In another episode of Empoword’s ‘In Conversation with…’ series, Features Editor Orla McAndrew and Editor in Chief Mads Raine spoke to BBC News presenter Huw Edwards. After working for the BBC for nearly 37 years, his journalistic advice was plentiful, and he offered valuable insights on everything from broadcasting accents to impartiality and dealing with mistakes.
It’s no secret that Huw Edwards has a wealth of experience in the journalism industry. After joining the BBC as a news trainee in 1984, he began his career as a political journalist, becoming the Parliamentary Correspondent for BBC Wales just two years later. In 1999, he turned his hand to news presenting, with great success; for the four years that he presented the 6 o’clock news for the BBC, it was the most-watched news programme in Britain. Perhaps as a result of this success, Huw was offered the presenting position on the 10 o’clock news in 2003, the BBC’s flagship programme – a position that he still holds today.
While Huw described the news as the “core” of what he does as a journalist, it would be a mistake to reduce his career to just his work in the newsroom. From making a six-part series on Welsh history to covering the London 2012 Olympic Opening ceremony, Huw spoke with pride about the memorable moments that have shaped his career. It’s easy to see why he encouraged journalists to “broaden their skillset” during the workshop, given that his is so varied; perhaps this explains why he has enjoyed such a long and successful career.
Drawing upon his own “fantastic” work experience at Swansea Sound, Huw encouraged young people not to be fussy when opportunities present themselves, as “all experience is good experience”. In a competitive and cut-throat industry, it was refreshing to hear an optimistic viewpoint, and I’m sure this advice was reassuring to a number of young journalists who have been unable to find ‘traditional’ work experience during the Coronavirus pandemic. However, I was particularly struck by the fierce determination that came across in Huw’s advice. It seems to me that one needs a mixture of drive and optimism to succeed in journalism, and Huw has fistfuls of both.
As a modern languages student myself, the stand-out moment of the workshop was Huw’s initial discussion about the benefits of studying languages. He came across as something of a languages advocate – which is no surprise, given his French degree – and bemoaned the loss of language learning in schools across England. I am one of only four students studying A-Level French in my school year of 170 and I share Huw’s disappointment that fewer people are taking up opportunities to explore “windows into another culture”. And, as Huw briefly mentioned, languages lend themselves to the field of journalism: translation, memorisation and the rigorous academic training of language study engender a multitude of transferable skills that are perfect for a journalistic career. To me, this discussion proves once again that Huw’s accomplished broadcasting skills are only the tip of a rich and varied career iceberg, one that any aspiring journalist look to in admiration.
As Mads and Orla brought the meeting to a close, Huw offered his words of wisdom to journalists who, like many of the Empoword Journalism contributors, are just starting out in the industry. His first point was to always ask for advice, something that this workshop proved is an invaluable tool at the beginning of a career in journalism.
He went on to insist that you should always “follow your instincts” and develop your expertise in an area that you’re passionate about, even if this means breaking free from the mould of conformity that the modern world places on young people. Finally, Huw stressed the importance of learning from your mistakes, rather than mentally replaying them in anguish. If you’re a perfectionist like me, this might be a tough pill to swallow – but it seems like worthy advice in such a fast-paced field.
Huw’s resounding message was that the journalism industry thrives on energy and enthusiasm. As Empoword is such an exciting and dynamic platform, it, therefore, seems like the perfect place to continue the work of great journalists like Huw Edwards.
Eva Bailey
Featured image courtesy of Empoword Journalism. No changes were made to this image.
Eva Bailey
Eva is a first year English and French student at the University of Oxford, with a passion for journalism. She is a proud ambassador for the Holocaust Educational Trust and Zero Gravity. She plays the flute and loves musical theatre, as well as diving into a good book!