News day story- Cannock Chase DC

Angry taxpayers have criticised Cannock Chase District Council’s decision to increase Council Tax by two per cent.

Cannock Chase Council faces a funding cut of 20% per cent in the next two years, which is equivalent to £1.2 million pounds.

Councillors triggered the rise when they voted to reject Government funding to freeze Council Tax for a third year back in January.

Colin Groves, 47, of John Till Close, Rugeley, claims the Council’s actions will hit the poorest families hardest.

He said: “I think it is a bad decision. Especially for those families struggling, we in Rugeley will not benefit from any Council Tax rise, as the Council has never done anything for this town in the 47 years I have lived here.

“This used to be a thriving town back in the 70’s and 80’s, I can remember there being many fantastic shops, but since the demise of the pit and other firms Rugeley has died a very slow death.

“The town is now full of charity shops and food establishments with just a few businesses left struggling to survive, and I have not seen any help from Cannock Council in all the years I have been here.

“Our Council Tax seems to only be spent on Cannock, and it’s neighbor Hednesford.”

Rugeley resident Paul Fisher agreed adding: “I am totally opposed to the tax rise, as there was an alternative. The Government were dangling a £60,000 pound carrot if Cannock Council had voted for a Council Tax freeze.”

However, Cannock Chase District Council in an official statement insisted the rise was necessary due to Government cuts.

Cannock Chase District Council leader Cllr George Adamson said: “Cannock Chase Council is facing a shortfall or saving requirement of £800,000 in the next two years rising to well over £1 million in 2016/2017.

“The Government has offered us a Council Tax Freeze Grant for this year of 1%. This equates to £60,000 for Cannock Chase Council, however this is only payable for a two year period meaning the Council would lose out by a further £110,000.

The Council leader insisted the impact would be minimal on family budgets he said: “The 2% increase is an average of £3.32 a year or just over 6p a week per household-on Cannock Chase Council’s portion of the Council Tax bill.”

Businesses attacked the move saying they already pay enough to the Council.

Rugeley Reptiles Owner Lisa Greatrix, 44 said: “We pay £181 pounds per month in Business Rates and another £100 in Council Tax. This means we pay the Council £300 per month before we even start breathing. It’s disgusting!

“We do not use Council bins at work, the roads are hardly up to scratch around here and we rarely see a road sweeper! How can they justify all this money?”

Coles Bar Rugeley Owner Gavin Houston, 32 said: “Business rates and Council Tax are very much preventing me from taking on full time staff. The bill per year is more than my wage bill for all of my staff.

“I run two businesses in Rugeley and the one premises costs £500 per week in Business Rates it is a rip off. We live in Rugeley Town not a major city!”

Leader of the Council Opposition Conservative Group Cllr Paul Snape believes the decision has been taken for ‘political reasons’ by the Labour run Council.

Mr Snape said: “I believe the wrong decision was made to increase Council Tax. South Staffordshire Council residents pay almost 50% less across all bands, they supply excellent services and are freezing Council Tax next year.

“As well as increasing Council Tax by 2% Labour are increasing Council House Rents by 3.1% and all fee’s except car parking charges by 3.5%.

“This is a political decision taken by Labour in Cannock to punish residents.”

Ends

Word Count: 650

News Day story

Hednesford Traders Association Chairman David Wisehall admits confidence amongst his members is ‘very low.’

Mr Wisehall believes recent adverse weather has had a negative effect upon trade.

This is despite the opening of the brand new £50 million pound Tesco store.

He said: “One business has closed down since Christmas and one is on the verge of shutting it’s doors.

“Confidence amongst my members is very low at the moment.

“As I am sure it is in most high street stores up and down the country.

“There is no sign of an upturn in fortunes, so it’s just a case of toughing it out and hoping to survive.

“An indication of this is that the new Tesco store does not seem to be very busy.”

A new £5 million pound out of town shopping park is expected to be opened by 2014.

Trebor Developments and Harton Estate says the park will be expected to create up to 60 jobs.

The park will be built beside the M6 toll near to the Orbital retail park.

