV corrrespondent in Beijing
Salary: DoE
AFPTV
Beijing, Rest of World
>>more

Reporter
Top reporter for sector-leading B2B mobile comms newspaper
Salary: DoE
Clark White Publications Ltd
London, England
>>more

Managing Editor
Mediaquest is currently hiring for a managing editor for an English-language business-to-business publication covering the Middle East insurance market.
Salary: AED 18k-20k per month
Mediaquestcorp
Dubai, Dubai
>>more

Managing Editor
Mediaquest, one of the leading and regional publishing companies based in Dubai , and with operations across the Middle East and North Africa is currently hiring for a Managing Editor in our Dubai office, for a monthly English-language business magazine.
Salary: AED 18k-20k Per Month
Mediaquestcorp
Dubai, Dubai
>>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 vacancies and job opportunities for journalists on Journalism.co.uk
• Eleven new journalism and media jobs on Journalism.co.uk
• Twenty-two new media, communications, editorial and PR jobs this week on Journalism.co.uk
• Twenty-five great new journalism, editorial and new media vacancies this week on Journalism.co.uk
• Twenty-six new media, editorial and PR vacancies this week on Journalism.co.uk

BBC staff unions to hold meetings on scheduled strike dates

As the new ballot on BBC pensions continues this week staff unions will be holding meetings to allow members of Bectu, the NUJ and Unite to put further questions to union officials.

The first takes place today (Tuesday 19 October) from 1pm to 2pm at the Think Tank, at the BBC’s Media Centre in White City and the second is scheduled for tomorrow, also from 1pm to 2pm, this time in the Radio Theatre in Broadcasting House, Bectu reported this week.

The unions opened a new consultative ballot last week following another offer from the BBC, which halted strikes planned for 5 and 6 October. The National Union of Journalists has since announced that two more planned strike dates, previously scheduled for today and tomorrow, would be postponed to enable a ballot to be carried out, which will close on 28 October.

A 24 hour ‘work to rule’ will take place however on Friday and additional strike dates may be named if the ballot records a no vote.

Similar posts:

• BECTU members apply to NUJ in order to join BBC strikes
• BECTU members at the BBC accept 2% pay offer
• BBC unions prepare staff for strike action
• NUJ prepared to suspend BBC strikes after new talks offer
• Newsquest South London: new four-day strike announced

NCTJ Awards shortlist announced

The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) has announced the shortlist for its Awards for Excellence 2010, which can now be viewed on its website.

The awards recognise the work of students completing NCTJ-accredited courses and trainee journalists/photographers with less than two years experience. They are split into five categories:

• news journalism
• sports journalism
• top scoop/exclusive
• features of the year
• images of the year

A total of 14 students and 15 trainees have been selected for the shortlist from more than 100 entrants.

There are also three performance awards based on exam results; NCTJ Student Journalist of the Year, NCTJ Photographer of the Year and NCTJ Reporter of the Year. The awards will be presented at the Society of Editors Conference in Glasgow on 15 November.

Similar posts:

• NCTJ and PTC shortlists for new journalist awards released
• #soe09: Winners announced for NCTJ’s excellence awards
• NCTJ to make qualification ‘more relevant to digital age’
• NCTJ award offers students chance to cover Championship play-offs
• Shortlist announced for 2011 Professional Publishers Association awards

Yahoo rumoured to be rolling out new connection feature

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal over the weekend, Yahoo is preparing to launch a new feature called ‘Y Connect’ which would allow online publishers to integrate with Yahoo.

With Y Connect, users could register with and log into media sites simply by clicking on a Yahoo button. Then, users’ activity on the media site can easily be shared with contacts on Yahoo. Content on non-Yahoo sites would be shared via Yahoo Pulse, a hub connected to Yahoo Mail accounts.

According to WSJ.com, the service could also then be used by companies to “better understand the interests of users and figure out which online ads are more likely to be effective”.

There doesn’t seem to be any official word yet from Yahoo on these reports, but the WSJ report says it expects a formal announcement later this year.

Similar posts:

• Yahoo! and CNET enter partnership to reach new audiences
• Pulse: Press Complaints Commission to investigate Daily Mail over GP pay claims
• Yahoo News tests new ‘Infinite Browse’ feature
• Online video: FT’s Stephen Pinches on opportunities for publishers with connected TV
• Times Online: BBC to integrate iPlayer with Facebook and Twitter

Marketing magazine: Will Mirror newspapers be next to put up paywalls?

Following News of the World’s launch of its paywall last week, Marketing magazine reports on similar plans at the Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror.

Daily Mirror columnists, including political writer Paul Routledge and sports columnist Oliver Holt, will provide the foundation for the title’s premium content strategy. However, the Daily Mirror’s general news will remain free.

Full story at Marketing magazine at this link…

Similar posts:

• Media release: Mirror launching personalised web content
• SFN Blog: Independent News & Media trials paid content on Irish regionals
• Media Week: Mail on Sunday targets News of the World readers
• #soe09: What are the revenue opportunities for newspapers – and what are the ‘donkeys’?
• MediaGuardian: Mecom pushes ahead with niche paid content