‘Journalism does change the world’
Jonathan Carson, journalist at Nelson Mail.
Describe what you are doing now: I’m covering daily news, features and special projects. But at the time of writing, I’m working on a feature about the collapse of the scallop fishery in the Top of the South Island.
What’s the best thing about your career (or some career highlights)? I’ve always believed that I’m responsible for how fun and fulfilling the jobs is. It’s only limited by my own creativity and ability to dig up stories. Slow news days are a myth (kind of). There are too many highlights to list, but two reporting trips to the Philippines, an in-depth series that I did on domestic violence, and an overnight expedition to the Blue Lake, near Nelson, are a few.
How do you feel about journalism in the current climate? Since I started my career five years ago, the industry has experienced constant and rapid change. I get tired of hearing people complain about the state of journalism. Every day someone in the country is producing great work. Sure, there’s a shift towards more “clickable” content, but I’m constantly inspired by a whole bunch of journalists in New Zealand. Look at recent work by Paula Penfold and Stuff Circuit, Kirsty Johnston at the New Zealand Herald, Blair Ensor at The Press, Adam Dudding at the Sunday Star-Times, Tess McClure at Radio New Zealand, and so many more. The future of journalism in New Zealand is in good hands.
What do you love about journalism? I’m addicted to learning. I really enjoy learning about complex subjects or issues and taking that information and crafting it into a story that readers can relate to. It’s also an excuse to do fun things. I’ve taken on a New Zealand boxing champion in the ring, gone on a hot air balloon ride, learned to ski, and “gone undercover” for stories. It doesn’t have to be serious all the time.
What qualities make a good journalist? Listening is important. Curiosity, compassion, integrity. A sense of responsibility – to the profession, your contacts, subjects, and readers. There are two things that tend to set journalists apart, in my view. There are the hungry, aggressive journalists who relentlessly chase hard news stories and consistently set the new agenda. And there are the journalists who prefer to sit back, observe, listen, and write beautifully-written reported pieces. Both have their place.
Why did you decide to become one? I remember reading Time Magazine when I was in high school and thinking, ‘That’s what I want to do.’ I could see the power of writing and photography. I probably thought I could change the world. And journalism does change the world. Whether it’s by helping to free a wrongly-imprisoned man, highlighting international crises, or getting a new turning lane installed at a dangerous intersection in small-town New Zealand – it actually makes a real difference to real people. Don’t underestimate how much of a difference a 300-word story in a community newspaper can make.
What stage of life were you when you enrolled to study journalism? I was at a stage of life that could be defined as “in limbo”. I had finished a Bachelor of Communication and my band had broken up. I couldn’t get a journalism gig and a newspaper editor recommended the course at Wintec.
How would you describe the Wintec journalism course? I learned more in my year at Wintec than my three years at university. That sums it up, really.
What are the best things about it? It’s practical and hands-on. The tutors care and fight to get you good internships. The course is totally designed around preparing you for the job, rather than overloading you with theory.
What did it teach you? It taught me what journalism is. I thought news writing would be like essay writing in university. Not so. The course hammers home the fundamentals. A month into the course, I was in the Waikato Times newsroom writing stories that landed on the front page. Wintec deserves at least some of the credit for that.
Where do you want to go with your journalism career? I’m not too worried about career trajectory. I just want to continue meeting interesting people, learning interesting things and writing interesting stories. That’s what it always comes back to for me. Oh, and I want to change the world.
Are you the next Jonathan Carson?  Read more about our courses here – including a link to an online enrolment form. Feel free also to drop us an email to discuss your options.  You can reach journalism co-ordinator Charles Riddle at charles.riddle@wintec.ac.nz or lecturer Richard Walker at richard.walker@wintec.ac.nz.
