Introduction

sub·sti·tute

/ˈsəbstiˌt(y)o͞ot/

A person or thing acting or serving in place of another. 

Fed up of the same angle on news stories?

Bored of the "Brand New Exclusive" line, even though you've heard the story ten times before?

My name is Raif Howley and I am writing this blog to put a spin on day-to-day news stories, whether they be local, national or global. From the global mobile hacking scandal to local music and film reviews, I'm the man to come to.

I may only be 17, but, from the age of 15, when I realised I wanted to become a reporter, I've understood that to get into the field you need to possess something different, something unique. This is why I have produced The Substitute; so that people can see the world from someone who has no editor to hold them back, and no reason to hold back his true opinions.

Having been trained by the Leyton Orient press team as part of the "supporter to reporter" project, I have interviewed professional footballers and managers and learnt a great deal of reporting techniques. These include how to blog, how to interview, how to use a video camera amongst other things.