FAQs for Freelances
I am a journalist/ broadcaster/ photographer/ sub-editor and feel that I need to up-date my skillsbase. Are there any new software programmes/skills that I should be learning?
New technologies and software programmes are being developed all the time, and many journalists and photographers are finding that they have to update their skills regularly. Some of the new courses, which may be of interest, are the t wo-day course, Podcasting for Print Journalists, for journalists with no broadcast experience, Introduction to InDesign CS, a two-day course which is fast becoming the industry standard in publishing, and Adobe Photoshop CS, another two-day course covering the fundamentals of the digital image manipulation and editing tool. For those interested in Public Relations, a one-day Introduction to Public Relations, which gives an overview of the role of PR in each sector and the types of jobs, has just been launched for those new to PR or media workers thinking of moving into this sector.
I am a new union representative and have heard that there are practical training courses available - and that they are free.Is this correct?
The NUJ Training Department runs a series of NUJ Officers' Courses at Stages 1, 2 and 3 designed to help members become confident representatives. These are practical courses with no formal qualification requirements and they are free to members. It is a prerequisite to complete the Stage 1 course before moving on to the Stage 2 course, Representing Members.
Help! Some of my colleagues in the Chapel where I am a member are getting bullied at work. What can we do?
Get yourself on to the Dealing with Bullying, Harassment and Stress two-day course and learn how to challenge these workplace problems. No formal qualifications are needed, just the motivation to become more effective at challenging it.
Which are the main training organisations for broadcasting/journalism?
The Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC) is involved in helping set vocational education policy, through another partner Skillset, it also writes content for the National Occupational Standards in Broadcast Journalism. Skillset is the Skills Sector Council for the audio-visual industry (broadcast, film, video, interactive media and photo imaging) and is jointly funded by industry and government. It doesn't provide training, funds for individuals or industry work experience placements.
There is also the Broadcast Training and Skills Regulator (BTSR) (www.btsr.org.uk) which works to ensure the provision of training and development.
The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) is a registered charity and delivers the main journalism training scheme in the UK. The Newspaper Qualifications Council (NQC) supports training and qualifications within all ectors of the industry, including state -approved National Vocational Qualifications.
I am thinking about going freelance but am apprehensive about taking the plunge. Do you have any advice?
Why not look at the Getting started as a Freelance one-day course? This is aimed at people considering as well as those in the early stages of a freelance career.
Do you know where I can get advice about completing my tax return?
Visit the H M Revenue & Customs website and register as self-employed. Go to www.hmrc.gov.uk/selfemployed/ iwtregister-as-self-employed.shtml. You could also look at the two-day Taking Care of Business course designed for anyone who is thinking of working freelance or setting up his or her own business.
Do you run any courses on how to sell story ideas and
get commissions?
Contact the Training Department and ask about the one-day course for freelance journalists, Pitch and Deal: Marketing your work and negotiating rates.
Is there a specific course that can help me write proposals to send to commissioning editors?
No, there isn't a course solely on writing proposals. However, the one-day course for freelance journalists run by the NUJ, Pitch and Deal: Marketing your work and negotiating rates, covers this area as part of its content, but not in detail. Other FEU unions run similar courses. Why not join your local union branch where you may be able to share ideas with other freelances.
How can I get an up-to-date overview of who owns
what in the media industry?
The publication brad is a guide to the UK media from circulation and readership figures to advertising rates and contact details. It is used across the media industry but it is expensive. Ask your local library if they carry copies in the reference section. The London Freelance website has a list
of over 6000 titles on file.
Updates
We will keep you informed of our findings and new developments over the coming months. Please let us know if you have any useful ideas or information. Contact: Frances Dredge - Tel: +44 (0)2920 314 256; Mobile: +44 (0)7914 397 243; Email: frances.dredge@ntlworld.com
