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A short Q+A with featured alumni from our journalism training courses.
Analía Llorente from Argentina completed our Writing Financial and Business News course in London, November 2009. Here is what she has to say about the course and life as a journalist in Argentina:
How did you become a journalist?
The first time I entered a radio studio, I was 12, and I thought to myself, ‘this is where I want to be’. As soon as I finished secondary school I began working at the leading radio station in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was just by chance, and I began at the very lowest position: picking the phone to listen to the audience's calls. Ten years ago I discovered the internet world so I started working in news websites. Now I'm the sub-editor of Cronista.com (www.cronista.com), one of the best economic and financial websites in Argentina.
What was the best thing about the course and how did it impact your approach to journalism?
Being put under such a hard but profitable training was amazing. Having the opportunity to travel and meet people from remote parts of the world was a valuable thing. I’ve definitely started looking beyond the obvious when dealing with some stories and I search more for hidden headlines.
What is your favourite story you’ve reported on thus far?
I guess my favorite stories are when something extraordinary happens, perhaps an important politician's death (the ex -Argentine president Nestor Kirchner died unexpectedly last year) or some important event such as new regulations from the government to control the currency market (as is happening nowadays). This type of news causes a great impact in the whole market and country.
What are the major challenges faced by journalists in your country?
I believe that the major challenge in this country is to keep your job while having different political ideas. The government is now in a kind of crusade against journalists who think differently, and at the same time it is buying a large amount of media companies to monopolize public opinion.
Describe a typical day at work:
I get up very early in the morning and arrive at office at 7 am. I take control of the website update with other two journalists and then the rest of the team arrives late. I read the papers and divide the work with the other journalists. I edit their work and also write my own news pieces. Generally I stay in the office, but sometimes I go out to do interviews or attend press conferences.
What are five words you would use to describe your country and its people?
Generosity, competitive, creative, resourceful, kind.
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