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1) What is your advice on producing a piece that is memorable?
A truly memorable story should almost tell itself. As a print journalist, I endeavour to present a story in a simple format that can be understood by as wide an audience as possible. There’s always the temptation to dress-up a story by using flowery prose but words can sometimes get in the way of the telling of a good story.
2) What pictures have inspired you to write a thousand words?
I did not personally write about it, but I found the photos of black Americans celebrating Barrack Obama’s presidential win extremely touching.
3) What role do you think journalism plays in the lives of people today?
I think we always have been, and always will be, messengers. However, the emergence of the internet as a source of information 24-7 poses many challenges for traditional media as younger consumers have a much broader choice of where they derive their news. There’s a lot of information on the web, and not all of it has gone through the rigorous fact-checking process that professional journalism tends to.
4) If you ever suffered from writers block how did you cure it?
If I’m struggling to find the right words it helps to just get something – anything – down on the page, even if it looks like a dog’s breakfast. I’ll go away, make a coffee. A second reading usually helps to sort it out.
5) What does your research process for a journalism piece involve?
It can vary. I’ll verify a tip-off using sources close to the matter and any documentation available. In business journalism we’re spoiled by having a lot of information that is readily available to the public as a result of stock exchange listing rules and corporations laws.
6) What women in history are in your opinion the most news worthy?
I’ve always found Joan of Arc fascinating. Also, the wives of Henry the VIII. These days I think younger women are intrigued with those who’ve risen to the tops of their profession at the same time they’ve raised families. Women such as Qantas’ former chairman Margaret Jackson and Westpac boss Gail Kelly.
7) Do you have a favourite piece of writing from your childhood?
Or an article that has inspired you in your career? I devoured books and newspapers growing up. Studying the dismissal of Gough Whitlam at university inspired me to pursue journalism. I thought,’ How cool would it be to be there on the ground covering a historically significant event like that every step of the way!’. Coverage, of the Watergate scandal by the Washington Post’s Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, although before my time, has also inspired me.
8) For you, what makes something news worthy?
I know a story’s good if I’m itching to blab about it and when I can hardly wait to see it published in the newspaper the next day.
9) What is the most important part of the visuals of journalism?
Good pictures either tell a story on their own or lure a reader in.
10) Do you have a favourite phrase or quote?
I’ve always liked the Nike mantra: Just Do It.
Find out more about Rebecca- http://www.yenmag.net/ywya/finalists_profile.php?name_id=21
Interview By Rhiannon Bulley
