Quotes of the Week

Journalism student Hannah Waldram on the tough task facing graduates trying to get a job in the middle of a recession: "We are all in despair. The situation is dire. People are applying direct to local newspapers but there is a massive recruitment freeze. People are trying to stay optimistic but they are wondering ‘what are we going to do?’ We are ready and raring to go, we have got the multi-media skills. We are trying to stay upbeat. Newspapers will become staid if they stop taking on fresh people.”

Chris Rushton, head of Journalism & Public Relations at the University of Sunderland: "Taking a degree in Journalism is as valid as studying English, History or Politics. To use the education jargon, a BA in Journalism has as many transferable skills as virtually any degree you care to mention and a lot more than most. The ability to access, analyse and communicate a wide range of information is now valued in all sectors of employment."

Bob Satchwell, Society of Editors director, on concern that officials are interpreting plans to open up Family Courts to the press too restrictively: "We cannot emphasise too highly that if this interpretation is correct, then its effect will be to nullify the entire purpose of the past several years’ discussions and the Government’s stated aim of openness and accountability."

Wilmington statement on the magazine it closed down a fortnight ago:"Press Gazette, the magazine and news website for journalists, has been saved from possible closure after being acquired by publisher Progressive Media. Yesterday evening, it completed a deal which safeguards the future of Press Gazette."

Roy Greenslade on local authority newspapers: "They are anti-democratic in both spirit and in practice, and their disappearance will not matter one whit to the public... It is time to put all such publications to the sword before they kill off independent local papers."

Blogger Guido Fawkes goes inside the Guardian: "Guido was at the Index on Censorship Awards ceremony last night, deep in the bowels of the Guardian’s new fancy offices. The purpose built modern building will make a great museum when the paper eventually goes bust."