As a journalism student in my final year I have many fears. The main one is getting a job when I finish especially with the fragile state of the industry.
So this weekend I decided to peel the soon to be Media Officer of UCLan away from the library to discuss the industry, plans for the University, music, girls and food.
John Crossley was elected last month for the role and is set to “grab the bull by the horns.”
“I want to get involved straight away. I’m an inpatient guy. I will be dedicated to the job and want to make a difference straight away,” he said.
It’s no secret that there is a bit of a crisis within journalism especially with the mass jobs cuts in the print department but it seems a visit editor-in-chief of the Independent Simon Kelner has given John a ray of hope.
“It’s obvious that newspapers are selling less these day but as Simon Kelner said the other week – papers will never die, people like having a paper, the feel, something to own.”
Technology has swept journalism over the past few years and it seems the web is striving as one of the main sources of news. Blogs, citizen journalism and Twitter are just small examples of the mass impact the internet has had.
However Sports Journalism student John has mixed feeling on the impact of technology on media.
He said: “I think blogging is rubbish. 99.9% of blogs are utter garbage. It’s only that 0.1% that are good decent which gives the perception that blogging is amazing.
“I feel interactivity is important. Comments on articles can give a new different angle to a story and give you the chance get directly in touch with the journalist.
“I’m not on twitter yet, I will eventually get on it. I feel it’s been hyped by celebrities but if it was that important wouldn’t Gordon Brown be on it?”
UCLan has a good media network landscaping all mediums with Pluto, PSTV and Frequency radio. However John suggests a few changes are to be made especially on the broadcast side of things.
He said: “Too many people are unaware of Frequency and PSTV; I’m going to make sure that amazing and talked about more.
“There will be more investment to our TV station which will hopefully get it off the ground. It’s all about getting the right people in the right place.
“I want to create a promotion street team and more equipment needs to be bought.
“I want to develop a separate website, which will umbrella all the S.U media. Ideally it will link Pluto, Frequency and PSTV. This will mean everyone helping each other out.”
So it seems John has some good ideas for the students union but what kind of guy can students expect to be in charge of their media?
Music: “It’s a big part of my life; I like to think of myself as an amateur DJ and generally like listening to it when I’m out socialising with friends.”
Football: “I try to follow Newcastle Untied Football Club, it’s not been a great season but hopefully we will stay up and next year will be a good one.”
Culture: “I’d love to travel, see more of the world, especially South America and Asia. I love foreign culture.”
Food: “The cornerstone of my diet is Frosties, Essentials’ meal deal (Sandwich, crisps and drink) and a hot ‘n’ spicy Pizza.”
Television: “I like typical American dramas such as Lost and 24 but I have found myself watching A Touch of Frost at the moment which is strange.”
First date: “Ideally I would take a lady to see a comedian as they will be able to make her laugh more than I would.”
UCLan can expect a busy, sociable guy who has a clear passion for music and the media.
John’s determination and knowledge of the industry will hopefully expand the impact the S.U media has.
As for now I best start searching for a job – I wonder how much he will pay his promoters.