Mr Wisehall has confessed that this new development could have an ‘negative effect’ upon trade in Hednesford.

However, he believes that the British high street still has a future.

He said: “Out of town shopping does impact upon the high streets.

“I believe that high streets still have a future, but they need to adapt drastically to attract customers.

“I am currently exploring ways to achieve this in Hednesford, which is in an enviable position that out of town shopping is in our town.

“Surely it is not beyond me and my members to exploit this fact.”

Business rates across Cannock Chase has risen by 12.6% in just eleven years.

Cannock Chase District Council’s business rates scheme offers traders free rates for a year or a £10,000 contribution to costs.

Mr Wisehall criticized the scheme saying it has hardly helped his members.

He said: “The Cannock Chase District Council business rates scheme has had a negligible affect on most new and existing businesses in Hednesford.

“Most businesses in the town qualify for the Government’s small business rate relief scheme, which has been extended until April 2014, so they do not pay any business rates at all.

“The Council’s scheme would benefit new businesses, which have a rateable of over £6,000 per year.”

The Hednesford Traders Association expects no businesses in town to expand this year.

Mr Wisehall said: “None of the independent businesses in the town are doing well enough to contemplate an expansion on that scale.”

Ends

Word Count: 425

I competition piece

To stay in Europe or to leave Europe that is the question, but what is the answer?

David Cameron last Wednesday promised to give the British people a referendum in 2017 on our membership of the EU.

Unfortunately here’s the catch-David Cameron must be returned to Westminster in 2015 with a clear majority.

His negotiation strategy with other European leaders must fail.

Importantly Cameron hasn’t set out the rules of such a ‘referendum.’

Would a yes vote need to have 50%, 70%, 80% etc of the public’s suppourt to be acted upon?

The promise of a referendum is a red herring it won’t happen. 

Our Prime Minister is committed ‘heart and soul’ to keeping us in Europe.

Europe’s biggest economy is also devoted to keeping us in Brussels.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is ready to talk about giving powers back to Britain.

She wants Britain to play an active role in the EU and she will not allow us to leave.

Therefore David Cameron will come back to Parliament and the people with an agreement from Europe.

British business will fight tooth and nail to keep us in Europe.

They fear their interests will be affected greatly by the people getting their say.

In a recent open letter to Cameron, they stressed that any threat to Britain’s EU membership, would create ‘damage’ and ‘uncertainty’ for British Business.

The prospects of Britain’s people getting a final say on Europe seems quite slim then?

What about Labour and the Lib Dems surely they support the people getting a say on Europe.

Well... No they don’t they have both said it is not the right time for such a vote.

We haven’t had a say on Europe since 1975, so when is the right time going to be? ED? Nick?

How about our biggest ally surely America will back us in what we decide.

No they wont. President Obama believes Britain is stronger in Europe and gives the United States a strong voice within the 27 strong block.

So to the 53% of British people according to the Times newspaper, who want to leave Europe and allow the laws of the land to be decided by our parliament.

What should we do?

If you want to leave Europe vote UKIP. Nigel Farage is the only political leader who wants Britain to leave Europe.

UKIP are doing well in the polls and are according to some now the third party in British politics.

Britain needs to answer this 40 year old question decisively.

If you want to have your say don’t vote Labour, Lib Dem or Tory vote for Nigel Farage in 2015.

Only then can Britain regain control over it’s domestic affairs.

Ends

Word count: 450

Independent Piece

Britain is still a nation of tea drinkers according to a recent survey conducted by Travel Lodge.

Although, tea drinking as a custom dates back to the third millennium, it did not become popular in Britain until the mid 17th century.

Over 78 million cups of tea is brewed everyday across the United Kingdom.

It was the Dutch, who first brought tea to Europe in 1610. But, it wasn’t until 1658 that the first tea advert appeared in a British newspaper.

Tea is a drink loved by every age group. A third of 18-24 year olds, said that tea helps them to unwind.

A fifth of adults carry their favourite tea bags around with them.

Fifty-three per cent of Brits need a cup tea to brighten up their mornings.

British tea is usually, brewed in a China tea pot, but the survey suggests this could become obsolete.

