Jane Bestwick

Since graduating from the University of Tasmania in 2001 with a double major in Journalism & Media Studies, I have worked in television and radio, electronic media and more recently public relations. During my degree I obtained as much work experience, both paid and unpaid, as I could. I wrote fortnightly articles on the real estate market and its movements in Tasmania for Fairfax’s F2 (Sydney Morning Herald), only finishing when F2 went digital in 2004. I started at HO-FM in the last semester of my second year, as a reporter and newsreader, working Sunday mornings, and then weekdays during University holidays and public holidays, which I did until 2002. During my third year of my degree I worked Saturday mornings at the ABC assisting with producing the Local Grandstand sports radio program. At the start of 2002 I started as a full-time television reporter and presenter at WIN Television. I worked at WIN for more than three years as a general news and sports journalist, a national news producer, and local sports presenter (a shared role with fellow 2001 graduate Alister Nicholson). In mid-2005 I decided to branch out, expand my writing skills and my knowledge and understanding of the media, as well as the other aspects of communications. I started as a Public Relations Consultant at Corporate Communications where I assist in the consultation of major clients in all aspects of public relations, including media events, newsletters, speech writing, and constructing media releases. Despite the slight career change to public relations recently, my time as a journalist is far from over.

Emily Davey

Ever since childhood I have always wanted to be a journalist, particularly on television or radio. I went into the UTas journalism course with not much of a clue about all the opportunities available and the different dimensions of the media that can be explored. While studying I undertook two years of volunteer work as a radio announcer at Ultra 106.5 which helped me, along with the skills I learned in Radio Journalism at Uni, to see how the industry works. After writing various articles for the Coastview website – introduced to me during the Online Journalism unit - I was ready to embark on my own project, the first book ever written on the history of Tasmanian surfing. Coming from a surfing background, and personally obsessed with the sport, I had an insight into the culture and Tassie surf locals already. One year later I self published my book Secrets of the Island: an Oral History of Tasmanian Surfing. This involved hiring my own staff and embarking on a PR campaign – my skills and confidence were received and strengthened by the Public Relations unit at Uni. I obtained state and national media coverage and got a state wide marketing campaign up and running. It has been a financial success, with over 650 copies out of the run of 1,000 sold in the first two weeks of publication. The book sells for $35 and was initially financially backed by Red Herring Surf. Now I am enrolled in a Diploma of Surfing Studies in Tweed Heads and have set my sights high in the surf media industry.

Pip Duncan

I sat my last exam in November 2003 and a few weeks later had shifted to Launceston to start as a cadet journalist at The Examiner. It was late shifts, weekends and picture stories for the first few months. I even had to report sport and learn the language of lawn bowls, golf and darts. Then it was onto the regional desk where I played photographer, chief of staff, driver, editorial assistant and journalist for nine months. I began to gain valuable contacts and news sense.

In late 2004 I went to Denmark for five weeks on a professional Rotary exchange. While there, I learned of a Royal press conference and raced through the streets of Copenhagen to the palace and heard that Prince Frederik’s brother and his wife would divorce. I got on the phone and filed my first dispatch from abroad and made page five. I came back to Launceston jetlagged and three days before the 2004 federal election. I had missed the campaign but had to cover Lyons on poll day so my first election passed in a blur. I briefly held the business round until I moved to Hobart to cover State politics in March 2005.

Amy Hills

I was chosen as the ABC’s Hobart cadet three years ago. I did one year as a cadet, learning radio and television reporting skills. Among my responsibilities are assisting on the political round, courts and assistant producing for radio. I have just been named the health and education rounds person, which as you can imagine is a fairly large responsibility. I have had the opportunity to cover a wide range of events, including the demise of Pacific National rail freight network and the last year’s Risdon Prison siege.

Chris Johnson

After years of developing expertise in audio engineering and acquiring a Certificate 4 qualification in this field, I decided to expand my interests in communication. In 2000 I enrolled in a BA, majoring in Journalism and Media Studies and in Human Geography. By my final year, 2002, Edge Radio had been initiated in the Journalism program and was on the air on a temporary broadcast licence and I was enrolled in Radio Journalism. I volunteered for numerous activities associated with the new station, both technical and journalistic. I was invited by the governing board to “shadow” the foundation technical station manager, Tom Giblin, to learn all the intricacies of the operation. Edge was granted a permanent broadcast licence just before Christmas 2002, and the Board appointed me station manager soon after. Edge was back on air permanently at the end of February 2003. I had to develop a sponsorship base for the station, as well as train and manage a large team of volunteers, develop a workable accounting system, implement a new on-air computer system and many other new tasks associated with a brand new community station. After less than one year on a permanent licence, Edge was named national community station of the year, and received other awards for outstanding contribution to local music, excellence in spoken word broadcasting and for station promotion. Edge Radio has gone on to be an essential part of the Hobart’s youth culture and media scene.

