Here’s a brilliant piece of journalism folks – a heartfelt, well-written account of how fragile life really is when facing nature’s fiercest onslaught. Gary Hughes from The Australian has captured the on-the-spot, self-inclusive journalism that is sorely missed today.
It has fact and a personal tinge, something that large media outlets and ‘current affairs’ shows lack. No sap, no sludge – just honest reporting.
Writing about a tragedy such as the Victorian bushfires (Black Saturday it has been so far dubbed in mainstream, but that’ll likely change) may seem easy for the reporter who shows up after the danger is gone, but Hughes has shown the richness of the experience… and how terrifyingly awful the situation is for those who lost their lives, loved ones and everything they own.
I’m not saying jump in the car and head for a danger zone – only idiot ambulance-chasing Today, Tonight reporters do that. I am saying, keep your eyes open and don’t be afraid to include your thoughts and feelings when reporting. Facts are good, emotion is better.
Budding journos out there should take note and keep this piece in mind when they head to the primary school bake sale for their town newspaper. It may not be glamorous, but glamour isn’t the name of the game.
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