Only 16% of people prepare tea in a traditional tea pot. With eight out of 10 complaining they do not have the time or patience to make tea in a teapot.

40% of adults just dip their teabags into hot water for only a minute.

When tea became popular in Great Britain, there was an urgent need for good handles, to suit the nation’s needs.

This lead to a growth in the pottery and porcelain industry, and the prosperity of modern companies including Wedgwood, Spode and Royal Dalton.

The time old tradition of the-British tea break-is alive and well. Afternoon tea is said to have come from one person.

Anna 7th Duchess of Bedford.

She launched the idea, in the early 1800s’. It was designed to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner, which in some cases might not be served until 8pm.

Many British companies still observe the custom of the tea break, with the most popular times being between 10am to 3pm.

By 1700 over 500 coffee houses sold tea. The first coffee house merchant to offer tea, was Thomas Garway, who owned an establishment in Exchange Alley.

Tea became the favourite drink of all classes by 1750, and that continues to this day.

63 per cent of Brits enjoy a cup of tea, after a long day at work.

The upper classes have tried to control the growth of tea for centuries.

King Charles II introduced in 1676 an act, which taxed tea, and required coffee house operators to apply for a license.

By the middle of the 18th century, the duty on tea had reached a staggering 119%.

The heavy taxation lead to a new trade of tea smuggling.

Even smuggled tea was expensive, and therefore, very profitable. 

Many smugglers added other substances such as, Willow, Licorice and Sloe leaves.

Used tea leaves were also redried and added to fresh leaves.

A pound of the cheapest tea cost about one-third of a skilled workers wages.

In 1784 William Pitt junior introduced the Communication act, which lowered the tax on tea to 12.5%.

Which, ended the smuggling trade. 

Ends

Word Count: 503

Sub Editing Essay- Editing and Production

The Roles and duties of a Sub Editor: discuss

 

My essay will be a comprehensive analysis of the tasks a Sub Editor faces and what issues they encounter every day in their work, and why they are so important to the industry. Finally, I will also look at my favourite national newspaper, and my least favourite newspaper, and provide detailed justification for my choices.

Many qualities are required of a Sub Editor; they must for example have a thorough understanding of media law. Hodgson (1998) explains that: “A newspaper is guilty of Libel, when it can be proved that a person’s character or livelihood has been damaged as a result of statements made in the paper.”(Hodgson,1998,p.161) If a Sub Editor fails to spot a potential legal trap within a story, it can lead to a dangerous outcome for the newspaper.

In 2009, The Daily Express published a two page feature story with the headline ‘Can Dec anally match Ant,’ the story was originally headlined ‘Can Dec finally match Ant,’ but it was decided there had been too many headlines with the word finally in, so it was decided to cut out the word finally. Sadly, someone forgot to change both sides of the spread. The a of at was left on one page, and the nally of finally on another. Which meant the incriminating headline was published. (The Guardian. 2009)

If Dec had felt his reputation had been damaged, he could sue the Express for Libel. Libel cases are very expensive, and if Dec won the newspaper would face a crippling fine. This is why a Sub Editor is important, because if they can spot these mistakes before publication, they save the newspaper a lot of time and money.

Another important requirement of a Sub Editor, is they must be able to ensure that a news story is accurate. Quinn (2011) points out that the PCC code of conduct states: “The press must take care not to publish inaccurate, misleading or distorted information.” (Quinn,2011,p.455) In 1986 The Sun published a story headlined ‘Freddie Star ate my hamster.’

Max Clifford whilst speaking at the Leveson Inquiry (The Telegraph.2012) said that the Sun published the story with his permission despite it being untrue. Sub Editors must ensure that copy is accurate, without accuracy the newspaper loses the trust of its reader. Without a readership the newspaper will become defunct. The Sub Editor is important because, they can argue with the Editor not to run the story on the reasoning, that it breaks the main principle of Journalism, which is accuracy.

