‘Don’t be afraid to fail’
We ask Storyology attendees three questions about being a young journalist today and in the future
Dayle Latham
Fairfax Media’s Australian community media division
What should all young digital journalists know how to do?
“Digit-ability and adaptability, there’s always something new to learn. They need to be interested in technology and be able to navigate through all the options and platforms out there and find what’s best for telling your story.”
Where do you think the journalism industry is heading?
“I predict a swing back to print in the future. I feel like it will become something retro 20 or 30 years down the track. A digital direction is a given, but the core elements of good storytelling won’t change — just the way we tell them.”
What is your best advice for young journalists?
“You really have to want it. It’s more like a lifestyle. Find an avenue of journalism that best suits your personality. If you are passionate about truth and revealing stories and holding powerful people, government and companies to account, don’t give up on that.”
Jennifer Black
Charted Accounts Australia and New Zealand; deputy editor of business magazine Acuity
What should every young digital journalist know how to do?
“You’ve got to be able to use technology, podcast, move and change with the times and accept that as a part of your ongoing career. You’ve got to be willing and adaptable.”
Where do you think the journalism industry is heading?
“I fear that people will eventually watch things more than read things — or that further dumbing down of content. There’s always going to be a place for long-form journalism for those who want to seek it out. I think we are definitely going to see a lot more of paid user-models in the future.”
What is your best advice for young journalists?
“Keep going. Work out your particular skill set, because that’s what is going to set you above the rest — regardless of how technology changes. If you’re fearless and willing to ask the pressing questions, that’s going to be your personal selling pin. Say ‘yes’ in the meetings!”
Scott Gamble
ABC Regional manager of audience content and partnerships
What should every young digital journalist know how to do?
“I think understanding how audience and communities come together, and trying to integrate that into your storytelling. Everybody is a storyteller now, they need to be able to harness that and use the strengths that they have — analysing and verifying to cut through all of the content that’s available to everybody.”
Where do you think the journalism industry is heading?
“I think it’s a really exciting time. Though it’s disruptive for traditional models, in that disruption there are great opportunities. The future of journalism is what people can make of those opportunities.”
What is your best advice for young journalists?
“Don’t be afraid to fail. As long as you take lessons from [those failures]. Listen to everybody, but figure out your own path.”
