Rebecca Hughes's blog

I think the CfJ needs some shiny new kit that we can slip into our oversized pockets. Imagine the possibilities for online or TV news days…

- We could blog on the bus back from Chatham
- Use it to read our scripts, whilst filming live into the studio on a mobile phone
- Edit photos on to go

Check out Not on the Wires’ video all about the possibilities for journalists using them.

I’ve been looking into volunteering opportunities and an interesting one came up with National Talking Newspapers and Magazines. It involves changing written words into alternative formats for those with difficulty reading printed material. They’re based in East Sussex but with our equipment, we could probably still do it.
Alternatively we could start something like this in Kent, as I don’t think there is anything like it around.
Anyone interested?
 

Oh dear. Someone's in trouble. 

With the world of news whipping up excitement for tomorrow’s Leaders’ Debate - and in case you accidentally missed the first one - I thought you could do with a quick summary/reminder of what happened.

(Posting it on here because it will avoid having to CC everyone in all the time through email)

Basically, UMM can submit one vote for each category for the categories listed further down - it's a tad long. The Activities Awards are scheduled for Saturday 22nd May,

Chuck your votes below by the 15th April if you want to have a say. If you've never contributed to the mag - don't bother.

Don’t ask why I’m looking at data visualisation stuff this late on Friday night, because I really don’t know. However, I just found a rather fabulously colourful piece. Kind of reverts you back to your childhood as it looks like millions of bouncy balls are catapulting across your screen.
Shame on you for thinking database journalism was boring.
 

I guess it seems like things have been quiet on the UMM front recently. I’ve been discussing plans for next year with UMSA and will be organising the elections for editor. Sorry it’s been a complete shambles this year, but I’m thinking that next year is going to be our year for fabulous things. I’d like to know whether or not anyone would like to do one final issue this year – it will come out just after Easter if so? Or would you rather concentrate on getting a team together for next year - full of things like a promotion team/feature and sport editors?

Possibly going to be seen as some type of shameless plug, but I thought a few of you might be interested in this.

I realise this is a little old now, but I’ve had a lot to do. Better late than never, as they say.
I went to the annual NCTJ student council meeting a few Fridays ago. For those that have been sleeping, it’s a forum for feedback.
You can read my round-up here. 

After being horrified by stories about student unions censoring what student publications can print, I set up an investigation. You can find it on Help Me Investigate. For those that have never heard of HMI before read their "about" section. Due to the vast numbers of universities in the UK, I figured it would take too long to do by myself. If you want to help, let me know and I'll send you an invitation.