Sub Editors must be able to use human emotion to anticipate how stories of a sensitive nature should be handled. Quinn (2011) explains that the PCC code of conduct clause five states: “In cases involving personal grief or shock, enquiries and approaches must be made with sympathy, and discretion and publication handled sensitively.” (Quinn,2011p.456) in 2010 The Sunday Times was found to be in breach of The PCC code of conduct clause five.

Mrs Deborah Rundle, had complained to the PCC that the Sunday Times coverage of her son’s death had been inaccurate and insensitive. But while the investigation was being conducted, a freelance reporter contacted the family through Facebook. They were informed the family did not want to speak in light of the compliant, the reporter then asked for details about the case, and sent a news article to Mrs Rundle’s daughter asking her to highlight what was wrong with the piece. (Journalism.2010)

This lead to a second compliant to be made to the PCC that the reporter had intruded into grief and shock. The Sub Editor’s role here is crucial, as they should be able to look at any news piece through the eyes of a reader. They then should be able to use human emotion to anticipate whether the coverage of Mrs Rundle’s son death was insensitive, if they felt it was then the story should have not been published.

Equally, Evans (2000) argues that a Sub Editor must be able to use the most important skill within their arsenal: common sense. In 2010 The New York Post published a story claiming the USA football team, had won their opening match of the World Cup against England, despite the result actually being a draw. (The Sun.2010)

The story received wide spread criticism from all of national media, and made the USA, where football is not a highly regarded sport look ill informed. The Los Angeles Times ran the story with the headline ‘US recovers on England’s fumble. This is a further damaging inaccuracy, as fumble is a term associated with American Football, and is not used in the British game, the sports Sub Editor should have been able to use his or her common sense to understand that in most sports, if the score is tied it does not indicate a victor.

The Sentinel newspaper is a regional paper that covers the whole of Stoke on Trent, it has reported on local issues since 1854. The newspaper uses a variety of different pictures, which is appealing and should catch the reader’s eye, and the amount of news The Sentinel provides on local life on Stoke is important, as its circulation is for the Stoke on Trent area so it needs to supply local stories to attract the general of public of Stoke to buy the newspaper. But, The Sentinel is not very colourful its pages are white and perhaps using a red colour, which is symbolic to the city’s football club Stoke City FC, could attract a wider readership by using the city’s history to increase sales.

If the news pages of the Sentinel were to be improved, as previously mentioned more colour should be used above and below to catch the readers. The use of the colour red could do this, as it is symbolic to the city’s football club Stoke City FC. Furthermore, more should be done to break up the text heavy pages of the newspaper. This could be achieved by using cut out pictures, and changing their shape to resemble a circle just like the I newspaper does, and the paper could look at cutting out quotes and adding them into the main body of the text. This would then emphasise the point The Sentinel is trying to make to the readers, and would be more appealing visually. This paper has been mentioned, because it is a good newspaper that provides detailed content to the people of Stoke on Trent, and it serves its purpose of informing their readership about local life in their area.

Finally, The Times newspaper is a national newspaper that has been established in Great Britain since 1848 and it is known for its in depth and serious analysis of life in the UK. The newspaper detailed coverage is brilliant, as it provides the reader with detailed information about decisions that are being made for example by the government. Its tone is serious unlike many of the Tabloid newspapers, and this means their readership is likely to be able to make an informed decision about key events that are happening during their lifetime. The paper also provides plenty of breakers for its detailed news coverage, which means the reader is not overwhelmed by text, and visual elements are more likely to catch a person’s eye than a page completely covered in text. This could mean the difference between the paper being picked up and paid for or being left on the news stand.

In conclusion my essay, provides a detailed forensic analysis that highlights the duties and responsibilities of a Sub Editor, it also outlines the important skills that are required that ensures that a Sub Editor can complete their job effectively ,and that they can spot and prevent difficult situations from arising that could damage the newspaper’s viability in the long term. Also my essay highlights that a visual element is essential in attracting a readership, as visual elements are more likely to mean that the paper is bought, and in the tough economic climate and challenges the newspaper industry faces it is crucial that they maintain a strong readership. Of equal importance it is crucial that newspapers include plenty of breakers on their news page to maintain a reader’s interest, also pictures can tell a thousand words, so if an image can convey better than the text can a Sub Editor must ensure that the picture is included within the story. Finally, the role of the Sub Editor is crucial in a newspaper organisation, as in an age where more and more reporters are forced to sub their own news page this creates bad practice, as without a Sub Editor the production and values of Journalism will fail, it can also be dangerous as newspapers could become extinct without a skilled pair of hands being there to spot the dangers, and rectify them. Every person within a news organisation from The Times to The Sentinel benefits from having a fresh critical mind reading their copy.

