I have just finished a very interesting short course at the BBC on the basics of journalism/reporting for community reporters, which was organised by MCIN (Manchester Community Information Network).

I was part of a “guinea pig” group to test out the course, which is aimed at encouraging community reporting and showing people how to find a story and how to report it in an interesting way that will encourage people to read it.

The first visit was to the studios to see North West Tonight being broadcast. We saw how it all went together and how the news as planned can and does change even while the programme is being broadcast. Afterwards we had the chance to meet and chat with Gordon Burns. Unfortunately, Diane Oxberry had to dash off that evening so we were unable to chat with her, though we did have the opportunity the following week when we saw the lunchtime news being broadcast.

The other two sessions were practical sessions with Jim Clarke, News Gathering Editor, North West Tonight. He explained the basics of finding a story, writing the story and then presenting it either in written form or through film.

I can report that all the stories about how awful BBC canteen food is are completely wrong. The only thing I was not happy with was that the course finished just as it was becoming really interesting!