Mia's Blog

Sally Weale, an education correspondent for The Guardian, reported on the university staff strikes due to pension cuts. The title reads ‘Thousands of UK university staff strike over pension cuts’ initially looking at this title gives a clear understanding of what the article content will be about. 

The use of the five W’s is implemented in this article, with the first line stating ‘Thousands of UK university staff have gone on strike in a new wave of industrial action over pensions’ this highlights who has been affected by pension cuts and what was the result of this action.

The next section of the piece states what universities are involved in the strike action and how students have been affected. This article uses the pyramid scheme as its main body structure, placing relevant information first (The lead), then expanding on the leading information, and then adding the background context to shape the piece.

Including quotes from the people involved is very important as it makes the article more personal and relatable. The writer has a clear understanding of the inverted pyramid style and has delivered a well-executed story, with clear and concise points.

The ending paragraph has more contextual information adding that ‘The strike is the latest in a long-running dispute. In late 2019, UCU staff at 60 universities initially went on strike’ This is a great demonstration of the use of the inverted pyramid and background context. Sally Weale has written a successful article with clear information distribution.

The North London-born artist, CASISDEAD, formerly known as Castro Saint, is a UK MC and all-round creative. The outspoken nature of his music plays on his charming tone and the mystery man behind the mask, keeping fans guessing and eager to know: who is CASISDEAD?

The identity of CASISDEAD is virtually unknown, with his stage persona always appearing as ‘the man in the hyperrealistic mask’, concealing his identity. His mystery persona remains parallel with his sporadic music releases, with majority of his discography remaining unreleased.

His most recent album titled ‘The Number 23’ appeared under the alias ‘CASISDEAD’ in 2013. Prior to this, he originally referred to himself as ‘Castro Saint’ or ‘C from the T’ between 2005-2007, releasing much darker, seemingly sinister material compared to his more recent releases. During this time period, he made no music videos and kept a low profile on the Castro Saint persona. 

Since 2018, he dropped a few singles and even appeared as a feature with UK rapper Giggs. His most notable work as it stands is the British sitcom Eastenders-themed single, ‘Pat Earrings’. This 80s synth-pop slow-jam, is an addictive and easy listen. Stepping into 2018, the production of his music and videography drastically changed, going from a hardcore, gritty grime rapper to a softer yet well-defined lyrical approach whilst still maintaining his distinct sound.

Shortly after ‘Pat Earrings’ was released, Cas didn’t return with any releases until 2021. Cas teased loyal fans, hinting at new music and a grand return after the 2020 UK lockdown in an interview with the pirate radio group, Kurupt FM. Alongside his enigmatic exterior, he has built his own alternate universe and brand under the name ‘Deadcorp’, frequently making cystic announcements and teasing promos as well as merchandise on the site.

Cas’ grandiose return to music saw him being signed to XL Records, brewing a sense of great anticipation for his first signed release. His first release under XL was titled ‘Park Assist’ and featured pop-synth artist La Roux. A galactic post-modern music video came alongside the five-minute track, setting the scene for a new era. Cas’ relentlessly raucous vocals accompanied La Roux’s smooth and clear-cut sound, making for an unexpected yet well-received collaboration. 

A tube strike is set to happen as the RTM union workers are striking against the return of the night tube.

Following the re-introduction of the night tube, TFL daytime staff are said to be going on strike, a move supported by the RTM Union. At the start of the pandemic, TFL temporarily laid-off night tube staff as the demand for night tube services was no longer in need.

A spokesperson for TFL has reported that there will be several 24 hour and evening walkouts. The walkouts will be commencing on Friday 25th of November from 4:30am until 4:29am the following day and are set to continue until the 19th of December.

As a result of these measures, there will be little to no trains at stations, causing mass disruption to the underground network for staff and passengers. However, DLR, London Overground, Tfl Rail, and National Rail lines will not be affected by the strike. 

The Jubilee, Northern, and Piccadilly lines will be affected by full-day strikes. The Central and Victoria lines are set for further disruption, with strikes commencing from 8:30pm through to 4:29am. Other TFL lines such as the Bakerloo, Circle, District, Metropolitan, and Hammersmith & City lines will be operating as usual but busier, especially around peak times.

TFL has advised Londoners to use rail replacement buses, find alternative routes, travel outside of peak times if possible, and plan journeys ahead of time.

RTM Union Bosses believe that the re-introduction of the night tube is set to disrupt the work-life balance of train drivers with more shifts during later hours and weekends. 

Despite the union strike actions taking place, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is optimistic that the plans to reopen the night tube will go ahead. Khan has planned to start by opening two out of five lines for the night tube. 

Head to tfl.gov.uk to find out more information. 

In a bid to increase the range of diverse audiences and target smaller production companies, BBC Radio is set to launch a new indie development fund, backing independent audio production companies to showcase new and diverse talent across the UK.

The BBC has made various commitments to highlight diversity in the UK. In 2020, the BBC increased the fund to £2m to support companies, during the pandemic. Supporting 96 companies, enabling them to produce content for various BBC channels. In 2021, the BBC aims to fund 50 companies, reducing the fund to its original quota of £1m, aiming for a turnover of £10m to be made back into BBC pockets.

The £250,000 fund will be allocated annually to successful indie commissioners, allowing them to access BBC mentorship schemes and receive funding for specific projects or developments.

BBC Radio’s strategic priorities will focus on unheard voices outside of London; supporting smaller production companies, strengthening their projects, and offering free NFTS training places.

Funding will be allocated to a wide range of mediums within the creative sectors, showcasing projects from many genres like pop, classical, speech, and podcasting.

The BBC’s Chief content officer, Charlotte Moore said “This development fund will support indies with their plans, feeding directly into the BBC’s commitments to champion new talent, increase diversity and be more representative of the UK as a whole.”

The five-point plan to display the range of voices across the UK saw the BBC moving their creative and journalist centers outside of London. Hoping to host and create a home for new talent and music in areas in the north. Increasing 50% of their network radio and music to the outside of London.

The BBC will relaunch the indie development fund on the 16th of November, to kickstart a new line of production and inclusivity within the industry.

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