Student day a huge success
Mon 25 May 2009
Andy Ward, Journalism
Media Arts and Entertainment Alliance held its annual MediaPass Student Industry Day in Brisbane at the Metro Arts on Edward Street in May 29, 2009.
Students from the University of the Sunshine Coast, Griffith University and The University of Queensland were in attendance. Guest speakers included Brisbane’s triple j Hack reporter Kaitlyn Sawrey and Network Ten Brisbane director of news Ross Dagan. Other speakers included The Courier-Mail assistant director Craig Johnstone and photojournalist Eddie Safarik whose photograph of Dr Mohammad Haneef won him a Walkey Award in 2007.
At least 100 students attended the day most of whom were eager to have their questions answered. The atmosphere was a positive one even though the future of journalism remained unclear. The question that was on every student’s mind was one of employment.
The best advice came from a panel of three wise men including Mr Johnstone, Mr Dagan and ABC news editor Bernard Bowen. The men agreed that journalism graduates were most likely better off starting work in regional areas like Mackay, or Cairns rather than metropolitan areas such as Brisbane. The reason was simple. The pressure of everyday work was less in regional areas giving young journalists time to breathe and take in their surroundings. A one-on-one relationship between journalist and employer was possible in regional areas whereas metro newspapers were more hectic and time restrained.
The human factor was another issue. Locals had a habit of making themselves known, especially if their names were spelt incorrectly, giving young journalists time to establish a rapport with local community and council.
Students said the day was enjoyable as well as informative and looked foward to next year's event.
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Submitted Comments
Excellent review!! I can't wait to go next year.
Jamie-Leigh