Reporter and Producer: Georgie Hill
Georgina Hill. Georgie has been a news reporter for 15 years working in newsrooms around the country. She is currently a senior reporter and producer at 10 News First in Brisbane. Georgina covers a range of stories – from baby animals to the Logies, to major crime stories, every day is different in her world.
She is also a mum to a nearly two-year-old little girl – who loves to talk and could be a future journo!
What is your typical day like?
The best thing about being a journalist is there is no ‘typical’ day! Sometimes we can be woken by a phone call at 6am to head somewhere for a story, or halfway through the day there could be breaking news and everything changes! BUT usually – we are assigned a story from the ‘chief of staff’, make phone calls, head out to the location or scene, look for ‘talent’ to interview and our cameraman shoots pictures. We then head back to the office, write up the story, voice it and hand the script to an editor to ‘cut’ the story. The finished product is what you see on the TV every night!
How did you get your first career ‘break’?
As a young reporter in Sydney I was sent to a small country town one night to track down a witness to a big criminal case that involved police from overseas. We didn’t really know how to find this woman so we went to the local pub. After chatting to some locals we eventually tracked her down and she agreed to do an interview with me later that night. The story went around the world and became a major part of the investigation. I was really nervous but it was definitely a defining moment of my career.
What are some of the biggest challenges of your job?
As reporters we cover a range of stories – some happy, some controversial, some confronting and some really sad. You have to be able to cope with all of those different emotions within yourself and helping other people get through difficult times too.
What are some of the skills you need to be a successful journalist?
You have to be a great communicator – you also have to love telling stories – because that’s what we do best! If you enjoy writing and English that’s a great place to start.
What is the most important thing you have learned in your career?
Everyone has a story. And sometimes you just have to dig around a little bit to help people find their voice to share that story with you.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a journalist?
Be patient, learning to be a good journalist won’t happen overnight. It’s a skill that takes time to develop. Listen, be curious, ask questions. If you can do some work experience, get into a newsroom and do it. You learn on the job.
What do you think the future of journalism looks like?
I think we will see more and more digital news platforms in the future. People watching news updates on TikTok and Instagram. We already consume so much on Facebook I truly believe this will only grow. I believe there will always be a place for the traditional nightly news bulletin on TV though.
What are some of the ways you stay up-to-date on current events?
We use Twitter and Facebook a lot in the newsroom. Facebook is often the eyes and ears of the community and people are more likely to post a photo of something that’s happened than ring and alert a newsroom. I love watching the news (even after working on it all day!) and current affairs programs
What do you like most about your job?
Telling people’s stories is a privilege – and one I will never take for granted. My job has allowed me to travel the country and the world, interview celebrities, go to the White House, visit places and meet people you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to do. And every day is different!
What is your favourite story you have ever written?
Like every mother – it’s so hard to pick a favourite child! But during the pandemic, I wrote a story about a group of neighbours who set up a pully system between their balconies so they could send each other bits and pieces they couldn’t go and get from the shops. It was truly heartwarming and community spirit during lockdown at its best!
Covering a surprise performance by Ed Sheeran in a laneway in Melbourne was pretty cool too!
Franc’s Fast Five
Favourite subject in school? English and drama
Go-to comfort food? Lasagne
What are you reading at the moment? I have just finished “The House of Now and Then” – a good Aussie mystery set in Tasmania!
Do you have a pet? I have a dog called Puddles and a cat called Posey
Secret skill (that is now no longer a secret?) I haven’t done it for many years but I used to be able to tie a snake lolly in a knot with my tongue.. will have to give it a go again soon haha!