'It could be you tackling misinformation' Why Wigan Today is backing this media career campaign
If you think local media is just newspapers and court coverage - think again.
Sister brands the Wigan Observer and Wigan Post are backing the Inspiring the Future campaign to motivate young people to consider a career in media.
The six-month pilot scheme is being run run by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Education and Employers, an education charity that connects young people with volunteers from the world of work to broaden horizons and inspire future career choices in an achievable way.
The programme will be interactive, practical and engaging, with a strong focus on reaching young people in disadvantaged areas.
The project will bring media professionals into primary and secondary schools, giving pupils the chance to hear first-hand about the wide range of roles available across the industry.
Nicola Adam, editor in chief for Iconic Media North West, said: “When young people think of media, particularly local media, they think of the local newspapers that – as digital natives – they probably don’t read and consider have nothing to do with them.
"In reality they are probably interacting with local news brands in their communities regularly via their phones: on Tik Tok, Instagram and numerous other social media for sport, for news, for information and advice as they scroll their devices every day.
“But with that scrolling comes a great deal of disinformation and fake news from other sources which we, as media, have a role to tackle head on and this in itself creates new opportunities in news and sport across video and social.
"Newspapers are what launched our brands but it’s not the only thing we are anymore. Our role is that trusted source amid the unfiltered noise.
“The industry needs young people, a fresh take, and a new generation to come along and take on the challenge of media in the latest iteration of the digital age and it’s not just journalism.
"We need commercial and business minds, creative thinkers, videographers, investigators, content creators and talented social media operators. The opportunities are myriad.
Nicola added that as part of this, those who work in local media need to do their bit to inspire young minds.
She said: “I encourage all my colleagues in the industry, from reporting to commercial and everything inbetween, to get involved and volunteer time. We also needs schools to shout up if they want to get involved.”
If you work in local media in any capacity and want to inspire the next generation, this is an opportunity not to miss. While the project, which is also supported by the National Media Association, is based in the North West, you don’t need to be based here to take part.
By getting involved, you’ll help young people discover different roles, understand the routes into them, and see that people from all backgrounds shape our media.
You can volunteer as little as one hour and will be connected to schools and supported by colleagues from Inspiring the Future.
And education establishments, from primary schools to colleges, are also encouraged to sign up to take part.
For more information about the campaign or to sign up as a volunteer or school, visit www.inspiringthefuture.org/campaigns/inspiring-the-future-of-local-media