This call was made to BBC Three Counties Radio this morning and has become a bit of an internet sensation since. I'll say no more and let Melvin do the rest...
The topic of unpaid internships has been rather prolific in the news over recent months. In fact, Jon Snow even mentioned it at the Bob Friend Memorial Lecture last night, stating that the media’s use of unpaid interns is ‘alarming’.
The Daily Mail also published a couple of pieces on unpaid interns yesterday. One piece, titled ‘A degree in slavery: The highly-educated graduates forced to work for nothing for MPs, celebrities and even charities’, highlighted the problem of unpaid internships in Parliament. You can also check out my map, which shows every MP’s advertisement for an unpaid intern since January.
View MPs and constituencies adverting for unpaid interns in a larger map
A group of media projects and charities in Preston are going to receive funding from NESTA’s Neighbourhood Challenge, aimed at helping to change their community for the better.
Any other third years interested and want to make a group?
Be part of the Royal Wedding coverage on Sky News
Sky News are looking for short films about celebrations in different parts of the UK to provide an alternative view of the wedding day on 29 April 2011. It could be a conventional street knees-up, a party in a shopping mall, or just a gathering of friends around the TV. Or it could be something more offbeat – anything from a convent to a prison.
They are looking for students (or groups of students) to shoot and edit the films on the day and upload them to Sky News in time for a special programme on the evening of 29 April. You should aim at no more than two minutes on tape.
The key factors are pictures and actuality. Sky News want activity, colour and excitement. And above all they want to hear the voices of the British people - and maybe some visitors. Please do not put a commentary on tape but let the pictures and the actuality tell the story.
What’s in it for you?
If you’re published, you and your university or college get an on-screen credit on network TV.
Sky News will pay £400 for the report they consider to be the best. They will also pay £100 for each report they publish, and £50 for each report they commission but which doesn’t make it on-air.
Interested?
Interested NCTJ students should contact Simon Bucks, Sky News Associate Editor, atsimon.bucks@bskyb.com before Friday, 25 February and put ‘Wedding Video’ in the subject heading.
Arrangements for upload/delivery will be sent out later.
You should pitch your idea, and describe your objectives and treatment. It is important to show you’ve researched it and are 100% committed to delivering the piece.
Sky News want to ensure a wide spread of events – both in type and geography – so won’t necessarily commission all the stories proposed. They will choose the most interesting ideas.
Here's a humorous take on aspiring journalists. It's brilliant, albeit depressing. Enjoy.
