Reporters and Reported

Cardiff JOMEC

Trainee journalists at Cardiff University interview key figures in the broadcast, news and magazine industries.

  1. WILL HAYWARD

    7h ago

    WILL HAYWARD

    Political journalist Will Hayward discusses his non-traditional route into media and the unique Welsh political landscape. He highlights how the English media can misinterpret Welsh issues and why independent scrutiny is vital. This episode was hosted by Caitlin van der Waag & Ella Lewis-Davidson. Timestamps 0:33 => The Influence of Jeremy Bowen on Will’s Career Will explains how a university talk by the BBC's Jeremy Bowen inspired his career, and why he chose politics over war reporting to safely make a meaningful difference. 1:47 => From Personal Trainer to Political Reporter Reflecting on his non-traditional route into journalism, Will describes running a fitness business for five years before pursuing a career “questioning those in power”. 2:55 => The Reality of Public Understanding in Wales A breakdown of why political awareness in Wales has historically been low, and how Brexit and the pandemic transformed former First Minister Mark Drakeford into a highly recognisable figure. 4:25 => Wales vs. Scotland and the Difference of Mentality Between Nations 6:12 => How London Media Views Welsh Politics An analysis of why Westminster-based media outlets view Welsh political events through “the prism of an English audience”, and how next year's Senedd elections might shift that attention. 7:45 => The Senedd Elections: Is Wales a Testing Ground for Reform? 9:30 => Breaking the Border Barrier as a Non-Welsh Reporter Addressing the personal challenge of covering Wales as an outsider, Will outlines the importance of cultural immersion and local relevance in storytelling. 11:03 => Independent Journalism V.S Public Service Journalism Why automatic right-of-reply comments don't always help his stories, and why extraordinary political claims demand extraordinary levels of scrutiny. 12:26 => Deconstructing the Immigration Debate in Wales A nuanced look at how social media algorithms exploit legitimate frustrations over housing, healthcare, and underfunding by misdirecting blame onto minority groups. You can follow the Cardiff MA Journalism students on socials: Broadcast course @cjsnewscardiff News course @cardiffiannews & Magazine course @maglabcardiff.

    15 min
  2. OLLE ZACHRISON

    7h ago

    OLLE ZACHRISON

    The BBC’s Head of News AI Olle Zachrison explains how public service media uses AI to automate transcription, translation and formatting. On the other hand reserving human judgment for sourcing, verification and editorial decisions. This episode was hosted by Sarah Van Hecke & Millie Hughes. Timestamps 0:52 => Where AI is Delivering Real Value Olle breaks down the current "productivity wins" at the BBC, from language translation for the World Service to transcribing and converting text formats. 1:49 => Lessons from the Nordics How Olle’s background in the digitalized Swedish media landscape helps him navigate the massive scale of the BBC. 2:54 => Should AI always be disclosed? 4:42 => Journalism vs. Information Production How the BBC focuses on using technology to free up journalists for creative and original reporting. 5:43 => Combating AI Distrust Addressing the "misinformation" stigma: Why the BBC will never be an "AI company" and how the focus must remain on the content, not the tool. 7:46 => AI to Improve Accessibility The trade-offs of using automated systems and the ongoing debate over quality vs. error rates. 8:31 => Which tasks should always remain human? Assessing newsworthiness, talking to sources, and double-checking facts: The core journalistic tasks that can never be delegated to an algorithm. 9:39 => What about Jobs? Olle reflects on his 20-year career to explain why AI is more likely to change roles, rather than simply reducing them. 11:08 => Most Important Traits for New Journalists You can follow the Cardiff MA Journalism students on socials: Broadcast course @cjsnewscardiff News course @cardiffiannews & Magazine course @maglabcardiff.

    12 min
  3. RICHARD SAMBROOK

    7h ago

    RICHARD SAMBROOK

    Former BBC News Director Richard Sambrook reflects on his career, from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the political pressures of the Iraq War, whilst exploring the enduring need for impartiality and digital safety. This episode was hosted by Lexie Gutteridge & Louisa Phillips. Timestamps 0:34 => From Merthyr to the BBC Richard reflects on his early career starting in local South Wales newspapers and how a desire for a challenging, ever-changing life led him to the BBC. 1:49 => The Process of Impartiality Why objectivity is more than just a concept: checking facts, using two sources, and maintaining fairness in a more politized world. 4:00 => Reporting on the Berlin Wall Lessons from the ground: How covering this key moment in history taught Richard to report from the "public's point of view" rather than just the official narrative. 5:28 => The Iraq War & Political Pressure Inside the controversy: Navigating the BBC's role during a time when the UK was divided over the decision to go to war. 6:46 => The Andrew Gilligan & The Today Programme Richard discusses the fallout of the Iraq dossier report, the editorial mistakes whilst defending the fundamental truth provided by the whistle-blower. 7:36 => Digital Hygiene for Journalists Why must modern reporters be purposeful about their digital footprint and the vanishing nature of privacy. 9:22 => Physical Safety in Conflict The evolution of safety protocols: Managing risks in war reporting in an increasingly dangerous global environment for the press. 10:08 => The "Lateral" Career Path Why shorthand isn't enough anymore: Richard on building a wide range of digital, video, and audio skills to stay competitive. 11:26 => Relentless Curiosity Richard explains why the most essential trait for any journalist remains the constant drive to ask "why?" and "what's next?" You can follow the Cardiff MA Journalism students on socials: Broadcast course @cjsnewscardiff News course @cardiffiannews & Magazine course @maglabcardiff.

