John Campbell entertains capacity audience at Wintec’s Media Bites

TV3 presenter John Campbell implored a new generation of journalists to be true to themselves as he tried to be optimistic about the state of journalism at the first Media Bites of 2011 at Wintec.

The host of Campbell Live, speaking off-the-cuff to a capacity audience in Wintec’s new Atrium, recalled his early days, countered charges of cynicism in TV journalism, and pondered his inability to stay still in front of the camera.

Campbell said there was nothing else he wanted to do more than journalism.

“I think it’s really important that I tell you I still love my job. It is a fantastic and wonderful job. It is not like Libya and Syria which could literally cost you your life. We find ourselves under the influence of commerce.

“You still want to be in it. We try to do stories which are ethical and important but make them as populist as we can. This is the business we are in.”

He talked about the profit imperative being faced by newsrooms today which forced journalists to attract as many viewers and readers as they possibly could.

On his own show, he said Campbell Live continued to see the glass as half full.

“I don’t think we have ever been cynical and we never go for soft targets ever.”

However, before he left John Campbell returned on to the stage to mention one positive development in journalism over the years.

“One thing has changed for the better very much is the making of newsrooms. In the 60s and 70s it was white men and some white women, not many. Now, newsrooms are a true reflection of our country and I think that’s a fantastic thing.

“In some respects it’s a great time for people who aren’t white men to be entering the trade probably better than any other time in history and there’s still a place for white chaps too, so that’s all good.”

Media Bites was hosted by Wintec’s editor-in-residence Martyn “Bomber” Bradbury who introduced John Campbell as someone who challenged the status quo and refused to accept shallow answers.

“A democracy is only as strong as the media who challenge it and in the last three years that challenge has been woeful,” Bradbury said.

Media Bites was established by Wintec’s first editor-in-residence Venetia Sherson to provide an opportunity for journalism students to mingle with industry and media representatives.

Previous speakers include Michael Laws, Te Radar, Paul Holmes, Frank Torley, Jon Stephenson, Cate Brett, Trish Carter, and Mark Jennings.

Two more Media Bites are planned for the year.

Photo gallery of the first Media Bites of 2011 at Wintec with John Campbell