Nicola Karpeles

After completing a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in journalism in 2002, I started my masters in journalism in 2003. I had done Radio Journalism during 2002 and was a foundation anchor for the award winning journalism show Journalists on the Edge (JOTE), and continued working on JOTE and other shows after I graduated. After I had started the masters course I was awarded a nationally competitive six-month internship to go and work for one of Europe’s largest broadcasting corporations, Deutsche Welle, in Germany. I was given the opportunity to produce five to fifteen minute feature pieces for different programs, including the science, environment and arts programs. I was also lucky enough to be sent throughout Germany on different stories. In addition I co-hosted a youth current affairs program that was broadcast throughout Europe, Asia and Africa.

After finishing the scholarship I spent time in South Africa freelancing for Deutsche Welle. Once back in Tasmania, I received a job with the ABC as a television and radio journalist. I’m based in Launceston where I’ve been for the past year. My main round is courts, but I also do a lot of general reporting. I also produce and read live radio news bulletins. It’s a fantastic job, and one I wouldn’t have without doing my degree at UTas and getting involved in Edge Radio.

Shaun Keating

I began studying journalism in 2001 as a major within the Bachelor of Information Systems. Many people, including myself, considered this to be a strange combination of subjects, however I have found that the skills learnt in journalism are applicable almost anywhere. A key outcome of a major in journalism is the development of finely tuned communication skills. These skills will allow you to ask the right questions to understand a complex issue, and in turn, clearly and concisely explain this issue to others from a variety of backgrounds. There is no doubt that whilst studying journalism that you will have many opportunities to interact and tell the stories of people from a vast range of backgrounds and interests. During my undergraduate degree I was lucky enough to be selected for a work placement at Triple J. This experience was unforgettable and offered me the flexibility to explore stories away from the mainstream media and to understand the attitudes and opinions of a variety of communities within Tasmania. The skills I have learnt are an invaluable addition to my résumé. How many job advertisements have you seen that require “excellent communication skills” and the “ability to write clearly and concisely”? I would thoroughly recommend a major in journalism not only for the enhanced career prospects it offers but also for the personal development and global awareness that such a major offers. In my current job as an IT graduate at the Department of Immigration I call upon these skills everyday when dealing with problems that affect real people in the Australian community from diverse backgrounds. When I am required to understand or explain a problem I can feel confident that the communication skills I have learnt won’t let me down, regardless of how challenging or complex the task may seem.

Angus Livingston

Halfway through my Arts degree I realised History was probably not going to provide anything close to a decent wage, but I still had no idea what I wanted to do. I went to enrolment day in Second Year trying to sign up for all the Journalism classes that didn’t involve any actual journalism, but thankfully Libby Lester crossed out some subjects and added Radio and Online. I enjoyed Third Year heaps and then Liz Tynan recommended me to The Advocate in Burnie. I did a two-week trial in February 2005 and got a job as a sport reporter, which was a pretty steep learning curve (I’d never really even visited the Coast before). After six months I was moved to the Hobart office to do politics and general news from the South. It’s been really enjoyable so far, and I’m still amazed I get paid to write! I’d like to especially thank Liz for her useful advice and for teaching practical subjects - I wouldn’t be here without them!

Melissa Lyne

I left the University of Tasmania in 2003 with two degrees. My first, in Science and second, in Arts. I had a childhood love of science, but also wished to hone my communication skills. I thought the two disciplines would be worlds apart, however, the courses I took in journalism actually allowed me to combine both science and communication, by writing about science.

I won a post-graduate scientific communication scholarship to the Australian National University and worked as a travelling science presenter with Questacon. I then went on to work as the education and public affairs officer with the Bureau of Meteorology. My role was varied but included: visiting schools to give talks and organise weather activities; assisting and participating in national/international conferences and events; writing media releases and assisting with ministerial briefs; and writing, editing and creating layout for the Bureau's in-house magazine 'Weather News'. I am now a Mum, and that keeps me busy, but I am able to work from home as a freelance science writer.

The journalism education I received at the University of Tasmania was invaluable. Through the internship program especially, the course prepared me for the 'working-world' and taught me the fundamentals of writing, presenting, dealing with the media (and people in general!) and organising media events. I learned more than just facts in my time as a UTAS journalism student, and thanks to the helpful, knowledgeable lecturers of the department I now have skills that will last me not only through my career, but through life.

