Senior News Editor of NME Magazine returns to NTU to speak to future journalists
6 March 2018
Andrew Trendell, Senior News Editor of NME Magazine, visited the Centre for Broadcasting & Journalism (CBJ) to speak to undergraduate BA Hons Journalism students about his career. Andrew graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a BA Hons English in 2009 and went on to complete an MA Journalism at CBJ.
Having always been interested in music journalism, Andrew started his career writing about music in the Nottingham Evening Post. This allowed him the opportunity to interview famous musicians, actors and artists, honing his skills in communicating with celebrities and reviewing live music events. He has also worked for NTU’s student magazine, Platform, and for iconic Nottingham magazine LeftLion.
Andrew discussed with students the kind of opportunities that have been available to him as a result of working in music journalism, such as getting on first name terms with his favourite band the Manic Street Preachers. He has so far worked with stars such as Kasabian and Liam Gallagher on cover issues for the magazine. Being able to interview huge acts and travel around the world are perks of the job that Andrew certainly doesn’t take for granted, and the students were very interested to hear about his most exciting experiences so far. Andrew didn’t shy away from the less glamorous elements of journalism and shared some tips for dealing with criticism or complaints from readers.
The students were extremely inspired by Andrew and relished the chance to ask insightful questions about what he sees for the future of NME and of Print Journalism in general. Andrew was hopeful for the future, discussing how print, radio and online journalism are all beginning to cross over in order to keep up with different audience behaviours. He also addressed NME’s changing musical influences and the history of music genres covered by the publication.
Final year student Fran Furniss told us: “It was really cool to be able to speak to Andrew. I have always been interested in pursuing music journalism but I’ve been wary of how hard it is to get into. This has really inspired me to go for it!”
The insightful questions asked by the Journalism students were notably impressive. Andrew commented: “It’s always good to return to NTU. CBJ students are switched on, hungry, curious and ask the right questions. I have no doubt they’ll go on to great things”.