Ends

Word Count: 1,500

 

Bibliography

Books

Evans,H. (2000).Essential English for Journalists Editors and Writers.London: Pimlico

Hodgson,FW.(1998).New Subediting Apple Mac, Quark Express and after.Oxford: Focal Press

Quinn,F.(2011). Law For Journalists.Harlow: Pearson

 

Websites

The Guardian (2009) Accidental Headline of the year [Online]. Available from: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/mediamonkeyblog/2009/sep/01/express-ant-dec-headline-error [Accessed: 5^th December 2012]

Journalism (2010) PCC upholds intrusion into grief or shock compliant against Sunday Times [Online]. Available from: http://www.journalism.co.uk/news/pcc-upholds-intrusion-into-grief-or-shock-complaint-against-sunday-times/s2/a537188/ [Accessed: 5^th December 2012]

The Sun (2010) USA Beats England 1-1 [Online]. Available from: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3013091/.html [Accessed: 5^th December 2012]

The Telegraph (2012) Leveson Inquiry: The truth behind Freddie Starr ate my hamster [Online]. Available from: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/leveson-inquiry/9072308/Leveson-Inquiry-the-truth-behind-Freddie-Starr-ate-my-hamster.html [Accessed: 5^th December 2012]

 

Evaluation

My submissions were pitched to the Lancashire Telegraph, Sheffield Green Un, Newport Advertiser and Evo Stik Northern Premier League website.

These publications were chosen, because they were all relevant to the interviews I conducted.

The pieces fitted the length for each publication, as I followed the length advised to me by the reporters and Editors I spoke to.

Each pieces content is very suitable, as each story is relevant to the local area of that publication, and as such will interest their readership.

For example my piece on Mark Atkins suited the Lancashire Telegraph, as he is an Ex Blackburn Rovers player, and is fondly remembered by Rovers fans who all read the paper.

The style guides of each publication were adhered to, as I spent my time reading them before submission to find out for example how they like quotes to be used.

My work meets the standards of the industry, as each piece, has been published and has passed tough Editorial scrutiny.

The process could have been improved if I’d spent more time reading the publications I pitched too and if they had briefed me on their requirements beforehand.

I also should of received a copy of the paper for each published story for submission purposes.

Craig Birch Express and Star reporter- email: craig.birch@expressandstar.co.uk number: 01543506311.

Paul Thompson Sheffield Star reporter- email: paul.thompson@thestar.co.uk number: 01142767676.

Andy Cryer Lancashire Telegraph Editor- email: acryer@nqnw.co.uk number: 012545298243.

David Watters Evo Stik Northern Premier League Press Officer- email: dwatters@evostikleague.co.uk. (No number provided)

Ends

Word Count: 250

The perils of being young

With higher tuition fees, higher prices, less opportunities and a lack of jobs, how can young people find jobs in this economy?

At 17, the world is supposed to be your oyster, if you don’t like the idea of working for someone else or training for years and coming out with massive debts ,the Office of National Statistics shows that 315,000 young people currently in full time education are unemployed. Why not take a risk and start your own business?

Lord Sugar, did it and his now worth an estimated £730 million, and Sarah Allison hopes to follow in the business tycoon’s footsteps by opening up her own art business called Lopsi Art.

Sarah, 19 says her business is very unique and down to the imagination of her clients.

She said: “I have started Lopsi Art, without any financial aid or assistance, as I am determined not to fall into a spiral of debt. 

“I considered studying to become an arts teacher, at Staffordshire University, but I felt trapped by the rigid structures of a nine to five routine.

“I also could not justify spending thousands of pounds on a degree, just to receive a bit of paper that told me I can draw.

