THREE STORIES OF SUCCESS - THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL JOURNALISM

I was reminded of my days working at the SalfordOnline office when we based on Bright Road, Eccles sat in a room with no windows, writing up news stories and finding our feet with the help of trainee journalists from Salford University who came to us looking for work experience, and we certainly needed their help.

I must have "worked" with about a dozen would be hacks and it soon became apparent who would make it in this murky profession, the ones' who always managed to cover a story without prompting and could, compose a readable finished article in time.

SalfordOnline folded in 2016 and hopefully we helped provide a platform for those with higher aspirations, to move onto bigger, better and paid jobs, basically anywhere but SOL!

Three of those stalwart chaps who did go onto make it as they say, still keep in touch with me and no, I don't owe them money, and I was reminded of them when today when Clive Hammond who at present is a Journalist at The Daily Express in London, sent me an article that he had written about Ernest Shackleton the Polar explorer, as today is his birthday, Ernest's not Clive, and here is a link to it...

Clive recalled his memories of working at Salford Online:

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So I'm a senior investigative reporter at Express.co.uk, dealing in long-read articles as well as working freelance for the BBC Radio 4 and World Service these days.

SalfordOnline not only introduced me to the power of local communities, but the power and importance of local journalism.

It helps provide a voice to those who so often feel alone and isolated while offering a community for people to be genuinely involved in.

As a writer from Southampton trying to make my way in Salford I was blessed that so many people I met helped me on my way, not least Tony Flynn, who supported my endeavours with freebies, new friends and a faultless attitude to help me on my way.

I learned how to craft a story, interview and most importantly write, something which has stood me in good stead for the years since I worked there.

Oh, and working as a court reporter back on my hometown rag, the Salford beat taught me that not every crook is a criminal.

 

And moving swiftly on, the next chap who cut his teeth with us, is Dan MCLaughlin who now works as an award winning Podcast Editor of Laudable, looking after the niche and community podcasts for Reach plc, based at the Manchester Evening News.

I asked Dan for his printable memories of SalfordOnline, he said:

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“I simply wouldn’t be doing what I am doing now without Salford Online you have Tony Flynn and Tom Rodgers to blame! It offered the perfect training ground as a journalist to report on the real stories that are impacting communities. And it is perhaps no surprise that it’s my job now to do the exact same - albeit in podcast form. From council meetings to co-ops, the theatre to real life stories, Salford Online illustrated to me how extraordinary so-called ordinary people are. And it cemented my status as an adopted Salfordian.

"I am proud of this city, and in particular its people, and it was a pleasure to meet them, and hear their wonderful tales and anecdotes along the way. Salford Online supported up-and-coming journalists, especially students at Salford University, giving them the chance to report on the important issues impacting the lives of our residents. I am a Salfordian and proud. I am Salford Online and proud.

"Tony Flynn definitely owes me a pint for sharing these kind words.”  

As you can see both men are drunk I am happy to say...

Finally, Liam Thorp who is know the award winning Political Editor on The Liverpool Echo, also worked at SalfordOnline and shared a desk amongst other thing with me, Liam was a very likeable person as was/are Dan and Clive and look back at those heady days with a wry smile and fond memories.

This to me just shows the importance of young journalists learning their craft at ground zero, the streets of Salford and Eccles, and nothing would give me greater pleasure if somehow salford.media could obtain permanent premises and we could once again take on new blood and see what new, talent is out there... watch this space things are about to change.