Kath Martin

Since graduating from university in 2001, I travelled to Perth, where I lived for over two years. I was employed by Prospero Productions as a Documentary Researcher & Coordinator for two series for Discovery UK and ABC Australia. Both wildlife productions, Snakebuster and Aussie Animal Rescue gave me the opportunity to travel throughout Australia and particularly the outback, with a number of very experienced DOPs and crew. There was no shortage of side splitting laughs in the process! As the first-aid officer I also to save the host’s life more than twice (that wasn’t funny!)…

I then began work for the Seven Network Ltd, in Perth on My Restaurant Rules. This series was a great hit, and hit an even higher note when the couple from Perth won the competition. It was an awesome ride, with loads of fast turn-arounds, hard work (and parties). I made many great friends made, including the beautiful Moi Vogel and Christian Nott, who sadly lost their lives in the tsunami on the following Boxing Day.

My fiancé and I moved to Sydney in February 2005, where I was employed by Beyond Productions, responsible for Mythbusters and Beyond Tomorrow. I was employed as an international researcher on a series for Discovery US Things You Love to Hate. This was one of the best career years of my life, as I learnt so much about different cultures, and researched night and day across six different time zones, to help bring together a unique style of technology show with a rant twist from a Seinfeld-like host. Unfortunately my shoot trip to Tokyo, Mumbai, Paris and London was cancelled due to Discovery revisiting the style of the show (numerous times!)

During 2005 I worked on the number 1 rating show Border Security for the Seven Network, before moving back to Tasmania in the New Year to save for a wedding and a trip OS to visit all the amazing countries I researched with Beyond!

Barbara McGregor (nee Buckingham)

After graduating from the University of Tasmania in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Journalism and Political Science, I spent six months as a Public Relations Officer for Quit Tasmania, where I had been working for the past 12 months, part time, following a university placement. Public Relations was always a passion with the ability to spread your wings across the communications sphere including writing (media releases/speeches) oral (presentations) and other PR disciplines. To further my skills I knew I needed practical journalism experience before returning to the PR field. I went to work as a journalist for a regional Victorian newspaper, The Advertiser, and tasted all areas, including political, court, human interest and occasionally sport reporting. After two years of writing and subbing I spent two months acting Editor which gave me invaluable insight. Returning to Tasmania in 2003 I worked in a few media fields before becoming a PR Officer at Aurora Energy. As one of Tasmania's largest companies and as we embark on our journey into the national electricity market, it is a dynamic and energetic work environment and no two days are the same! Besides media, I assist in areas of sponsorship, primarily Aurora Stadium, and have developed the company's Safety in Schools program which is a new area of PR I am thoroughly enjoying - corporate social responsibility.

Meryl Naidoo

I completed a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Journalism in 2002. The degree confirmed my desire to pursue a career in this field. During my time at university I wrote for youth publications, supplemented by occasionally penning stories for the Mercury’s Attitude section. I also had the chance to host Edge Radio’s two-hour current affairs and documentary show Journalist on the Edge once a week. Since then, I travelled, wrote for small magazines, websites and secured a position at the Mercury in 2003 working as a full-time copy messenger before gaining a cadetship. Learning the industry while waiting for a cadetship had its benefits.

I currently cover general news rounds and news from the Kingborough-Channel area. It’s an exciting career choice, I highly recommend it.

Alister Nicholson

I grew up in Penguin and moved to Hobart to begin my university degree in 1999. I majored in Journalism and History and much of my written work had a strong sporting flavour. My major assignment on the history of fly fishing in Tasmania, and regular journalism articles on cricket and football, reflected my desire for a career in sports journalism. Two days after my last exam in 2001, I started working as a sports journalist at WIN Television. Within months I was reading the sport on the nightly news and reporting on major events like the Sydney to Hobart yacht race and international cricket matches. I spent three years at WIN before accepting a position with the ABC, where I report for television and radio news and work on live football broadcasts. I consider myself lucky to have a job that I find both interesting and challenging. I remember my time at university fondly and appreciate the important role my studies in journalism have played in my career.

Mel Page

I graduated from Masters in Journalism and Media Studies in 2004, after completing an undergraduate major in Journalism and Media Studies in my Arts degree. When Edge Radio acquired its permanent licence in 2003 I discovered I could combine my new found passion, community radio, with my love of Tasmanian original music. I have hosted Edge Radio’s flagship Tassie music show for almost three years and in that time interviewed countless artists about what makes them tick. My dedication to supporting local artists and providing a platform for them to showcase their works saw me fill the position of Southern Manager of TasMusic in early 2005, helping to co-ordinate events such as the state wide TasMusic Rock Challenge. From 2003 to 2005 I was the Chair of Programming at Edge Radio, co-ordinating each new schedule and helping to develop new programs and the on-air sound of Edge Radio through training and new policies and initiatives. I am now the Vice President of Tasmanian Youth Broadcasters (TYB Inc) and the Women’s Representative for the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia National Committee. I relish improving and building upon my production skills and have kept myself busy working casually as a Promo Producer for ABC local; as a News Editor, supervising radio journalism students with interviewing and editing; writing articles for local publications including Buzz Magazine and Togatus; producing radio packages including a gambling series for the DHHS; and producing live broadcasts including The Falls Festival Marion Bay (04-05), the Royal Hobart Show, and Dis O Week. I am also an Amrap Music Correspondent, producing radio documentaries on local music that are aired nationally.

