BBC Scotland director says multimedia training has "never been as important

The Journalism Skills Conference began with the director of BBC Scotland informing delegates that all sectors of journalism must operate in a multimedia world.

In his welcoming address Ken MacQuarrie, BBC Scotland director, underlined this message to conference delegates at BBC Scotland’s Pacific Quay headquarters in Glasgow on Thursday.

Speaking to a rapt audience, Ken said: “It’s never been as important that all sectors of journalism operate in a multimedia world and it has never been as important that students are taught the skills to work in a multimedia world.

“I find it highly encouraging that journalism remains attractive to young people at this time.

“In this building journalism is attractive, below you as I speak are the largest high definition studios in the country and here in Scotland the BBC’s commitment to making more programmes outside London will ensure we are working to capacity for the next few months and beyond.

“We had to come to terms with new technology and new ways of working. Training of staff is just as key to that transition as the building of Pacific Quay.”

Ken added: “Good training is key to the future of this industry, ensuring the readers and audiences get the very best in writing and analysis from the journalism industry.”

Delegates were then escorted on tours of BBC Pacific Quay, a multimedia centre where they saw journalists working across all platforms on radio, television and online news.

Kim Fletcher, NCTJ chairman, also welcomed delegates to the Glasgow conference which took place at BBC Scotland’s Pacific Quay headquarters on Thursday and Hampden Park on Friday.

Kim said: “If we don’t change as the industry changes around us then we will get left behind.

“We are determined we are going to provide the kind of training that will enable young people to be journalists in a media-converged world.”