By Tara Bellwood
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the ABC newsroom in Ultimo alongside fellow Western Sydney University students. This visit was both an informative and wonderful experience, offering valuable insights into the inner workings of a professional journalism team and deepening my understanding of how news is presented in different multimedia forms. Within this reflection report, I will analyse my personal experience and explore the learnings and concepts I gained during my visit to the ABC.
During my visit to the ABC Newsroom in Ultimo, I gained first-hand knowledge of how a news team works to produce high-quality news content, including the effort and dedication needed to collaborate successfully. Additionally, seeing how each team member and role work in partnership was very informative. I developed a greater understanding of the quantity of people that is required to deliver high-quality news, and was taught what these roles are, why they are needed and how they work together.
Before my visit, I had a preconceived idea of what job were available within the field of journalism. However, my visit to ABC taught me that there is a much wider range of roles and jobs that are needed to produce a working news team. I was informed of the responsibility and importance of these roles, further assisting my knowledge of how a newsroom works. This information allowed me to comprehend what potential paths I could pursue in my own journalism career, from reporters gathering informative news and editors ensuring high-quality content to technical staff managing different multimedia aspects, planners ensuring a seamless operation in the newsrooms and many more. I learnt that each role contributes equally to a high-quality news presentation, and personally gained a deeper insight into what career path I may wish to pursue in the future.
This visit helped me gain insight into ABC and better understand how a professional Newsroom operates. I learnt the significance of efficient workflow and collaboration within a newsroom and how each team member had a clearly defined role subject to constant change and growth. Additionally, I learnt the importance of utilising digital platforms for news content and how these should be tailored to different multimedia forms. I had the opportunity to witness first-hand digital editing for television news, radio, websites and social media. I learnt the basics of using state-of-the-art equipment, such as cameras and was shown how technology was used in the newsroom for live television, such as teleprompters. While I previously had some knowledge of how technology was used and played a role in journalism, seeing it in use on live air was a highly informative and fascinating experience.
One unexpected yet impactful aspect of my visit was visiting my childhood memories and seeing the Play School toys. Growing up, I always watched playschool. It was my first introduction to ABC and ignited my desire to begin my journey wanting to become a journalist. Although these toys may be recognised only as an element of a children's program, they remind me of the longstanding connection and influence the ABC had and continues to have on people's lives, including mine.
Overall, my visit to the ABC Newsroom in Ultimo was an informative experience that taught me how professional journalism works. It allowed me to explore the various career possibilities and witness how these roles were essential in collaboration. As I begin my career in journalism, I am inspired by the passion and dedication seen during my visit. I hope to contribute my knowledge and skills to such an environment.
Comments