Local news, LGBTQ+ and automotive journalism: here is your weekly journalism news update

Every Friday, Journalism.co.uk brings you a round-up of our week’s top stories, giving you all the information you need to know, wherever you are.

Here is the latest journalism news from this week:

Innovation in local newsrooms: solutions journalism and digitising news archives

This week, Journalism.co.uk jetted out to the sun-scorched city of Nantes, France for the Festival de l'info locale.

On this podcast, we caught up with two experts on how news organisations can improve audience accessibility to local news with less negative reporting and nostalgic content. Listen now

Financial Times launches a 'Story Playbook' to help journalists tailor content for digital readers

Photo by William Bout on Unsplash

The Financial Times has introduced a series of digital templates to help its journalists deliver more engaging storytelling content for the website.

The templates include publicly available and downloadable guides on a content platform called the Story Playbook. It explains to journalists how to embrace new digital story ideas. Read more

Five ways to beat the stress of freelance journalism

JESHOOTS-com on Pixabay

Being a freelance journalist has many advantages. The perks include creative variety, the flexibility of hours and freedom to work from home, but the absence of a fixed income can leave mental and financial strains.

The trick to removing the stress is working smarter and therefore leading a healthy work-life balance, according to Louise Goss, founder and editor of The Homeworker Magazine, a publication dedicated to providing tips on how best to work from home. Read more

A guide to reporting on LGBTQ+ community

Unsplash

Many journalists outside of the LGBTQ+ community are eager to tell the stories but find reporting around the topic difficult in fear of backlash should they get it wrong.

To help you navigate the maze, we spoke to a number of LGBTQ+ journalists about their views on reporting issues that are affecting them, and what news organisations can do better. Read more

So you want to be an automotive journalist?

Dreaming of a job reporting from racetracks and motor shows? The automotive and mobility industry is one gathering momentum as there are new advancements always afoot.

For the journalists trying to keep up and satisfy digital-hungry audiences, you need to have strong networking and interviewing skills to get the best content, explains Alex Kreetzer, editor of Auto Futures, a digital content and news hub on the automotive industry. Watch now

Pilot placement scheme to help BAME journalists break into radio and podcast

Lisa Hack

A new placement scheme will help tackle dwindling diversity figures in the UK audio journalism. The deadline for applications is 8 July 2019.

In its pilot effort, the Multitrack Audio Fellowship provides paid placement opportunities for aspiring journalists from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, and from economically disadvataged groups. Disabeld journalists are welcome to apply too. Read more

Save the date: our next Journalism.co.uk social is on Tuesday, 9 July at The Parcel Yard pub near King's Cross. There will be no pitching, presentations or dress codes, just a (very informal) chance to meet and chat with other journos and news industry professionals. See you there!

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