Online

I have been predominantly working in online journalism and communications for the past ten years.
My roles have ranged from writing and editing to designing and running a range of news sites, e-alerts and newsletters using a variety of different Content Management Systems (CMS) commercially.

I have held the roles of online journalist, web and online content editor, and sub-editor with responsibility for the direction and content of news sites, which has including managing the online presence of multiple titles at a time and project management for redesigns, migrations and user acceptance testing. I have also made extensive use of editing packages for manipulating images and audio-visual material for use online. I have needed to be sensitive to web advertising constraints and produce editorial copy for a number of audiences from specialist news to copywriting for public/client use. I have been integral to a range of redesigns and User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and am trained in legal and ethic law for new media and online publications.

Practical skills : Proficient in a variety of CMS • Editing footage and images for online use • HTML • Adobe Photoshop • Macromedia Dreamweaver MX • Macromedia Flash • Macromedia Fireworks • SEO • Extensive work creating successful social media forums • Training in online media law


Print

I have worked across regional newspapers, specialist magazines and the trade press, all of which have given me a great insight into the layout sensibilities and advertising constraints of differing sectors of the print media. Whilst at IOP I produced imaginative magazine layouts for specialist scientific features using Quark, InDesign and also Freehand to produce innovative supporting illustrations for complex subjects.

I have also edited and published a range of technical materials whilst at B&ES including the Association's first 'living document' designed to be continually updated and downloadable. The Guide to Heat Metering I produced in a short timeframe and worked closely with the team from the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) in order to produce an accurate industry 'first'. More recently I have edited the organisation's Employment Guide which was released earlier this year and the forthcoming Guide to TUPE which is due for release later this year.

Practical skills : Adobe Photoshop • InDesign • Quark • Illustrator • Publisher



Radio

I have broadcast training for radio news bulletins, features and 'as live' studio and telephone interviews for use in hourly bulletins. I also have undertaken voice coaching to allow different presentation methods to be explored for diverse audiences. Whilst at University I held a range of production roles for the student radio news-service including news reader, producer, and news editor, and went on to a work placement after my course at the radio station 2CR FM in Bournemouth (which part of the GWR group). I received on the job training in audio editing at the radio station and went on location to produce radio packages within a tight time frame covering local issues such as licensing laws, environmental issues, pollution and womens' health.

At LexisNexis I took part in the launch of the UK legal news podcasts which gave me an opportunity to use my voice and radio training for the project in order to write and present newsworthy legal news digests for subscribers to download. I have found my broadcast voice coaching to have been a particularly invaluable skill for both public speaking at events and also for organising and ghost writing speeches to ensure time constraints are met.

Practical skills : Voice coaching • Speech writing • Radio broadcast news training • FastEdit • SoundEdit • BRIAN •CoolEditPro • Soundscape


Television

TV broadcasting skills acquired include reporting and writing for TV, producing news packages, editing, reporting to camera on location. Learning how to set up the best shots and finding good locations for a visual story were also key factors in the training, as much as working on location in all-weathers then editing to a tight timeframe.

I used my training for Avon Fire and Rescue Service Command Simulation Centre in Bristol to produce 'as-live' Sky News dummy broadcasts to assist in training exercises for co-ordinating emergency responses alongside computer generated simulated fire exercises.

Practical skills : Mini DV cam training, filming on location, Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro