Ed and I started our conversation by talking about the plethora of Nouse editors and writers who have passed through the hallowed, and perhaps needy-of-renovation, halls of our Nouse office in Vanbrugh now working as professional journalists. It is clear not only that Nouse prepares students well for a career in journalism, but that our Nouse alumni still have an enthusiasm for the paper!
Ed Halford is a 2022 BA History graduate, previous Nouse Editor-in-Chief, and now a News Reporter at The Times. It was his interest in politics that initially drew him to student media: as presenter, and creator, of URY’s “York’s Political Mashup”', he frequently interviewed leaders of the student political parties. Ed joined Nouse in the final term of his first year as Deputy Politics Editor in 2019. Ed reminisced about Nouse’s positive community and the excitement of first seeing your name in print; I was pleased to share these sentiments.
We also spoke about the practical importance of Nouse and student journalism. Ed said Nouse taught him the basics of reporting and journalism: “setting you up nicely” and encouraging you to think of “the pedantic stuff”. It was Ed’s later role as News Editor at Nouse that affirmed to him that journalism was something he wanted to pursue post-York.
During Ed’s time at Nouse, he was nominated for the SPA’s 2022 ‘best reporter’ of the year for his investigative pieces including a controversy over a YUSU branding campaign, in addition to reporting on a Nazi outburst at the Debating Society.
“That’s what journalism is about”: holding institutions accountable, whether that be YUSU and the University, or larger scale corporations and institutions. While the institutions Ed holds to account have certainly grown since his reporting at York, his commitment to doing so has remained unchanged.
Ed also spoke about the rivalry with York Vision during his time at Nouse, and how this “spurred you on to get a story”; another aspect of UoY’s student journalism and media societies that prepared him well for his career as a professional journalist.
After graduating from York, Ed completed his NCTJ at the News Associates. During this time, he also did a placement at the Richmond & Twickenham Times. Ed lauded the value of working with a local paper, particularly for aspiring journalists seeking work experience.
Although some people “turn their noses up” at local papers, Ed has advised that the best thing to do is to “throw yourself into local journalism”. Gaining “real experience” and working hands-on in a tight-knit office on local stories.
Ed then went back to his roots, getting a job as a Political Reporter for the Oxford Mail and Oxford Times. He reported outside Downing Street for the King’s Coronation, for what he described as “one of [his] best experiences”: gaining access to the press area and being around more experienced journalists.
Ed then joined The Times in September 2023 where he works as a News Reporter. We spoke about some of the highlights of his career at The Times thus far: his trip to see a NATO base in Iceland, an article he pitched and saw come to fruition, in addition to visiting (and returning with both hands) from a trip to Birmingham to visit an XL bully dog. He described his experience working at a national newspaper as feeling like “a small fish in a very big pond”. Working at The Times, Ed is able to pitch articles, hoping to work and report on Parliament, in addition to following more articles abroad.
As our conversation drew to a close, I asked Ed: “What’s your advice to students at York wanting to pursue a career in journalism?”
“Make sure you’re active online”. Ed explained to me the importance of a strong social media presence, getting your articles on Twitter and LinkedIn – “anything that means more people, not just your mum and dad read your articles”.
“Follow your niche”: find something you’re good at, and that you can become an expert on.
“Don’t get too frustrated if opportunities don’t come your way immediately”. Rejection is not only a part of life, but a major part of journalism! Ed described the importance of getting used to rejection: “sending out hundreds of emails to receive a reply”.
Many thanks to Ed Halford for getting involved with AlumNouse and sharing his experience and advice. Please find below the links to: his website, his profile at The Times, and his X profile.
Website: https://www.edhalford.co.uk
The Times profile: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/profile/ed-halford?page=1
X profile:https://twitter.com/EdHalford1
Want to get involved? Whether you are a current UoY student and want to write for AlumNOUSE, or you’re a York alum and want to share your story, please contact me via my email: grace.bannister@nouse.co.uk. To find out more info on AlumNOUSE see my LinkedIn post and the previous AlumNouse articles.