“The name of my business came to me during my last job my co-workers called me a little un at work. I was always the outgoing one, so I decided to combine the two and feel it has a strong ring to it that sticks in the customers mind.”

“Lopsi Art allows me to express myself.”

If you’re thinking- But how do I start a business on my own with no help, advice or training… You may be interested in taking part in the West Midlands Young Enterprise award scheme. There, has been an 18% increase in apprentices across Staffordshire with over 8,540 people taking up apprenticeship schemes overall and 5,020 of these individuals being under the age of 25.

The West Midlands Young Enterprise award scheme is a major player in developing young talent, it has the support of 3,500 businesses and over 5,000 schools, colleges, universities and local communities.

It is the UK’s biggest and largest business and education charity, every year over 220,000 young people learn about enterprise and the working world with the help of 3,500 companies.

They argue that a very narrow focus on exams, and academic study can side line and severely weaken young people’s employment skills.

David Barker, Staffordshire’s Regional manager of West Midlands Young Enterprise says those who take part in their scheme have a massive ‘advantage’ over University graduates.

He said: “Young people learn by doing, we help them learn how to run a business for a whole academic year which will give them a tremendous advantage over someone with a degree.

“Our youngsters learn employment skills, the kind of skills that schools do not teach young people. The national curriculum is too heavily focused on how to pass exams. We are teaching them how to get jobs!”

He added: “Ninety per cent of young people just want to get on in life and earn a living, and here at youth enterprise we are determined to help them do that.”

JCB certainly thinks apprenticeships are worthwhile… Their £22 million pound academy, which opened in Rocester, Staffordshire, is estimated to create up to 100 jobs for young people. In 2011 450,000 people became apprentices.

Simon Wood, Technical expert recruit leader of undergraduates said they provide young people with the skills they need to find work within JCB.

The digging firm pays their apprentices on average between £9,000, and £13,000 depending on their age.

He said: “In the last few months, JCB have taken on 53 apprentices, 20 are doing advanced apprenticeships, 19 are craft apprentices, 14 are log apprentices and three are foundation apprentices.

“I think apprenticeships are vital to the British economy, they allow businesses to train people up to the standards a company needs without employing too many people.

“This then allows a business to expand and increase their profit margin.”

Wood, admits that academic study still has a vital role to play in preparing people for the work place.

He said: “Academic study is still relevant, as the more advanced jobs will still require people to go to university.

“In the more practical roles, apprenticeships will give young people over an average four year period the practical experience they need in order to find work.”

National Union of Teachers member for South Staffordshire Gordon Thornhill, said he would like the public to treat both vocational and academic learners equally.

Thornhill said: “Either forms of study, are very important. Vocational training provides young people with on the job training, and there is certainly plenty of job vacancies for those who study apprenticeships.

He added: “Whereas, academic training provides young people with the knowledge they need about the job they plan to go into, and applying the necessary skills needed for employment.”

For those of you who are shy, and feel you need to develop your confidence Linda McQuade, training development manager at the North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, believes you should become an apprentice.

She said: “I believe apprenticeships are an excellent way of allowing young people to grow in confidence, and develop strong communication skills.

“People rely heavily on apprentices; they do not sit around from the moment they are taken on as an apprentice, they become a full member of staff with a wide range of responsibilities.”

But, McQuade explains to progress further up the employment ladder young people will need an ‘academic grounding.’

“Academic study is most definitely still relevant to gain progress within the work place young people need to understand this side if they wish to make an impact within the work place.

“Employers are also waking up to the opportunity of allowing their employees to advance their careers. I myself studied and completed my master’s degree which was paid for by my employers.”

For those of you, put off by the debts University incurs, this may be the ideal career route. What this proves is although, times are tough for young people there is still plenty of opportunities out there… It is just down to 16-25 year olds to grab theirs with both hands.  To find out more about Lopsi Art please email Sarah at sarahjane-a@sky.com or call 077429027580.If you are interested and would like to take part in West Midlands Young Enterprise, please call 01865776845 or email info@young-enterprise.org.uk.