Editorial colleagues across our business are developing new skills needed to engage digital audiences.
Journalists have the chance to build their understanding of new ways of reaching people through online newsgathering and publishing, including using AI for the first time.
Senior editorial colleagues have introduced a structured approach to training journalists to learn the skills needed to attract readers across our digital and print portfolio.
The training, which is available to all Tindle journalists, includes practical sessions on filming video using mobile phones for publication on our website, as well as the latest advice on recording audio for publication on our websites.
Online sessions
The training has been offered through monthly drop-in online sessions, with bespoke videos offered as supporting material for staff to review.
Jon Gripton, Group Deputy Editorial Director, has led the sessions and produced the videos.
He said: “A digital strategy review identified the opportunity to enhance skills across the company to meet the growing requirements of our audiences, who turn to us for trusted local news, as well as the request from staff for the chance to develop.
“The topics we have covered so far include the ‘dos and don’ts for making video’, how best to record a short clip to publish on our websites, the importance of lighting for filming and tips on audio.
“We have also introduced colleagues to tools available using AI, all of which has generated positive feedback from colleagues.”
Emily Woolfe, Group Editorial Director, said: “Our shared goal across the business is to grow revenues on our digital platforms. We can help with this editorially by getting people to visit our websites more often and stay for longer because of the engaging content.
Local strengths
“This can be video, audio or live blogs, which leverage our strengths in trusted local news.
“After launching new websites last year, we recognised the importance of ongoing training for editorial staff so it has been pleasing to see so many join the sessions and take up the opportunity to enhance their skills.”
The digital training programme is the latest career development opportunity success for Tindle, coming on the back of our first two trainee journalists take up an exciting, one-of-a-kind multimedia news opportunity having started with the Group.
Amelia Averis and Lily Buckley have begun work at the Mid-Devon Advertiser at the start of a two-year programme launched to gain experience across our radio, digital and newspaper businesses, which is a groundbreaking opportunity enabling entrants to learn the skills needed to produce high-quality content for newspapers, podcasts, news websites and radio broadcasts.