Sunday, April 06, 2008

The last generation of jounos to make a living out of newspapers

"I think we're probably the last generation that's going to make a living out of newspapers. I suspect in 10 years' time it's going to be much harder to turn a shilling."

The Words of Quentin Letts being interviewed in this morning's Independent

Described as Britain's busiest freelance journalist and perhaps he gives a pointer to future careers

"interesting to have a range of clients. I approach it like being a business and you need to diversify a bit

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

What Quentin says is very much a worrying truth of being a current journalism student. It appears that journalism is becoming less of a skill, with more and more focus on civilian journalism meaning that anyone and everyone can be a journalist.

Not being confident with either TV or radio does make me extremely concerned about my future job prospects, even if I was the world's best writer. Convergence is a big cloud hanging over everything to do with journalism, and it appears if you cant do a bit of everything, you aren't of much use.

Nigel Barlow said...

I share and understand your concerns James.

I think the citz journalism is over promoted.There is a huge amount of difference between someone turning up with a phone camera taking pictures and a trained journalist writing a story.

The problem is that the public's appetite for news can often be the splash,quick news easily digestable.

I agree with your comments on the convergence issue and we should all have all the skills to compete in the market.

I still believe that quality journalism and quality journalists will rise to the top