Swansea Bay journalists to debate industry issues

2010 brings more interesting times for journalists across Swansea Bay and, indeed, throughout the Western World.
Not only have they the news to report but also they must work in and for a rapidly changing industry of their own.

Locally, there's a UK Government debate over who should run the ITV Wales news service, the Swansea Bay's dominant news organisation South West Wales Media has just posted a trading loss, lively new grassroots media platforms are springing up ... and then there's the internet.
Much of this will come into sharp focus when the Swansea and District branch of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) holds its agm. It takes place at 6.30pm on Monday, February 15 in the Environment Centre, Pier Street, Swansea.
I remain the chairman of this branch and look forward to some intriguing input from fellow members.
Much has happened in the media in Wales in recent months and this annual meeting is a chance to take stock of those changes. As a union we aim to prepare the NUJ's response to these changes to defend the best interests of members.
So, if you're a member and want things to change this year and improve for the better in your working life please make every effort to attend and have your input into the NUJ and make it stronger.
Discussion points will include:
• NUJ Wales training - information about subsidised new professional development courses in Wales and the funding available to help NUJ members attend the courses.
• Independently financed news consortia in Wales - threat or opportunity for journalists?
• A report from the South Wales Evening Post chapel and other local media organisations
• Future activities - including a planned meeting with NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear.