Newsletter for the Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton - Issue No.: 782 Issue Date: 29 Apr, 2024

Michael Philipps is the editor of Geraldton Newspapers and was introduced by Ray Haynes.

Michael is a country lad from Kojonup, who after some work experience in newspapers, found himself at Curtin University studying journalism! He has been round the traps, working in Kalgoorlie as a sub-editor in WA Regional Newspapers, then to the “West” in Perth at the Editorial Production Centre, again as a “sub”, and now Geraldton as editor! He comes from a strong Rotary family with both parents Rotarians and PHFs!

Geraldton Newspapers runs with a relatively small team of 15 staff which includes the sales as well as the editorial teams. Of course it’s the advertisers that make the presentation of the news possible! (“Thank you Suki!”) There is no longer a staff photographer; the reporters take their own images, while others are provided by contributors to the newspaper.

The day starts with a meeting with each reporter working on their “rounds” to get stuff onto paper! These are the areas they are responsible for. Their job is to find the news! “Rounds” include Federal and State politics, Council meetings, sport, health, agriculture, mining, industry tourism and community!  They rely on numerous sources, including social media, which although sometimes unreliable, can lead to further investigation. A recent example was a light plane emergency landing that, with a little background digging, revealed the pilot was planning to propose to his girlfriend from the air, adding more colour to the story. These reporters are the front line troops, They are always out and about seeking out what is going on!

The next level is that of the sub editors! These are the unsung heroes who place the reporter’s copy into a readable format for publication. They work in the Editing Production Centre in Perth. This “Sub-Hub” produces 23 regional newspapers throughout the state! They receive no by-lines or much kudos for their work, but do an incredible job. Michael particularly enjoyed his role as a sub editor at the “Sub Hub”, as he got to see the news before anybody else!

Michael likened Newspaper offices to “sweat shops”-it is full on! There is a huge responsibility in “getting it right”, checking names, sources and legal advisory checks. The editor is a bit like the PM, a leader in name only most of the time, but he has to call the shots and decides where the paper is going. (“Captains Calls”, Michael??!!-ed)

What of the future for the printed press? Michael still sees a strong future for the print media. It allows the reader to seek more in-depth news information you cannot get in a sound bite on the radio. (“Sorry Jason!”) Regional papers have a solid future in providing local news for local people. The challenge is to draw in the younger demographic who are always looking at their phones!

Michael was thanked by Peter Sukiennik for his enlightening presentation!