Knowledge reporter lands job at Bristol 24/7

The Knowledge’s own community reporter and local rising star Charlie Watts has just started a job at Bristol 24/7.

He is one of five new community reporters selected by the newspaper to report “hyper-local news from their home turf” for the next two months – and will be gathering stories from Knowle West.

The new recruits were picked for their talent out of 50 applicants for a two-month pilot project.

They are also heavily involved in areas of Bristol which have often received less coverage from mainstream media – with Hartcliffe, Barton Hill, Southmead, Kingswood and Sea Mills also represented.

Charlie (21) who grew up in Knowle West says he is looking forward to once again focusing a spotlight on the area and letting people know about the positive things happening.

He used to write for and edit The Knowledge’s Young People’s Page – and has always been on the look out for a good local story for our newsletter and website.

Now working at Filwood Community Centre as a Communications Coordinator – he is heavily involved in the Filwood Fantastic project and says he feels “proud to work in such a strong community.”

He says: “I’m over the moon to be the new Knowle West Community Reporter for Bristol24/7. I’m looking forward to getting the word out there about all the great stuff that goes on here, and to put the place on the map.

“I was born in Knowle West and my family are from here. My great aunt Gloria Tucker used to run the tap and drama group at Filwood Community Centre for years, while I myself have been working at the Community Centre since August 2019… 

“But I’ve been volunteering in the area for almost three years as one of the community reporters for The Knowledge – and this has got me a lot of experience under my belt.

“I started writing for The Knowledge after taking part in a young people’s journalism course at Knowle West Media Centre. 

“Last year, meanwhile, I took part in Knowle West Media Centre’s Content Creators programme, and also got the chance to narrate its 100 Years of Knowle West Style Exhibition. So it’s amazing to have all these opportunities coming my way…”

Charlie who has just finished his last year at the University of the West of England studying Journalism has also completed journalism training with The Bristol Cable and BCFM.

Aside from Bristol24/7 – he has also carried out work experience with the Bristol Post, Ujima Radio and Sam FM/The Breeze.

Charlie can be contacted for Knowle West stories on Facebook or email him at charlie@filwoodcentre.org.uk  

https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/features/five-community-reporters-join-bristol24-7/