Personal Evaluation

Last week I submitted my portfolio of work for Multimedia Reporting 1, worth 60% of my module total. Not only did I gain writing experience I also gained interview skills and design skills.

Personally, I feel that I have come along since my Princes Street interview when compared to my profile of Jane Laughry and even my BMI article. I do believe, however, that there are areas that I need to improve, especially my introductions and conclusions. I think that the main bodies of my articles are my strongest point but they may require more quotes in order to add humanity and to further support my articles. However, I must also remember that I have only been in University for 3 months and that I am progressing well in other areas.

My Study Skills course is going well with passes in 2/3 assignments so far, the 3rd being due next week. For Introduction to Journalism I have achieved a 1st in one of my essays and I am currently awaiting my 2nd mark.

I feel that I have progressed well in University so far and I hope this is reflected in my remaining assessments, particularly MMR1 as it is the practical aspect of journalism, which is essential.

Visit to Parliament

My visit to Parliament was one to be remembered. It started off interesting and it was exciting to see how MSP’s debate with one another. However, it did begin to get repetitive and tedious. Below is the article that I submitted based on the issue – Scottish Rural Housing.

Today saw another debate on the future of the Scottish countryside’s economy as the issue of the shortage of rural housing in Scotland was once again raised. However, it appeared that the issue was met with the unanimous view that housing is needed.

Maureen Watt MSP, the convener of the Rural Affairs and Environmental Committee, whose speech was greeted with applause by the public who were present, led the debate with her presentation of the problems that lack of rural housing is causing in the Scottish countryside. She said that although there had been “quite a few membership changes” since her joining in spring 2009, she was committed to the goal of providing housing and sustaining the rural areas through the ethos that “more needs to be done.” Although she joined when “Howard from Halifax was still singing 100% mortgages in our faces” Maureen showed confidence and a drive to do the best for young families who could not afford housing. She put the problems present down to procedures which were too strict and “bureaucratic” and this was supported by Liam McArthur who stated that “all parties were singing from the same hymn sheet on this issue.”

The main argument put forward by the parties, however, was the fact that there is a false perception by some that the countryside needs to be empty, as Maureen said, “It is ironic that Scotland lies empty, yet land is hard to get.” The main concern coming across was that the young families that could not afford housing in rural Scotland were moving to the cities, thus it needs to be recognised that the economic future of the countryside was in jeopardy. The issue of vacant housing in the countryside was also raised as it was deemed a “waste” of valuable space, yet legislation did not allow contractors to build more housing and this led to the recurrent wish from the MSP’s to hear “the minister’s thoughts.” It was also revealed that there is a £146 million budget to deliver 1,300 rural buildings in the coming years, with the aim to make “the public pound go further.” It was also called for a government reform on legislation and for “attitudes to be relaxed” in order to allow rural areas to develop for “long term sustainability.” Liam McArthur outlined that there “would be no need for homelessness legislation if houses were available.”

It appears that although the reports were unanimous from each party the issue of the minister’s “luke warm” response was brought up again and again, but the parties concerned are still pushing ahead to increase the amount of rural housing available in Scotland in order to protect the economy on a long term basis.

My time so far

Having been at Napier for 7 weeks now I feel it is time to post on how my journalistic skills have developed.

When I was first set my assignment to interview someone in the Princes Street gardens it was a bit daunting as I never imagined approaching someone and asking them about their opinion or n event that they felt passionate about. However, when I approached Jean Higson, sitting alone in the gardens drinking lemonade, it was quite easy.

Following this I had to interview a journalist that I admire over the phone, and although I had already experienced the interview process this was a completely different kettle of fish. I decided to interview Jane Loughrey, the principal reporter at Ulster Television. I kept putting it off as I was nervous that she would be assessing my performance, having 20 years of experience behind her, but this was not the case. She was patient, kind and boosted my confidence greatly, making me feel as if I could carry out a successful interview with other people.

My visit to Scottish Parliament was also an experience that was worthwhile. When it first began I was motivated and interested but after an hour it began to get repetitive and tedious, but I stuck with it, even though the topic of the day was rural housing. I guess this is an insight into the less exciting side of being a journalist.

I will post my interviews and articles in the coming days.