New journalism resources page launched to help RPCV members

Grabbing tips and advice from experienced journalists is now easier than ever, with the release of the Rural Press Club of Victoria’s Member Hub.

The first batch of an ongoing series of guides for Victorian journalists is now live, including tips, tricks and advice from an array of experienced reporters and subject matter experts.

In its ongoing efforts to support and strengthen regional journalism, the club hopes the pages will provide useful information and advice for young and senior reporters alike – from those hoping to kickstart their careers to reporters wanting to sharpen their skills.

The Member Hub will cover the spectrum of diverse skills and knowledge the modern regional journalist is expected to master, including:

• How to be a better regional reporter: Loddon Herald managing director Chris Earl shares his insights on how to be the best regional journalist possible, from embedding yourself in a community to building local networks and trust.
• Covering courts: Get the ins and outs of court reporting from a chat with The Age journalist Tammy Mills, Victorian Court of Appeal Justice Richard Niall SC and criminal lawyer and prosecutor Sally Flynn QC.
• Reporting on politics: From being the RPCVs 2018 Ray Frawley Young Journalist of the Year to breaking major stories as an ABC political reporter, Bridget Rollason knows what she’s talking about when it comes to covering politics. Get her tips on how to do it best.
• Covering emergency animal disease outbreaks: Part and parcel of being a regional journalist in Victoria is eventually reporting on emergency animal disease outbreaks. Read the best tips from RPCV’s 2023 workshop with Victorian chief veterinary officer Graeme Cooke, Victorian primary producer Tim Kingma, former Agriculture Victoria chief executive Matt Lowe, and Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action communications manager Justine Severin.
• How to write better features: Fresh from taking home the 2023 Walkley for Feature Writing (along with just about every other award in the country), ABC National Regional Reporting Team legend Jeremy Story Carter shares his advice on how to get the most out of your feature stories.
• Vertical videos tips and tricks: It’s become the news medium of choice for many Victorians, and the ABC’s vertical video guru Andie Noonan is here to help you nail those videos for social media.

RPCV executive committee member Harrison Tippet said the idea behind the pages was simple – to give journalists easy access to good-quality advice on a broad range of topics and to help them continue developing and fine-tuning their skills.

“In a time where newsrooms are more stretched than ever, it can often be difficult to find the right advice or mentoring for both young and experienced journalists alike,” Mr Tippet, a two-time RPCV Journalist of the Year, said.

“We’re expected to know how to do virtually everything as modern reporters, which is why the club hopes these resource pages will make it easier for our members to access quality tips and advice from those who know best.

“This first handful of pages is just the beginning, with plenty more helpful advice on the way.”

The Member Hub will continue to be updated with new guides added regularly, so keep an eye on the RPCV website!

Only RPCV members will have access to the Resources page. Individual memberships are $39, while student memberships cost $25. Become a member today.

Have an aspect of journalism or photography you’d like to learn more about or have some tips and tricks of the trade you’d like to share? Drop the club a line at admin@ruralpressclubvictoria.com.au.