A showcase for union membership
The Journalist’s primary reason for existing is to be a conduit for the NUJ to share news and updates on its work, and support for the sector.
All eligible for membership should feel the magazine speaks to them, so if Phil Creighton was your editor, he would look consistently for a range of articles covering all aspects of the NUJ: editors, designers, publishers, rights managers, publicists, marketers, those working in contracts, content development and solutions digital and online, library and archives, research and project management.
It’s a broad church and the magazine must reflect that.
A dedicated website
It seems crazy that The Journalist is not easy to find on the NUJ’s website. It does not have a separate section, or standalone website.
The magazine is a key part for membership recruitment and should be showcasing how the union can help all who work in the sector.
Phil Creighton, as editor of The Journalist, wants to explore the facilitation of helpful discussions online, such as via closed Facebook or WhatsApp groups, and online Zoom calls. These can be opportunities to learn new skills, share ideas, and discuss the state of the industry.
As a magazine The Journalist should inspire readers and answer questions.
To achieve this, it should feature successful Union actions and engagements, from the small victories to the large ones so members and potential members can see the benefits of belonging.
What about the design and layout of The Journalist?
At heart, Phil Creighton is a typographer with vast knowledge of newspaper layout and design from hot metal days upwards.
From the early days of his journalistic career, he has been showcasing his speciality for newspaper design, creating dynamic layouts, precise style sheets and engaging listings.
As editor of The Journalist, Phil would look to revamp the magazine to make it fit for the digital age.
The Union should be proud of The Journalist as a physical magazine, especially as the retail sector seems to be trying to bury magazines and newspapers when they are needed more than ever.
The magazine needs to exist as a physical product. It is a way of helping introduce the benefits of the Union to non-members, it can be read anywhere, and The Journalist should also be championing reading away from a screen.
One of the first acts would be to look at the page size.
The format should be either A5 or A4 to make it easier to print at home.
If The Journalist was A5, or A4 folded, it could be posted at Royal Mail letter rate.
For those who want to read The Journalist online, it should have clickable links to make it easier to access websites mentioned in the copy.
Above all, The Journalist should be a voice that reacts to breaking developments with news stories on its website/microsite, while presenting a thought provoking read for those passionate about all forms of journalism.
How do you see the role of The Journalist in covering the industrial activities of chapels, branches and councils?
The Journalist currently does not have a section dedicated to the union’s activities.
Each chapel, branch and council should be encouraged to blow its own trumpet with updates on meetings, action days, new members, talks, retirements, anniversaries and fundraising.
By sharing regular news be it in the magazine or on the website, including NUJ campaigns and Parliamentary endeavours, we can help members stay informed and inspired.
It is possible to launch tailored email newsletters highlighting stories and features relevant to branches, chapels and disciplines.
This will help encourage participation and pride across the union.
In line with the NUJ’s policy objectives how would you propose to increase the diversity of reporters, columnists and photographers contributing to The Journalist?
Phil is deaf, so has an innate understanding of how hard it is to be a disabled journalist, and how technology can help get round the problems it causes. He has built up a reputation as a journalist who provides accurate copy and able to unpack difficult issues in a way that readers can easily understand.
He has always encouraged diverse newsrooms, where people from all backgrounds are welcome. This has extended to offering traineeships to people helping them get vital work experience that attracts the attention of national media.
Enhancing representation starts at grassroots level: chapels, branches and councils will know of people who should be contributing to The Journalist.
The recent series of Doctor Who shows how this can work: cast and crew came from many backgrounds without anyone batting an eyelid. We all have experiences and knowledge we can share.
Working together, the Union can be fully representative of all its members, for the benefit of us all, and be a beacon of inspiration for other companies, organisations and unions.