Neil Arun didn’t want to miss a rare but risky opportunity to embed with an Iraqi police unit, hunting members of al Qaeda. But his employers -- responsible for Neil’s security -- weren’t happy. This film by Richard Pendry nvestigates how a frontline journalist balances risk and reward.
The Easter work placements for first years at the Kent Messenger Group have now been allocated. The list of dates and locations is below. If there is a compelling reason why you can't fulfil your allotted placement, please let a member of staff know immediately. You'll be required to make contact with your editor directly nearer the time - we'll provide you with the necessary contact details. And the KM Group's Lesley Bellew is coming in to talk to you on March 19.
April 12 – April 23
James Averill: Wraik Hill, Whitstable
Danielle Cheney: Ashford
Jo Cladingboel: kmfm and Online News, Medway
Jonathan Stone: kmfm and Online News, Medway
Alex Dack: Supplements Team, Larkfield
Angela Davey: Sheerness
Grant Gibb: Medway
Alister Houghton: Gravesend
Sophie Jackson: Gravesend
Dean Kilpatrick: Thanet
Daniel May: Maidstone
Tom Ruzyllo: Wraik Hill, Whitstable
Marina San Miguel Navas: Deal
April 26 – May 7
Nicola Sturmey: Wraik Hill, Whitstable
Ella Copeland: Ashford
Harriet Robinson: kmfm and Online News, Medway
Eva Tsipi: Supplements Team, Larkfield
Paul Dunne: Sheerness
Melanie Wimmer: Medway
Sara Malm: Gravesend
Jason West: Gravesend
James Warner: Thanet
Jade Selby: Maidstone
George Ocaya: Medway
Sarah Wilson: Deal
In preparation for placements, I strongly advise that you begin to read the newspapers/listen to kmfm and read our online platforms to get a sense of and feel for the kind of news and features that we run. Try and identify running stories or on-going controversies. Look at www.kentonline.co.uk and the links to the various local websites via the "where I live" section.
It will also help to try and familiarise yourself with the areas you will be working in (if you are not already) - you may be thrown in at the deep end and it pays to have at least a modicum of local knowledge. If you've never actually been to where you are going, try and visit at least once before your placement.