JULIET Dunlop is a freelance journalist and broadcaster, who was, until recently, the main presenter of STV News bulletins from Edinburgh.
She submitted this on Saturday, August 24.
What exactly is it that you do?
Good question! I suppose I am a free agent at the moment, having recently left STV. I presented the Edinburgh-based edition of the STV News at Six for over two years, and before that I was at the BBC for twelve years. TV has been my life for a very long time, but I’ve always enjoyed doing other things and I write a column for The Scotsman. For an old TV hand like me, it’s a bit of a challenge but I take great pleasure in writing and I like the pressure of coming up with something different – and hopefully, interesting – each week.
I also enjoy hosting events, if and when they come up, and just like everyone else I’m always on the look out for something new and interesting.
What did your working day today or yesterday comprise?
For the past couple of days, I’ve been at the Edinburgh International Television Festival. I suppose it’s a mix of industry people, media ‘luvvies’ and movers and shakers. It was actually my first time at the TV Festival and I thought it was fascinating. Where else can you hear from all the main channel controllers, listen to people like documentary-maker, Michael Cockerell, and then meet Kevin Spacey at a drinks reception?
How different or similar is your average working day to when you started?
I’ve gone from a busy newsroom environment to pretty much working for myself. It’s nice to have that freedom but it’s also a bit scary. But, like any journalist, the day involves a lot of news. I always need to know what’s happening and I’m always looking for story ideas. Some things never change.
How do you see your job evolving?
Does anyone have the answer to that? I’d like to think we all find our niche, but I’ll be happy as long as I can do work that I find both interesting and challenging.
What gives you the most job satisfaction?
That feeling you get when you know you’ve got something just right. It might be the programme you’ve presented that day, the interview you’ve just done or the article you’ve just been tearing your hair out over. I’m a bit of perfectionist, so that doesn’t happen very often.
