Apprentice journalist Tomos Evans reports for The Forester as well as our neighbouring titles covering the Forest of Dean and surrounding areas including the Wye Valley, Ross and Brecon.
Tomos talks about the appeal of working in a multimedia training role for us in the community where has lived most of his life and the appeal of being a news reporter in the digital age.
What are the main responsibilities in your role?
In my role the aim is to get as many stories as possible for the key times for the publication of the print newspaper and for the web audience. There is a big focus on getting video and producing content for social media. A lot of the time I will respond to a message from a member of the community which I develop into a news story or a longer feature article.
I also respond to breaking news to cover the latest stories in our region. We had an explosion which I reported upon, along with a bomb hoax which I followed. I speak to a lot of people in the community and take time to make sure a story is right. Crime stories are popular with our audiences and human interest stories can do well online.
What jobs did you have before you joined the company?
I have lived around Cwmbran nearly all my life. I originally got a first class degree in broadcasting, journalism and media communications then a master’s degree from Cardiff University in journalism and media communications in 2019. There were few opportunities to then get National Council for the Training of Journalists accredited courses or training roles. I was a content writer for a website company and had a variety of roles but was trying to find my way back into journalism when I saw the Tindle role advertised.
What was the appeal of joining the company?
As a local publisher, it is great to be part of a company that cares about the local community more than many newspapers do. Some local titles rarely have human interest stories about people who are doing something locally, but we do. We are community focussed and care about this area. I have always been someone who has been an advocate for the little man. This role has been critical to my career. I felt like I was heading towards the last chance of getting a training role so it has been great to work in a role where I can do my qualifications.
What does a typical day in your role involve?
We have college on Mondays, including spending two hours on shorthand lessons. Tuesdays are deadline days for the newspaper when the aim is to get as much news as possible into the print edition. Over the course of the week I speak to various people to their stories. I try to go in person as much as possible. It helps to build relationships if you speak to people face to face.
How does your work fit into the wider business?
I work closely with people across the team, not just in editorial but with the commercial colleagues including the sales manager.
What do you enjoy about working for Tindle?
Working for Tindle allows me to help my community. I like being able to go to people in the local community to share their stories. I like to see the finished results for the news I have reported upon and be able to share it on social media.
How do you use digital in your role?
Almost everything we do is digital, from the newsgathering stage through to writing and publication. There is a focus on getting video, with a lot of encouragement to provide content for people to watch. I have some interviews planned which will produce some good video opportunities and I will be looking to develop my skills further.
What are your interests outside of work?
I was chairman of my local darts league until recently. I play darts and am interested in sports in general, particularly in taking part in them. I help out at the local social club by organising events including darts matches. I am very community orientated.