Merseyside media invited to join new networking group

More than 140 Merseyside journalists have joined a new organisation which will launch next month as an alternative to the traditional press club.

The Merseyside Media Network represents journalists from newspapers, radio, television, trade publications, websites and freelance news and picture agencies.

It will have no membership fees or premises but will concentrate on events. A forum is acting as a steering committee for the MMN which launches with a drinks reception and party at the Holiday Inn, Lime Street, Liverpool, on 5 June.

MMN secretary Ken Bennett, former Sunday Mirror northern news editor and Express Newspapers group assistant editor, said: “All journalists will automatically be members once they have completed an application form and been approved by the forum.

‘”It works as a democratic team with no one person making decisions. The main thrust is to provide members with fun, high-profile events and to network with colleagues and other organisations.” In addition to Bennett, the forum comprises: Claire Stoker, David Booth, Mike Hill, Paul Kennedy (Liverpool Daily Post & Echo); Sue McCann (Wirral News); Mick Ord and Richard Clein (BBC Radio Merseyside); Steve Hothersall and Paul Salt (Radio City 96.7 and Magic 1548), Ann O’Connor (Granada Television); Chris Johnson (Mercury Press); Lisa Miles (North West Business Insider); Graham Ireland (representing other trade publications); Alan Jones (ex-Delta Press Agency).

For details and an application form, contact Bennett on 07802 966 922 or e-mail: kd_bennett@yahoo.co.uk.