So in the interests of modernity, here are just a few responses to my blog this week asking whether a driving licence should be a prerequisite for embarking on a vocational course in journalism.
Firstly, in the article, I wondered what the two main industry training bodies, the BJTC and the NCTJ thought about it - and their answers were the models of clarity I would expect:
NCTJ campaigns for diversity; those who cannot drive, for financial, physical or other reasons, should be encouraged into journalism and supported. #NCTJdiversity @The_JDF— NCTJ (@NCTJ_news) November 20, 2017
Those with long experience of training journalists in HE seem less convinced this attitude has perculated through to the front line decision makers:Being able to drive is not a prerequisite to a career in journalism. There are many jobs that do not require this. Inclusivity is key to ensure the journalism sector is reflective of everyone in our society. pic.twitter.com/lIkg7xwmhV— BJTC (@BJTC_UK) November 20, 2017
Those actually in the business of employing journos - especially in newsrooms outside London - suggested it's not so cut and dried:Dilemma. “We’ll take your students but unless they have a driving licence they’ll be stuck at a desk for placement.” - news editor. Encouraged students to beg for lessons as BirthDay or Xmas gifts. Frustrating when some had genuine talent and solid attitude.— Ronnie Bergman (@regnron) November 19, 2017
I agree. You can get away with it in some sectors of the profession but ultimately no licence or car will prove a hindrance to the job at some point, a matter about which interviewees/news editors will be unforgiving.— Mark Casci (@MarkCasci) November 19, 2017
It's definitely an industry where you maximise your chances massively by having a licence. Which isn't to say they should be a requirement to get on a course!— Tim Johns (@timoncheese) November 19, 2017
Doubly difficult for those trying to break into sport reporting - midweek away fixtures by public transport just not viable. Unfair, yes. But the practical reality.— Richard Wilford (@wilfordwm) November 19, 2017
And a number of current journalists who've been through the system shared their own experiences:It makes life a lot easier if everyone in the news team can drive.— Patrick Dunlop (@PatrickJIDunlop) November 19, 2017
Be practical. If you are chasing a story could you get to the heart of it without a car? The news story you are broadcasting is the most important thing- can you do it without a car- no. If this means alienating individuals then sadly it’s beyond control— Johnny Seifert (@JohnnySeifert) November 19, 2017
Definitely agree! I worked as a broadcast journalist in Manchester for 3 weeks using public transport and that was hell. It makes it very difficult and employers will push you out or won’t offer you a job.— ℰmma (@Emma94B) November 20, 2017
Being honest it hasn't stopped me getting jobs so far at all, but I can see how it would for BJ reporters at BBC etc rather than presenting. Also as my journalism is predominantly celebrity it doesn't require driving to incidents/accidents.— Jen Thomas (@JournoJenThomas) November 19, 2017
Depending on the job and location certainly. But I know that in most parts of the country driving is essential. Even in London it's a HUGE advantage for a reporter. My current job (and several prior) has no need for a car whatsoever— Jonathan Savage (@JSavageTweets) November 19, 2017
I couldn't drive when I began as a trainee journalist. But I was lucky enough to start in an age when regional newspapers had staff photographers, who drove me to jobs (and taught me loads). https://t.co/d481pUzKZq— Mark Hanna (@MarkHannaMedia) November 19, 2017
Doing what I do now as a Newsreader and producer I rarely need to drive (except for the odd OB on a breaking story). But as a freelancer trying to get a foot in the door at local commercials and Beeb...— Liam Smedley (@liamjsmedley) November 19, 2017
...I wouldn’t have got half the work if I couldn’t drive. It’s rare that a new graduate would get to choose doing newsreading and producing. The first thing they’ll probably get to do is reporting...— Liam Smedley (@liamjsmedley) November 19, 2017
...and reporting is very tough if you’re relying on Train and bus times— Liam Smedley (@liamjsmedley) November 19, 2017
A scroll through the Radio job listings would suggest a driving licence is a must for most. Would be harder to do my shifts without one.— Jools Oughtibridge (@joolsmedia) November 19, 2017
And it seems in times not that long past, a driving licence was an overt requirement, even in the big employers:A million years ago when I had my brief journalism career I didn't drive (still don't). Employer attitudes varied!— #HelloMyNameIs_Anna (@real_meaning) November 19, 2017
I seem to recall back in the 70s BBC LR Station Assistants had to hold a driving licence - and it stated in the job spec. Am I right?— Paul Easton (@PaulEaston) November 19, 2017
Core requirement for BA’s and all production staff was clean licence. I remember sweating on my driving lessons whilst at LCP (Now London Media) doing Radio Journalism course because I needed it. BBC LR gave you a permit once EiC passed you fit to drive Radio Car. Keep mast safe!— Jake Fowler (@JakeinYorkshire) November 20, 2017
Although some employers could be more generous than others (Disclosure: Pennine Radio bought me a company Metrocard for a year or so whilst I was a student. Kerching.)I was one in the mid 80s and I think it was a requirement then. Not certain mind— up north (@gerardtubb) November 19, 2017
And not just in London:Very lucky with my first radio job (Central London, 4am start) as they payed for my taxi in. Next job was in Cornwall (I live in Devon) and I started at 6am. I used to drive two and a half hours to get in once a week. Couldn’t have done it if I didn’t drive or have my own car.— Millicent Cooke (@millierosecooke) November 19, 2017
I think we can all agree lack of a licence shouldn't be a bar to a newsroom career. The industry is keen to signal its virtue in stating it isn't. The first hand accounts paint a less clear cut picture.Just remembered. When I freelanced at Wave 102 (Dundee) back in the pleistocene era we took cabs to reporting jobs on the company account. No station car or means to claim expenses— Jonathan Savage (@JSavageTweets) November 20, 2017
Of course, we could all just get on our bikes:
.@jonsnowC4 hasn't done bad for himself https://t.co/0vogebqIwn "I can even claim to be a better journalist for cycling. Not only do I get to stories and interviews faster...." (with usual city/London caveat)— Rob Greenland (@TheSocBiz) November 20, 2017
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