Trainee community reporter Grace Price is one of our newest colleagues, having joined as part of the latest phase of a national project aimed at strengthening local journalism.
Working primarily for the Monmouthshire Beacon, Grace has come on board through our partnership with national training body the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ).
She is one of six trainee community reporters to join a cross section of publishers in the latest stage of the Community News Project (CNP), an initiative to improve newsroom diversity across the UK. The selection process was highly competitive, with more than 500 applications received for the six available positions.
Based in Monmouth, Grace talks about the appeal of giving the local community a voice through trusted news brands.
What are the main responsibilities in your role?
My main responsibility is to engage the local community to report on their news. We receive press releases but it is good to go out and put your face out there to meet the community, as it builds trust. I see it as my role to amplify the voices of the community so they are heard.
I have college every Monday where I am learning everything from shorthand to essential journalism. The rest of the week I am writing stories to appear on our website and digital platforms, as well as in the newspaper. As well as reporting on local events we will look at national stories to see if there is a local impact, such as the future of WH Smith, which has a branch in Monmouth. I am encouraged to get out and talk to people in the area.
Which jobs did you have before you joined the company?
After doing my A-levels last year I worked for Camp America. When I came home I wanted to work in a role making use of English, which I had studied at A-level. I managed to get work experience with the Beacon, which I really enjoyed. Everybody was lovely and I saw there was a career where I could use my writing skills and make an impact so I applied for the community reporting role. I have only had part-time jobs working as a waitress and in a supermarket so this is my first full-time role.
What was the appeal of joining the company?
I went to school in Monmouth and live nearby in the Forest of Dean so I am very familiar with the area. Our news gives people a local voice. With Tindle being a smaller company based in the area, we can share local views.
Which colleagues do you interact with the most in your working day?
I speak to colleagues in advertising and my fellow reporters. We have regular meetings where we get to share updates and I get a lot of support from Liz Davies, our editor. I am at the office from Tuesday to Friday.
How does your role fit into the business?
As a local journalist you are the direct link with the public. My news stories will appear in the Beacon newspaper, on the website and on our social media accounts including Facebook. I am encouraged to engage with the audience on social media by posting news and contacting people to get their news, particularly through Facebook groups.
What do you enjoy about working for Tindle?
I like how community trust is a main priority. Local people in our community are not overlooked and we are seen as the trusted friend to deliver their news. I like the connection with the audience and am always encouraged to think about how each story impacts the community.
How do you use digital in your role?
When I go out on a story I look to get photos and video wherever I can. Visual ways of telling stories can appeal to people who want to get news in other ways than reading text. I am building my skills in social media, both for publishing and newsgathering.
What are your interests outside of work?
I like going to the gym and spending time with my family and friends. It is good to have down time and living in the Forest of Dean we have the surroundings to enjoy.