Media and Communications students recently stepped inside the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) newsroom to experience how stories are developed, prioritised and published in real time.
Hosted by National Managing Editor Monique Farmer and Executive Assistant Ricky Blank, the visit included a tour of the newsroom and Nine’s Sydney headquarters, offering students a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day workings of a major Australian media organisation.
Students explored how journalism operates in a digital first environment, with Homepage Editor Jamie Berry and Parramatta Bureau Chief Anthony Segaert explaining how stories are selected, shaped and delivered in across platforms. A panel featuring Senior Writer Alexandra Smith, Senior Editor Bevan Shields, Urban Affairs Reporter Cindy Yin and Culture Reporter Kayla Olaya provided insight into newsroom culture, essential skills and pathways into the industry.
The group also attended an afternoon news conference, where editorial teams discussed story ideas and coverage priorities. Students connected with Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences alumni Siena Fagan and Aidan Elwig Pollock, and heard from Nine’s talent team about internships, graduate roles and recruitment pathways.
We caught up with Bachelor of Media and Communications (MECO) students, Scarlett Kraft and Amy Salamone, to reflect on their experience.
As an aspiring journalist, the Sydney Morning Herald newsroom visit presented itself as a dream experience for a keen student like me. My expectations for the newsroom were certainly exceeded. It was a space infused with intellect: fast-paced and vibrant.
Scarlett Kraft, first-year Bachelor of Media and Communications student
Scarlett Kraft
“As an aspiring journalist, the Sydney Morning Herald newsroom visit presented itself as a dream experience for a keen student like me. My expectations for the newsroom were certainly exceeded. It was a space infused with intellect: fast-paced and vibrant.”
Scarlett described the newsroom as both welcoming and highly collaborative, noting the level of engagement between journalists and students.
“As many questions we had for the reporters, they had for us too. What is life like as a student? What should we be writing about more in Sydney?”
She was particularly struck by the emphasis on care and responsibility in reporting, even within a high-pressure environment.
Reflecting on conversations about artificial intelligence, Scarlett highlighted the importance on developing strong writing skills.
“A senior editor spoke with us about the limits of AI use for SMH employees, outlining how its use is permitted as a preliminary tool, but all stories must be written by reporters themselves. She expressed personal favour for a writing process free from AI use, articulating the importance in the skills one can learn in doing so.”
The experience reinforced her interest in pursuing a career in journalism.
“The newsroom visit demonstrated that career opportunities in the media sector are wide-ranging and dynamic, however, it only made me want to pursue print journalism more!”
I initially imagined journalism as a relatively individualistic profession centred on researching and writing stories independently. However, I was surprised by how much collaboration occurs throughout the reporting process.
Amy Salamone, first-year Bachelor of Media and Communications student
Amy Salamone
“The experience exceeded my expectations. I was struck by how open and engaging the journalists were in sharing their experiences and advice, which deepened my appreciation of the hard work involved in producing high-quality journalism.”
Coming to the visit, Amy was interested in editorial integrity and the future of journalism. She was particularly surprised by how collaborative the newsroom environment is.
“I initially imagined journalism as a relatively individualistic profession centred on researching and writing stories independently. However, I was surprised by how much collaboration occurs throughout the reporting process.”
She observed this firsthand during editorial discussions.
“Journalists participated in regular editorial meetings where staff shared ideas, discussed emerging issues, and provided feedback on potential stories.”
Looking ahead, Amy reflected on how journalism remains a people-centred profession in an evolving media landscape.
“One of the most valuable insights I gained from the visit was that whilst AI has the potential to improve efficiency and assist with certain tasks, it cannot replace the curiosity, judgement, and strong writing skills that underpin high-quality journalism.”
She also emphasised the importance of connection and storytelling in the profession.
“Journalists are constantly reaching out to diverse demographics and developing professional networks.”
The visit strengthened her interest in journalism as a career defined by impact, curiosity, and continuous learning.
“Journalism can provide opportunities to engage with new topics, meet people from different walks of life, and broaden one’s understanding of the world and ourselves.”
Discover how the Bachelor of Media and Communications prepares you for careers in journalism, digital media and storytelling.