December 2000 NW report
Report of the 15 December 2000 North West liason meeting held at Manchester.
HRLP Report
Martin Brookes (HRLP) thanked all staff for the positive response to the launch of the 10:25 bulletin. The contract to run the Super League Programme has been successfully re-negotiated for another season. Consumer and Business Affairs Correspondent and SBJ Television roles had been filled.Two additional Avid Machines were being purchased. The refurbishment of GMR, particularly the studio and the equipment was now a key priority. Martin thanked all staff who were involved in helping the North West achieve the Investors in People standard. Lancashire Online had been successfully launched last week
Multiskilling/convergence
Tamsin O'Brien (Output Editor) outlined her plans for training and developing staff in a wider range of skills. The key areas were the amalgamation of programme support roles (Cameras, Lines, Late Copy) into the one Broadcast Assistant category on a linked 3/4H grade to encourage greater flexibility.There were to be 2 BA shifts. BA (1) would undertake autocue, lines, general office organisation, Ceefax and Subtitling on an 11-7 shift; BA (2) would undertake cameras as well as cover for BA (1) on a 9-6 shift.
The late copy shift will be integrated into this new arrangement. The early copy shift would remain. The existing part time BA would not be replaced when she retired in March 2001.
The 10:25 would be autocued via a foot pedal. The two PAs are keen to learn floor managing skills.
Representatives expressed concern over the proposals for the trial involving APs vision mixing the lunchtime programme. This was being introduced to free up RSAs to undertake a wider range of tasks, including graphics, trails and the production of strands.
It was agreed that there should be a separate meeting to address these concerns. (This was arranged on 22nd December and it has since been agreed that the trial will start on 22nd January, with a review after one month).
Two BJs and two Editors begin their convergence training in early January.
Mike Briscoe (Editor Newsgathering) outlined the plans for a bi-media Newsgathering bureau in Lancaster. Nigel Thompson and Peter Holland will cover north Lancashire and south Cumbria for radio and television. Both will use DVCs as part of their role.
Open Centre update
Steve Taylor outlined the latest developments, which included the appointment of the Online and Community Programmes team.Health and Safety
The GMR bulletins desk is still experiencing problems with cold air. Adrian Poole (ROM) said ceiling heaters had been installed, but he will investigate further.Training and Diversity
All staff affected by Apollo to receive training.Learning Online is now available as a training resource. Judith Beaumont is the LO coach for the North West cluster and would be visiting individual areas in the new year.