“Shut up and listen” to David Farrier
TV3 reporter David Farrier had some solid advice for journalism students in his Spark audience yesterday: shut up and listen.
Farrier was a guest speaker at Wintec’s Spark week, enlightening and inspiring an audience of more than 100
He shared his views on journalism with his witty charm and distinctive outlook on the industry.
He said he started off doing auto cue for TV3 News and Nightline and eventually made his way to the top.
“You’ll probably start with shitty job, that doesn’t pay well, but go with it, meet new people, and don’t be afraid, work your way up to the top,” he told the audience.
He said it isn’t all about the questions you ask, it is mainly about shutting up and listening to what the person has to say – that is when you get the best stories.
“Don’t wait for stories to come to you, go and get the stories yourself.”
Farrier said it was all about networking in the industry, talking to people, using any way you can to get into a newsroom.
Gail Pittaway, a communications tutor at Wintec, said Farrier showed the reality of journalism.
“People think it is a glamorous job, but in reality it isn’t.”
Gemma Stanbridge, a second year journalism student, said she learned from the session. “It was insightful to see what it really is like in the journalism world.”
