"Working in Journalism" was a free RTS Southern Centre event for journalism students providing up to date information about changing working practices in journalism, as well as informal access to a range of working journalists.

"User generated content rarely proves anything, it's a witness to events. Never forget to ask pertinent questions".  Just one piece of crucial professional advice which emerged from the Southern Centre’s Working in Journalism event held at Southampton Solent University in November.

A hundred and forty journalism students from across the south met with fifteen working journalists ranging from those new to the business to experienced news management figures.

The aim was to provide up to date information about changing working practices in journalism as well as informal access to the visitors to discuss more individual career matters. The event began with a session featuring Head of BBC Newsgathering Jonathan Munro, Head of ITV Digital News Jason Mills and Editor Digital Sky News, Neil Dunwoodie. In a digital world of seemingly easy access to audiences, the representatives of these three trusted news brands stressed the ever present need for young journalists to check accuracy, verify sources maintain truth and build trust.

A very successful part of the afternoon was when the students spent two hours networking informally with all the visiting journalists and thanks are due to them for taking time out of very busy working lives to contribute. Overall the event went down well with the students. Key comments on Twitter included feeling super motivated, a brilliant initiative such an insightful talk, buzzing now to get out there and be a journalist. Reminders if needed, of the importance of maintaining meaningful links between broadcasters and academic courses.

By Gordon Cooper