Employment
Working for a freelance press agency is a privileged and rewarding job. It is one of the best opportunities for young reporters and photographers - and even more experienced ones - to begin a career in national newspapers.
Most NAPA agencies employ a staff of reporters and photographers. Some also employ feature writers.
Journalism is a challenging profession and successful agency reporters use their enthusiasm for the job to meet exacting standards. The hours can be long, the work sometimes frustrating and the rewards are not always immediate.
Like many industries some openings are never advertised - being filled internally, or through personal contacts. The most common vehicle used for advertising vacancies is the situations vacant column of UK Press Gazette.
However, it can be worth putting in a speculative letter. Lots of NAPA members have a healthy turnover of staff and application letters "kept on file" are often used to help draw-up shortlists for interviews.
Some agencies prefer to receive job applications in writing, but you may also e-mail principals. In either case you should include a concise CV.
Use the Member's Directory, and navigator map to select an agency or agencies to which you wish to apply.
Take a look at the Job Vacancies page for currrent opportunities...
NAPA Enquiries and Information...
The NAPA Secretariat and Treasurer can be contacted on the following numbers; 0870 609 1935, or via email: Click here for contact us by email.
National Association of Press Agencies,
c/o Mercury Press Agency,
Unit 218, Century Buildings,
Tower Street,
Liverpool, L3 4BJ.