Is journalism so competitive that outsiders just don have a chance?
Again, this is a myth that does not stand up to much scrutiny. There are lots of wannabes, who clutter up the bottom rungs of the ladder. But most will not make it – not because the competition is too strong but because they do not really have what it takes. When BBC R4 and the Guardian ran a writers’ competition a few years ago they were deluged with entries. But presenter and judge John Diamond reports that the standard was very low. Basic mistakes, amateurism, failure to understand what was required characterised most of the entries. The volume of wannabes means that it is a struggle to get noticed. But if you are good, and listen and learn, you will break in.
