By Shelagh Fogarty is an award-winning journalist and radio presenter, and this year marks 30 years since she made her way onto the airwaves. Originally from Liverpool, she joined the BBC trainee scheme in 1989 and has since had a successful career on Radio 5 Live and, as of 2014, has hosted LBC’s afternoon programme. XCityPlus spoke to Fogarty about her journalism inspirations, broadcasting career and time at LBC.
By How to spit bars with Stormzy, avoid “being a knob”, and nail a celebrity interview
Alex Moshakis, commissioning editor at The Observer Magazine, is well-versed in the art of interviewing famous people. With VIP interviews such as Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard and Twilight heartthrob Robert Pattinson under his belt, he shares his step-by-step guide on how to get the most out of interviews with the stars. His first tip? “Always make sure your Dictaphone is on,” as my eyes dart towards my phone to check that I’m recording.
By Inside fashion journalists’ post-lockdown wardrobes
No more will fashion journalists pine over the clothes they’ve longed to wear from new collections. It’s time to return to walking, breathing examples of the latest trends. XCityPlus asked four leading fashion journalists which outfits they’ve been dying to reveal to the world once it opens up again.
By Seven of the funniest news caption mistakes of the year
Captions; lower-thirds; banners; whatever you want to call them, news captions are as vital to broadcast journalism as an actual interview. But what about when things go wrong or, rather, hilariously right? We’ve hunted down some of the best jokes, blunders, and cheeky digs that caption writers have managed to sneak onto our screens in the last 12 months.
By Travel journalists minus travel: Reflecting on the pandemic
Many of us clung to memories of travel to escape the daily monotony of the lockdown. But what about the benched travel writers who rely on the exploration of remote destinations to make a living? How have they persevered and pivoted through the lockdown without much to write about?
By Journalists are a dog’s best friend, but which pet belongs to which hack?
Here, six journalists give clues as to which four-legged friend is theirs. So, take the quiz and see if you guess correctly while checking out some adorable dog photos.
By Journalists’ tales of self-doubt and success
Everyone experiences self-doubt – or as it is often now known: imposter syndrome. The psychological condition affects 70 per cent of the population, and it isn’t limited to people entering a new profession or starting university – it can affect even the most seasoned of professionals.
XCityPlus spoke to three journalists to find out about their experiences with imposter syndrome, and moments in which they overcame it.
Escape to the country: Young journalists leaving London
For decades, London has enticed thousands of budding young journalists eager to make their mark in the one of the world’s most established and prestigious media hubs. While Fleet Street’s heyday as London’s journalism epicentre may be over, London still houses just over 50 per cent of the UK’s journalists.
By The morning routine of a student journalist in lockdown
Eva Levy talks about her morning routine as a student journalist and gives her top tips on maximising productivity.
By Journalism, OCD, and me
Since starting my Journalism Master’s in September 2020, I’ve noticed my nit-picking perfectionism and incessant checking more than once. After each sentence I write, I have a habit of going back to the beginning of the piece and reading it all through again to make sure it still flows.
By From headlines to hops: Leaving journalism to open a brewery
Opening his own brewery was food writer Daniel Tapper’s dream. The brewer began his journalistic career, writing for the likes of The Guardian, Waitrose Kitchen Magazine and Delicious, but it was while freelancing full time that he began experimenting with home brewing.
By Light bulb moments: How to develop compelling ideas
As journalists we’re often told that ideas are our currency – as if cartoon-like ‘light bulb moments’ pop into our heads on demand. But how often have you found yourself uninspired? Does it ever feel like your well of pitches has run dry? Cara Laskaris speaks to Richard Klein, Oscar-winning factual TV producer and commissioner, about how to develop compelling ideas.
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