Stephen Pickthall CV 2017
- 1. Stephen Pickthall Full, clean UK driving license Stephen.pickthall@sussexnewspapers.co.uk 07723094153 | @S_Pickers o Experienced and creative senior reporter for a series of weekly newspapers. o Extensive experience covering major news stories, including murder trials and inquests, as well as spearheading influential newspaper campaigns. o A self-motivated, modern journalist with excellent copy-editing skills who understands the importance of digital and clever social media. Media experience Chichester and Bognor Regis Observers (Johnston Press) Chief Reporter (July 2014 present) Providing a constant stream of engaging, accurate and exclusive front page and web stories for the Chichester and Bognor Regis Observers. Delivering hard news stories, court and inquest reporting, features and special reports. Extensive crown court experience, including reporting on serious sexual offence cases, murder trials and celebratory court appearances. Due to a syndication deal with SWNS, many of my stories have made national news. I organised and ran a high-profile hospital newspaper campaign which gained 23,000 signatures and was instrumental in reversing a major 贈235m hospital contract: Working alongside the content editor to set the news agenda,organising the editorial and photographer diary and keeping abreast of forthcoming stories and court appearances. Using Chartbeat and social media, particularly Facebook and Twitter, to engage with readers and promote web stories and videos and help build the companys digital brand. Shooting and editing videos for web. Handling the Observer Community Awards,including writing a script for host Fred Dinenage. Regular slot on regional radio station Spirit FM to discuss the weeks news. West Sussex County Times Sports Editor (Jan 2013 July 2014); Deputy Editor (Jan 2009 Jan 2013) Autonomously produced 18 sports pages a week for the West Sussex County Times and the Crawley Observer,two weekly Johnston Press newspaper titles. Covered Crawley Town FC during their rise to League One,writing match reports, interviews and exclusive back page leads, as well as Sussex County Cricket Club and other sports. Produced special pull-outs, including Crawleys 2010/11 FA Cup run with exclusive interviews with Robbie Savage and the BBCs Dan Walker. Designed creative newspaper pages before Johnston Press switched to Atex in 2011. Edited large volumes of contributed sports copy. The West Sussex County Times Junior News Reporter (Sept 2007-Jan 2009) Court and inquest reporting, sourcing and writing news stories and front page leads for both the Cranleigh and Horsham editions of the West Sussex County Times. Dont Cut Us Out Campaign - Communications Volunteer (Feb 2011 July 2014) Undertook a range of communication roles for a high-profile campaign set up to support disabled and elderly people in West Sussex in the wake of social care cuts. Researched and wrote press releases which formed the basis of newspaper stories in local, regional and national publications.
- 2. Helped to organise mass protests involving thousands of people. Boat News - Freelance Contributor (2007-09) Contributed regular stories for this national magazine while journalism training, published work includes a feature on the boats of James Bond and stories on the Ouzo yachting deaths. Worthing Herald - Work Experience (Aug 2007) During two weeks of work experience gained court reporting experience and amongst published work was a page two lead on a reformed drug addict. Pendle Witch Magazine, Lancaster University - Co-Editor (Sept 2004- June 05) Co-edited a light-hearted magazine during my final year of university, centring on student life and containing college news, sport and a series of quirky features. Skills and qualifications Sport NCE (Achieved Nov 2010):Industry standard qualification for senior reporter status. Subbing: More than three years experience designing newspaper pages using Adobe InDesign and InCopy, Photoshop and QuarkXPress. Video production: Vast experience of shooting and editing videos for the web using a range of packages including Avid Xpress and Windows Live Movie Maker. Other work experience Pizza Express,Arundel (20002007) Part time job as a waiter, chef and restaurant supervisor. Pendle College Sub Dean, Lancaster University (2004-05) An elected and paid position within the college deanery during my final year, responsible for student welfare and support. Hotel Host, Crystal Holidays (Nov 2001 - March 02) Worked in a family hotel during a ski season. Education Institution/qualification Subject Grade City College Brighton (2006-07) / News writing Distinction NCTJ Newspaper Journalism Diploma Law,Public Affairs Pass Shorthand 100WPM Lancaster University (200205) / English Literature & Philosophy 2.1 BA hons. Degree (Including a 1st for dissertation) St. Philip Howard High School (199401) / English Literature B A Levels Philosophy and Theology B History C GCSEs 10 grades A - C (A for English Literature & Language, History and Religious Education) Interests I have a passion for current affairs and health news; reading literature, magazines and newspaper websites; most sports especially football, tennis and table tennis; going to festivals and gigs and organising charitable fundraisers and initiatives.