Thread by @fleetstreetfox

About a million years ago I got into journalism without family ties, money, private schooling or degree. I just sort of nagged people. /thread

I nagged @MartinOxley2, editor of my local paper. I nagged the MD, who had the misfortune of moving to a house that I walked past on the way to school. I nagged the chief reporter, and everyone I met on work experience. /2

Anyway, I did a NCTJ course via that local paper, and then moved on to other papers. In 25 years, the number of journos I've met who got into Fleet St the same way can be counted on the fingers of one foot. /3

Lots of people say journalism is white, wealthy, privileged. The stats make it true. But I'd add that, while that stuff (and nagging) can get you in, it won't keep you in. For that you need charm, ruthlessness, and a nose for news combined with dogged persistence. /4

Anyway, long story short - Reach are running a scheme whereby entry-level journo jobs are ring-fenced for people who don't normally get the chance to enter the trade. This is YOUR chance to get that toehold, then make what you can of it. One in London: jobs.reachplc.com/job-descriptio…

One in Essex
jobs.reachplc.com/job-descriptio… and one in Kent, which is my stomping ground so BEHAVE:
jobs.reachplc.com/job-descriptio…

Best of all: they PAY YOU TO TRAIN.

I did it, and never regretted it. I can recommend. Please RT and send on to any wannabes or journo students you know. /ends