Last week I went down the Angel Hotel in Cardiff where the NUJ and General Secretary Michelle Stanistreet visited the Welsh Branch of the NUJ.
She addressed the importance of the NUJ having the chance to speak at the current Leveson Inquiry– they were initially not considered as core participants. (I particularly found her comments on regulation interesting as my dissertation is focusing on the PCC.)
She stated that the press in a
“unique part of a democratic society”
and it is something, especially in the current climate, that we need to protect.
The meeting with the NUJ highlighted the importance of the press in our society and how the next generation of aspiring journalists need to be aware and involved. After the meeting I was in contact with Anna Wynn Roberts with the NUJ Training Wales and she has convinced me to become a member- I only wish I had met her when I started my Journalism degree! They can offer so much to an aspiring journalist- with a membership fee of £25, after that all the courses are free and priceless!
As a result I am working with Anna and her colleagues from the London branch of the NUJ to get more students aware of the fantastic opportunities that the NUJ can provide.
You’ll probably hear more from me soon!