Editor ‘Smash Hits’

Career:
I did A levels in English, Politics and Art and then went to Staffordshire University to do Politics and Philosophy. I got a job in promotions on a local paper as initially I didn’t have the specific qualifications to get a reporter's job. I became a reporter by covering local bands and the theatre. Working at the Eisteddfod, I met Nigel Kennedy who offered me a job as his PA. I really enjoyed the job but I missed the buzz of being a reporter. I went to work on ‘The Sunday Mirror’ on the Saturday shifts (See ‘Tips from the top’!). Saturday was the day of the Brixton bomb and I wrote a piece, and from that was offered work in the week. I eventually got a staff job on ‘The Sunday Mirror’ and really enjoyed the showbiz stuff and managed to get good stories. I was nominated for ‘Young Journalist of the Year’ and moved over to ‘The Mail On Sunday’. From there, I went to ‘The Sun’ and now I’m editor of ‘Smash Hits’.

The job:
You get the chance to be creative and put your ideas into practice and to meet the stars. You get to go to concerts, listen to the best music and pick up on fashion trends. I’m in work by 9.30am and I leave about 6pm but, after work, there is still a lot to be done. You really put the hours in on newspapers, less so on magazines. Be prepared to work any hours!

Big break:
My first job at ‘The Evening Leader’ showed I was able to report on a story. You’ve either got a nose for it or you haven’t! Working in a shop as a student gave me good experience. I learnt sales and I was a good salesperson. If you can charm someone on a shop floor, you can charm them on a doorstep.

Highlights:
Where do I start? Ronnie Wood falling downstairs in an interview with me. Seeing Nigel Kennedy jamming with his mates was great. Meeting Britney Spears. When Liam went missing from Patsy, I was at the Met Bar with Damon Gough from Badly Drawn Boy and ended up partying with Liam all night in his suite, listening to him playing with Badly Drawn Boy. In work, the story was gathering as to where was Liam. Answer - he was with me! I had the story. From there on in, I concentrated on showbiz!

Low:
The pressure! Be prepared - I’ve been on a few doorsteps where the door was slammed in my face! There are big highs in journalism but there are also huge lows!

Tips from the top:
You need tenacity and perseverance. You have to learn about the subject you want to specialise in. Learn to charm people! I feel strongly that the academic route is not always the one. Work on your local paper and get experience. Big tip - get on a Saturday shift as a way into newspapers!