University of Lincoln students to benefit from new journalism mentorship scheme launched with talks from LincsOnline and Sky News reporters
Aspiring journalists could kick-start their careers through a mentorship scheme launched yesterday with a LincsOnline reporter and a Sky News producer.
Daniel Jaines, who is based at LincsOnline with a focus on Grantham news, and James Scurry, assistant programme editor at Sky News, freelance lecturer, and mental health advocate, answered questions from University of Lincoln students as part of the launch of the John Schofield Mentorship Scheme.
The initiative will pair five students with leading journalists for support and career guidance.
The event was compered by trust director Howard Littler, with questions revolving around the skills and advice needed to get into work, the average working week, where to find stories when many are already covered, as well as their most memorable moments.
Students were given honest insights into national and local journalism, with reflections on memorable stories from both journalists.
Trust director Howard Littler moderated questions on job skills, workloads, story sourcing, and memorable moments.
“The trust’s mission is to open up newsrooms to the next generation of journalistic talent, regardless of what connections they have or their income or background.
“The talk from Daniel and James gave a fantastic insight into what being a working journalist is all about, and I felt the students left with a renewed enthusiasm for their next project or story.”
Senior reporter Daniel, who has covered Lincolnshire at a number of titles for nearly 15 years, said: “It was great to have the chance to really explain what it's like to be a reporter on a local paper — both the good and the bad — as well as to reinforce the skills needed that will serve them well both in and out of their careers.
“I hope they take away some key ideas—including the importance of getting that shorthand down pat.”
The launch also comes as Iliffe Media, which owns LincsOnline, is set to play a role in the NCTJ's takeover of the former Facebook (Meta)-funded Community News Project, which has supported over 260 regional journalists since 2018.
The NCTJ has committed £450,000 to establish a new Community Reporting Fund to replace the Facebook scheme.
The new fund aims to support the recruitment and training of community reporters focusing on under-reported stories, enhancing local journalism, and providing opportunities for diverse talent in the industry.
There will be six new roles across the country, and the best candidates will be placed with one of the NCTJ's partner news organisations, of which Iliffe is one.
Recruitment for the initial six roles will begin in the coming weeks, with new reporters expected to start in early 2025.
Successful applicants will be placed with local newspaper groups, including Iliffe Media.
LincsOnline was launched in December 2023 to consolidate the websites of Iliffe Media's Lincolnshire and Rutland titles: the Rutland & Stamford Mercury (Britain's oldest continuously published newspaper, published weekly since 1712), Grantham Journal, Spalding Guardian, Lincolnshire Free Press, and Rutland Times.
Iliffe Media publishes newspapers across the country, and also has a radio station, podcasts, and a TV station.