Old, new, borrowed and blue…
By Ashley Scrace
21st November 2009
As an amendment is debated regarding the organisation of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), at the Annual Delegate Meeting (ADM), the issue of age seems to surface.
Looking around the room, it is clear to see the NUJ is a diverse unit. While Chris Frost, chair of the NUJ Ethics Council, may claim that “the grey hair glistens in the light,” this is not strictly the case – and nor should it be seen as the case.
Fear and loathing
This is my first ADM. These meetings have been annual since the NUJ formed, way back in 1907, so it appears I’m treading on sacred ground.
My steps have been light. To use the word ‘apprehension’ as my feeling prior to arriving here, in Southport, would be an understatement. Scared, confused, nervous, curious – far better verbs for this situation.
Dreading the possibility of old hacks abusing my every journalistic effort, I approached the ADM with some fear – apparently enough so to prevent me sleeping the night before.
Assume: It makes an ‘ass’ out of ‘u’ and ‘me’…
Fortunately my assumptions were cast into the maw of time from arrival. The old hack part is mainly true, but they’re not necessarily miserable. Hardened drinkers, maybe – but not drunk miseries.
The NUJ has gathered a wide variety of people here. There are the ‘old’: those hacks of stature and years of rigorous reporting; smoking and whiskey drinking.
But there are also the ‘new’: I suppose that’s mainly us naive student journos who have determination to succeed – even in light of job cuts, budget cuts and pay threats.
And there are the ‘borrowed’ – those of some fame and notoriety whom are drafted in for their wealth of experience.
And there are the ‘blue’. I swear a disguised Papa Smurf is sitting opposite me as I write – the bushy rodent moustache gives him away.
Looking to the future
Undoubtedly the age range, no matter how diverse, is concentrated around the late fifties. But there are a fair amount of those in their twenties – some even younger.
I’ve been talking to a load of delegates from all branches and ages, all of whom have made me most welcome.
The phrase “respect you elders” really comes in handy here. The plethora of stories from all the delegates is overwhelming and your due attention does not go unnoticed.
You’ve got newspaper journalists and their tales of drama, lies and alcoholism. You’ve got radio journalists and their tales of drama, lies and alcoholism. And you’ve got television journalists and their tales of… you can see the pattern emerging here.
A rainbow of colours?
So where is this going?
I suppose what I’m saying is that Chris Frost may be right: “the grey hair glistens”. But it’s not grey. It’s silver – representing the richness of experience of those few lucky enough to represent the good old days.
However, alongside sit those younger delegates with darker hair – those in the shadow of the ‘silverhacks’.
At conferences such as this the young, aspiring journalists can follow the old in upholding the standards of journalism through the turbulent future.
And this is why the ADM is so valuable to every union member. We can all aid each other – even those who are Smurfs…
Love this.