    12 min
  4. NIC NEWMAN

    7h ago

    NIC NEWMAN

    Key media analyst Nic Newman breaks down major shifts in digital news consumption. He explores how brands can tackle news fatigue and capture younger audiences using personality-driven formats without losing their integrity. This episode was hosted by Annabelle Joseph & Daniel Hutton. Timestamps 1:23 => Seismic Shifts in News Consumption Nic reflects on the major phases of digital change, from the beginning of the internet to the current AI-driven "creator economy." 2:54 => Combating News Fatigue With 40% of people avoiding news due to oversaturation, Nic discusses the rise of "solutions journalism" and providing accessible formats. 4:32 => What Young Audiences Want Why news brands need to update their formats without "dumbing down" or pretending to be something they aren't. 5:56 => The Rise of Personality-Led Journalism A look at creators like Joe Rogan and Piers Morgan: Can impartiality coexist with the rise of social media personalities? 8:17 => Why Audiences Trust Creators The importance of representation and language when connecting with today’s media consumers. 9:17 => Adapting Without Alienating the original audience 11:04 => AI: An Opportunity not a Threat? Advice for news agencies on how to get paid for their data and why specialized reporting will become more valuable. 13:40 => The "First Wave" of Digital Stories Nic reflects on covering the Bill Clinton impeachment and the excitement of inventing interactive news formats for the first time. You can follow the Cardiff MA Journalism students on socials: Broadcast course @cjsnewscardiff News course @cardiffiannews & Magazine course @maglabcardiff.

    15 min
  5. ALAN RUSBRIDGER

    8h ago

    ALAN RUSBRIDGER

    The former Guardian editor-in-chief discusses modern newsroom ethics, editorial independence, and the evolution of reader funding. He also makes the case for why long-form journalism is outvaluing fast-paced digital content. This episode was hosted by Katie Matthews & Hasan Islam. Timestamps 0:45 => To Paywall or Not? The internal debate at The Guardian regarding paywalls and the transition to a successful reader revenue model. 2:05 => The Sale of The Observer to Tortoise Media 3:24 => Media Law & The Public Interest Advice for young journalists: How to protect yourself when reporting high-profile stories and why showing your workings is key. 5:23 => The Phone Hacking Scandal Reflecting on the "lonely period" of the phone hacking investigation, when no one would come near the story initially and the feeling of a democracy “without checks and balances”. 7:05 => Alan’s Editorial Philosophy Empowering reporters as an editor, as opposed to having “complete control” and imposing your worldview. 8:07 => The Milly Dowler Murder The impact on newsrooms and how it changed the public's perception of press ethics. 9:50 => Why Slow Journalism Matters Alan’s return to journalism, the "hamster wheel" of short-form content and the joy of long-form pieces at Prospect. 11:12 => The Rise of "Churnalism" A warning about high-volume and low-interrogation reporting. 12:10 => Early Technology in Journalism From the Tandy 100 to early Facebook: How an obsession with tech shaped Alan’s editorial career. You can follow the Cardiff MA Journalism students on socials: Broadcast course @cjsnewscardiff News course @cardiffiannews & Magazine course @maglabcardiff.

    15 min
  6. TELERI GLYN JONES

    8h ago

    TELERI GLYN JONES

    The BBC Wales presenter shares her journey from Cardiff University to the screen. She offers practical advice on overcoming imposter syndrome, interviewing politicians, and making complex regional policy relatable. This episode was hosted by Jack O’Connell & Isabelle Breaker. Timestamps 0:37 => Broadcast Heroes & Influences Teleri discusses looking up to Laura Kuenssberg and the contrasting styles of presenters like Bethan Rhys Roberts and Nick Servini. 2:01 => Advice for Students Reflecting on her time at Cardiff University: The importance of resilience, "doing your homework," and working hard while building lifelong friendships. 3:06 => Overcoming Imposter Syndrome How to switch off the voice of self-doubt and why a journalist needs to thrive under the pressure of a ticking clock. 4:52 => From Reporting to Presenting: Interview Tips Building rapport with interviewees and avoiding "over-gathering" content in the field. 6:27 => Interrogating Politicians Strategies for cutting through spin and why "not getting an answer" isn't always a bad thing. 7:55 => Choosing Wales over London The personal and professional reasons for staying in Cardiff and a “rich, varied career” within BBC Wales. 9:35 => Breaking Down the Welsh Political Jargon How to translate complex topics like proportional voting and devolution into everyday language. 11:01 => Relatability to The Audience How Teleri avoids over-complicating and the importance of being relatable when explaining complex topics. You can follow the Cardiff MA Journalism students on socials: Broadcast course @cjsnewscardiff News course @cardiffiannews & Magazine course @maglabcardiff.

    12 min

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Trainee journalists at Cardiff University interview key figures in the broadcast, news and magazine industries.