As an oldie who helped lead the last local NUJ action back in 1976, I fully sympathise with the put-upon reporters. But I must say it's a shame that NNJ is the only county news outlet still presenting what I call real journalism. Both papers are pale shadows of what they once were. That's not going to change anytime soon!
Whilst I very much support the NUJ, journalism at National World ceased a long time ago. Many of their stories are gleaned from social media posts and the majority of their articles are accompanied by Google images.
Having worked for the Reading Evening Post in the 80s, I remember the days of journos answering phones, getting up in the middle of the night, waking the photographer and standing together in the cold and dark to capture an exclusive story. Those days are long gone for the local papers.
I'm pretty sure all the owners care about now is advertising revenue, given the amount of banner and pop up adverts their site has, making it a truly unpleasant read.
Having wasted £400 on a print/banner advert a couple of years ago, which didn't generate one enquiry, I can only conclude that local print advertising is now a dead duck.
So, combine non existent investigative journalism and expensive pointless advertising, I really only follow them for the public interaction.
The only source that has credibility in Northants now is NN Journal, I'm so grateful you're here because no other medium is doing the work you do.
Thank you Claire for the comments on NN Journal's reporting. It's a sad state of affairs as the longstanding reporters at the Northants Telegraph - of which thankfully there are still a few - I know are frustrated with the way things have gone. They remain there in order to do their best within an industry which is dominated by leaders who have not been innovative enough to move with the times and have sacrificed quality journalism for page views. Sad all round and thanks for your support of our online publication.
It is quite shocking that free speech and good journalism are being sacrificed on the altar of monetary self interests. National World is going to be the death knell of political debate.
I am more shocked that the NUJ class the majority of hacks that work for the Chronicle as journalists.
Just as shocked that people have forgotten why David Montgomery was known throughout the printing world as 'Romel' (Because Monty was on our side.)
The Northampton Chronicle stopped being a news paper a long time ago. And has done more to besmirch Northampton than Northamptonshire County Council, Northampton Borough Council, West Northamptonshire County Council and Northampton Town Council ever have.
The sooner it is put out of its misery the better.
Do the so-called Editors have a strict mandate from the owners as to what their reporters can cover?
So much corruption in high places just within West Northants Council, councillors and officers alike yet nothing from such rags as the Northampton Chronicle.
Why?
It's a story, if exposed, may lead to honesty and accountability amongst our chosen leaders, instead of the gravy train that apparently us the norm.
As a local councillor who relies on our local newspapers to stay on top of local issues amongst other media outlets, i stand behind and support the action local journalists are taking
As an oldie who helped lead the last local NUJ action back in 1976, I fully sympathise with the put-upon reporters. But I must say it's a shame that NNJ is the only county news outlet still presenting what I call real journalism. Both papers are pale shadows of what they once were. That's not going to change anytime soon!
Absolutely this
There is an issue that the print journals do not have that much news in them. Often reporting is regurgitating press statements with little comment.
NN journal succeeds for me because it's is proper investigative journalism so worth investing in.
Thanks David and agree with the regurgitation of media releases, which is a huge frustration to the reporters themselves.
Exactly my view
I don't know where to begin with this.
Whilst I very much support the NUJ, journalism at National World ceased a long time ago. Many of their stories are gleaned from social media posts and the majority of their articles are accompanied by Google images.
Having worked for the Reading Evening Post in the 80s, I remember the days of journos answering phones, getting up in the middle of the night, waking the photographer and standing together in the cold and dark to capture an exclusive story. Those days are long gone for the local papers.
I'm pretty sure all the owners care about now is advertising revenue, given the amount of banner and pop up adverts their site has, making it a truly unpleasant read.
Having wasted £400 on a print/banner advert a couple of years ago, which didn't generate one enquiry, I can only conclude that local print advertising is now a dead duck.
So, combine non existent investigative journalism and expensive pointless advertising, I really only follow them for the public interaction.
The only source that has credibility in Northants now is NN Journal, I'm so grateful you're here because no other medium is doing the work you do.
Thank you Claire for the comments on NN Journal's reporting. It's a sad state of affairs as the longstanding reporters at the Northants Telegraph - of which thankfully there are still a few - I know are frustrated with the way things have gone. They remain there in order to do their best within an industry which is dominated by leaders who have not been innovative enough to move with the times and have sacrificed quality journalism for page views. Sad all round and thanks for your support of our online publication.
Good journalism is accountable and is a gift to democracy. I fully support the NUJ.
It is quite shocking that free speech and good journalism are being sacrificed on the altar of monetary self interests. National World is going to be the death knell of political debate.
I am more shocked that the NUJ class the majority of hacks that work for the Chronicle as journalists.
Just as shocked that people have forgotten why David Montgomery was known throughout the printing world as 'Romel' (Because Monty was on our side.)
The Northampton Chronicle stopped being a news paper a long time ago. And has done more to besmirch Northampton than Northamptonshire County Council, Northampton Borough Council, West Northamptonshire County Council and Northampton Town Council ever have.
The sooner it is put out of its misery the better.
Do the so-called Editors have a strict mandate from the owners as to what their reporters can cover?
So much corruption in high places just within West Northants Council, councillors and officers alike yet nothing from such rags as the Northampton Chronicle.
Why?
It's a story, if exposed, may lead to honesty and accountability amongst our chosen leaders, instead of the gravy train that apparently us the norm.
Where are you C&E ?
As a local councillor who relies on our local newspapers to stay on top of local issues amongst other media outlets, i stand behind and support the action local journalists are taking