In very exciting news for Paramount ANZ, Walkley award-winning journalist, Erin Edwards, was recently appointed Executive Editor, 10 News First Queensland, where she brings more than two decades of experience and expertise. Tasked with spearheading the Queensland bulletin, Erin lead’s a team of dedicated journalists and adept crew to tell the stories that Queenslanders want to see. Erin sat down with The Water Cooler with a thirst for News and breaking stories!
If you could be part of one show on any Paramount network (Network 10, 10 Play, Paramount+, MTV, Nickelodeon), what would it be and why?
The Good Fight. Who wouldn’t want to write some of those lines for Diane Lockhart? Or borrow her wardrobe.
Where would we find you on the weekends?
In summer, I’m a cricket mum. In winter, you’ll find me on the sidelines scoring netball and soccer. Then we bolt to the beach – usually the Sunshine Coast where I grew up.
What do you think the media industry could improve on?
Diversity. As an industry, we still don’t reflect the people we serve. Paramount is leading the change with more women in leadership than any other network. But elsewhere – as a sector – we could and should do better. There are too few First Nations people on camera and behind camera. Thirty per cent of Australians are born overseas, but that isn’t represented on television. At TVQ, every day we seek interviews with people from diverse backgrounds to be more representative.
What energises you when you’re at work?
I am energised by the thrill of finding a cracking story, crafting it beautifully and as a team, getting it to air first. Especially if the story triggers a change in policy or improves someone’s life. Otherwise, I can rely on the TVQ café to give me a boost. It’s the best café on the mountain! It has views to Moreton Bay and a menu straight from a restaurant. Baked Italian fish on Friday, anyone?.
Share the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you.
The best advice was from my first boss and shared only recently: Do what’s right and you’ll almost never be wrong.
