ideas: from people

Who am I? A journo, that’s who

I’m a journalist. And if that’s as far as you read, the characterisation sits just fine with me.

Broadly curious, deeply engaged; a writer, a reader, a listener, a restless thinker, a zealous debater. A media junkie for whom interventions have failed, as much an occupational hazard as it is an obsessive hobby. A life-long devotee of dead tree media not afraid to get his fingers ink-stained for a great broadsheet read, but excited by the opportunities of digital convergence and a paperless media future (you can be both).

An unabashed cynic of politics and the spin machine, an unashamed romantic about the place and power of journalism. Fiercely independent and even-handed when the job calls for it, but with stubbornly passionate beliefs on media, democracy and how a world that puts its people and environment first should operate (you can be both of those, too).

The ears prick over matters of big political ideas and ideology, policy and state, international affairs and justice, the science of demographics and the issues of future planning (really sexy topics like infrastructure and transport and urban development), climate change and environmental protectionism, the politics and patriotism of sport, the finer arts and pop culture obsessions (including many of my own), social issues and the rights of minorities, and over the stories of inspiration and complex psychologies of individuals.

By day (and many nights and weekends) I’m a part-time writer and full-time boss of a suite of publications at Brisbane-based Trader Business Media, a division of ACP Magazines and part of the mighty (if fairly bankrupt) PBL Media. As Managing Editor I directly edit and oversee the production of half a dozen fiercely issues-based monthly and one-shot national titles for key business markets, along with daily news websites, newsletters and other multi-media content.

Along with managing a team of dedicated reporters and contributors across Australia, I’ve also been involved in advertising and marketing strategy, circulation and distribution, print and web design and development, and the successful launch and re-launch of various products in highly competitive markets. I was previously an editor, reporter and sub-editor on different print and online titles.

After graduating from the Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Journalism I did stints at ABC News Online as a producer, and have worked as a freelance writer/journalist on a number of projects. I provided extensive copy and research on transport businesses and policy to an industry book for Focus Publishing, I have written on motorsport racing for magazines produced by News Limited groups Advertiser Newspapers and News Custom Publishing, and contributed articles to online publications including Crikey. Recently I have begun reviewing live music, stand-up comedy and theatre performances for Australian Stage Online. Some samples of my work can be found on my profile page, along with contact details.

The views here, naturally, are my own and more than likely don’t reflect those of my employer or any of the publications I work on. I’m comfortable with the separation; bosses will let me know if they aren’t.

© 2009 importance of ideas….