Maria Rae

I started studying my journalism major in 2001 at the University of Tasmania as part of my Bachelor of Arts degree. Two years into my degree The Examiner newspaper employed me as a cadet journalist to be based in their Launceston office. I moved up North but still continued to finish my degree part-time over two years. In the three years I have worked at The Examiner I have reported on general, sports, business and arts news. I also spent six months on the Sunday Examiner as a feature writer. In 2003 I won the Tasmanian Cadet of the Year award for my work covering courts.

I have now been working in The Examiner’s Hobart bureau for the past two years reporting on politics. During that time I have written about a Federal Election, the death of former Premier Jim Bacon and the State Budget. In 2005 I was promoted to chief political reporter. The University of Tasmania’s journalism major was a great grounding for print journalism. It provided me with the practical skills and confidence I needed to do the job I am in now.

Linda Smith (nee Pace)

I graduated from UTAS with a Bachelor of Arts in 2002 (with a double major in journalism) and am now working full-time as a journalist at The Mercury newspaper. I scored a casual job at The Mercury in my final year of uni while on a student placement at the paper. I began working as a copy messenger (gopher) - the starting point for many journalists - and worked from 5pm-midnight before moving into a full-time day position. I then worked full-time as the chief of staff’s assistant for over 12 months where I monitored news, e-mails and media releases, and took calls from members of the public regarding possible stories. These positions taught me a lot about how the newspaper operates and gave me an opportunity to have lots of stories published. I landed a one-year cadetship in August 2004, and am now a graded journalist. I was named Tasmanian Cadet Journalist of the Year for 2004 and was shortlisted in the national 2005 News Limited Awards. During my time at The Mercury I have reported on everything from general news, police rounds and politics to entertainment, sport and popular culture. I spent some time as editor of country publication The Derwent Valley Gazette, have worked on our weekly music and entertainment section, Pulse, and have covered The Falls Festival for the last two years. I also write a weekly small business column, a weekly political commentary/gossip column called Insider, was appointed to the political round last March and have also done some travel writing.

Olivia Richardson (nee Vidakovic)

My journalism career started because of an assignment for Advanced Print [now called Feature Writing]. I had to critique a magazine and I chose one I’d never seen before called Women’s Fitness and Health. I e-mailed the editor about the target market, circulation, etc., and then one week later I e-mailed her again and asked more questions (not even mentioning anything about writing for them) and she asked me if I’d like to give an article a crack with no guarantees of publication. Talk about a surprise! So I did, they liked it, used it and I continued to write for them for three years (six stories unpaid, then $60 and $100 a story) until one day they rang me out of the blue and asked if I’d like to be the editor of Australian Natural Health magazine! I of course said YES and moved to Melbourne straight away!

Now I’m also editor of New You magazine and a freelancer for Studio Bride, Melbourne Bride and Wedding (I got married recently!) and Priceline’s ClubMag magazine. I also proofread for Victorian PostCards, Triathlon and Multi-Sport, Soccer International, Australian Ironman, Women’s Fitness and Health, Blitz (martial arts mag.) and GOLF (they’re all in the same company as me). I’ve also done some company websites and profiles and other odd jobs. I love journalism and am so grateful to the amazing teachers at the Uni of Tas for helping me get to where I am today!

Amber Wilson

I knew I wanted to be a writer at a very young age after picking up my first Enid Blyton novel, but it was after completing a degree in Philosophy and Political Science at UTas that I knew I wanted to work as a journalist. So I enrolled in a Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies and learnt about sourcing and articulating information. This course was vastly different from my undergrad degree as it was hands-on and practical and really added to the theoretical information I’d learnt. I am now working as a cadet journalist in a regional newspaper, where my day is as varied as interviewing the fashion model of the year to more serious matters like investigating the aftermath of flood rains or road deaths. All the skills I learnt at uni, like ways to tackle tricky concepts, organisation and meeting deadlines, contributing to discussion and critical analysis, are all skills I now use in daily life as a reporter.

Eliza Wood

I grew up on a farm on the North West Coast of Tasmania and studied Journalism, History and English at the University of Tasmania’s Hobart campus. After graduating in December 2004, I moved back to the coast and began a cadetship with The Advocate newspaper in Burnie. During my time there I reported on daily rounds, court, rural issues and local news. I benefited greatly from being “thrown in” somewhat at the deep end, and being required to write for all parts of the paper. After 11 months with The Advocate I applied for a position with the ABC as a Rural Reporter in the Burnie office, and was fortunate enough to get the job. My role involves sourcing rural stories from the North-West and West Coasts, recording radio interviews, writing daily for ABC Online, and presenting an early morning 20-minute rural report.