Tough questions in Murdoch's empire
IT'S a fascinating time for aspiring journalists raring to work in Rupert Murdoch's empire. As well as absorbing all the twists and turns in the phone-hacking scandal that the boss had no knowledge of, applicants for traineeships at the Herald Sun have had to search within. If you think the Church of Scientology's 200-question personality test has some trick questions, the application form for the NewsVictoria positions can test the best and brightest. Take the question: "Which website do you think is best representing the future of news coverage and why?" That's a cinch: The Age, the one without the paywall. And this: "What would the last person you 'de-friended' on Facebook say about you in three words?" Tip: honesty is not the best policy if you want to get to round two. Then this: "What are the sorts of people you struggle to work with? Why?" Tip: be careful not to point the finger at the shortcomings of specific journalists at the tabloid. Applicants need to know that the tweets of "Not Rupert Murdoch" are more entertaining than the musings of the real media mogul. Also, if you inadvertently break an embargo and reveal the Gold Logie winner, it's best not to blame Google, the world's biggest search engine, but say the word Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli struggled to articulate on Happy Days: "Sorry." And there's no doubt that phone hacking is bad news.
The cost of saving taxpayers
THE parliamentary year is in full swing with Ted Baillieu in the blue corner and Daniel Andrews in the red corner, but it's never too late for public servants to brush up on the intricacies of Spring Street. The Institute of Public Administration is running workshops and tomorrow's soldout session on "How Government Works" coincides with budget day. Bean counters have to wait until May 25 for "Making the Most of Public Money" that's presented by lawyers James Smart and Michelle Burridge from Maddocks, the firm that's a friend of the government due to its industrial relations armoury. The cost of finding out how to best spend taxpayers' money: $330 for personal members, $440 for corporate members and $660 for non-members.
From crim to crime film
IN THE spirit of that showbiz adage "the show must go on", Chopper Read (pictured) could have six weeks to live after being struck with liver cancer but he is cast in the Melbourne crime film Pinball as himself and producers hope he will be able to film the remaining scenes in May. When co-star John Jarratt returns from LA after shooting the Quentin Tarantino film Django Unchained, Read will film his scenes in Collingwood and the rest of the film will be shot in July. Pinball is the debut work of filmmaking brothers Matt and Trevor Holcomb and tells the story of a former AFL footballer called Clint Thorp played by Kevin Kiernan-Molloy who becomes a crook. Kate Neilson and model Silvana Lovin have roles and giving the film extra cred is Alan Finney, the AFI chairman who has been appointed consulting producer. With Read in the credits, this film could be a collector's item.
Planets align for Venus
LIFE just gets better for "boned" Channel Nine news director Michael Venus. Now flying high with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi, he has been upgraded from the head of international media relations to vice-president of corporate affairs. After Nine wished him the best for the future, Venus flew to the United Arab Emirates to start work last June. Joined by wife Kellie Curtain, who was a reporter while he ruled the newsroom, the family has acclimatised well to the lush Arabian days and nights. With Hugh Nailon occupying the chair of Nine's news director, the Venus appointment didn't make news there but he's hot stuff on the Arab Aviation website. When emailing friends about his upgrade, Venus, forever the newsman, said: "Thought you might like to have a look at some breaking news from the Middle East!"
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
What kinds of tough questions do Herald Sun / NewsVictoria trainees face when applying for a journalism traineeship?
Applicants to the Herald Sun/NewsVictoria traineeships face unusual, probing application questions that test judgement and personality. Examples from the article include “Which website do you think is best representing the future of news coverage and why?”, “What would the last person you ‘de-friended’ on Facebook say about you in three words?”, and “What are the sorts of people you struggle to work with? Why?”. The column suggests applicants be tactical — avoid overly blunt honesty about colleagues, don’t single out named journalists at the tabloid, and show awareness of digital news trends.
How does the phone-hacking scandal factor into applications and public perception of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire?
The article says the phone-hacking scandal is very much part of the context for anyone joining Murdoch’s empire. Trainees need to absorb the “twists and turns” of the scandal and be prepared to answer questions about ethics and newsroom culture. It’s a reminder that job applicants should be aware of high-profile controversies when interviewing for roles at major media organisations.
Why does the article single out The Age as an example of the ‘future of news coverage’?
In the article, The Age is offered as the easy pick for “the future of news coverage” because it’s described as the one without a paywall. The implication is that free access and digital reach are considered advantages when assessing where news consumption is heading.
What should journalists do (and avoid) if they accidentally break an embargo, according to the column?
The column suggests that if you inadvertently break an embargo—such as prematurely revealing a Gold Logie winner—don’t try to blame Google or external forces. A better response is to be succinct and own the mistake (the article jokes the appropriate reply is simply “Sorry,” referencing Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli). The wider point: take responsibility and avoid deflecting blame.
What public-sector workshops are mentioned and what are the costs to attend the Institute of Public Administration sessions?
The article mentions the Institute of Public Administration running workshops, including a sold‑out session on “How Government Works” that coincides with budget day, and a May 25 session called “Making the Most of Public Money” presented by Maddocks lawyers James Smart and Michelle Burridge. The costs listed in the column are: $330 for personal members, $440 for corporate members and $660 for non‑members.
Who is Chopper Read and what does the article say about the Melbourne crime film Pinball?
The article reports that Chopper Read, who is battling liver cancer and may have limited time, is cast as himself in the Melbourne crime film Pinball. Producers hope he can film remaining scenes in May. Pinball is the debut feature from brothers Matt and Trevor Holcomb, stars Kevin Kiernan‑Molloy as Clint Thorp, and includes John Jarratt, Kate Neilson and model Silvana Lovin. AFI chairman Alan Finney is a consulting producer, and the column suggests Read’s presence could make the film a collector’s item.
What career move did Channel Nine news director Michael Venus make, and what role does he now hold?
According to the article, Michael Venus left Channel Nine (where he was news director) to join Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. He started last June and was upgraded from head of international media relations to vice‑president of corporate affairs. The piece notes his wife Kellie Curtain accompanied him and that the appointment was covered on the Arab Aviation website.
What broader media trends and newsroom issues in the article should everyday investors watch when following media companies?
The article highlights several themes investors may want to note when watching media companies: high‑profile scandals (like phone‑hacking) that affect reputation, the competitive importance of digital strategy and paywalls (The Age noted for being without one), intense scrutiny of hiring and newsroom culture, and senior staff moves to global corporate roles. These are operational and reputational factors that can influence a media company’s audience engagement and public perception.
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