Fabiana
Iantosca

Why did you choose to study at NTU?

I’ve always wanted a job in the news, telling people's stories and highlighting important issues going on in the world, so I knew choosing a journalism course would be best suited to me. I was more interested in the media side than print, therefore I wanted to find a broadcast degree. It’s important for this type of degree to be BJTC Accredited because it means it will be up to industry standards. The NTU Broadcast Journalism degree is known in the industry to be a very good course so I chose to study here.

What did you learn – both inside and outside of lectures?

Newsdays and law! Newsdays are always something to remember. The rush of finding a story for the Friday programme and planning interviews to do on the day. I look back and smile because it was manic, busy and fun, all at the same time. Those were the days of the week when the newsroom would come together and everyone would help each other. Outside of the lectures, finding vox pops and public opinions was where confidence was built. Asking random people in the street to be on camera or radio with their opinion on the subject matter was daunting at first but then it became second nature. Also Law. Law is very important because you need to know as a reporter or producer what you can and can’t say on air or in articles.

What does your current day involve?

Each day varies. Some weeks I am visiting other ITV Newsrooms like Cardiff, Norwich or Manchester. Some days I could be on a Good Morning Britain shift for Meridian where I am helping produce the early morning bulletins and checking local news sites on any potential stories that could run in the programme. Sometimes I could be out with a camera operator getting vox pops (public opinions) on news packages for Meridians programme or I'm in the newsroom putting up articles on our website.

What attracted you to this field of work?

I wanted to be part of a media organisation that educates, informs and entertains the public on important events going on. I knew about the great opportunities ITV offers their trainee production journalists and wanted to be a part of it. The job varies from a placement at Good Morning Britain in London to visiting other ITV Newsrooms in Cardiff, Manchester, Norwich. Also, getting to shadow most roles in the newsroom from on-screen journalists to producers to news editors.

What challenges have you faced?

Starting that first post-grad job can sometimes be scary and overwhelming. I think my biggest challenge was being overwhelmed and having slight imposter syndrome. I’ve wanted to be a journalist for a long time and actually being picked to become one of the trainees for ITV News, I was doubting why they chose me. I am the youngest in the newsroom and the freshest, with a lot to learn. It's easy to doubt yourself when starting a new job because everyone is more experienced than you. But, it’s important to remember everyone was in the same position once!

What have been the highlights and biggest challenges of your career so far?

My biggest challenge so far has been learning all the different systems used to make a bulletin or news programme. From all the editing software to navigating the systems that create bulletins. In terms of highlights, they include meeting all the other regional trainees and visiting other newsrooms and studios in London. Also, meeting some of ITVs most successful journalists and learning from them.

What are your plans for the future?

I hope to always be in the news, growing and developing into a better journalist.

If you had a time machine, what would you go back and tell yourself at uni?

I would say those library sessions, hard work and stress are worth it in the long run and appreciate the spare time you get because that doesn’t last forever.

Fabiana Iantosca on LinkedIn